800-TEMPLE-MED Schedule Appointment
SEARCH TEMPLE HEALTH
Conditions

Treatment Options

Unfortunately, severe aortic stenosis cannot be treated with medication or lifestyle changes. Rather, valve replacement is recommended for people with this condition.

Procedures & Surgery

For most cases of advanced stenosis, replacement of the narrowed aortic valve with a new mechanical or tissue valve (from a pig, cow, or human donor) is recommended. Examples of replacement surgeries include:

  • Aortic valve replacement surgery is performed during routine open heart procedures. This can be done with a small incision in certain patients.
  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) uses a catheter to replace the aortic valve in people who can’t tolerate, or are high-risk candidates for, open heart surgery.
  • In some circumstances, when the patient is high risk or severely symptomatic, the valve may be opened using a catheter with a balloon as a temporary solution until replacement. The patients may see an improvement in their symptoms, but these results are not permanent and symptoms often return.