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Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
New concepts in valvular hemodynamics: implications for diagnosis and treatment of aortic stenosis
Philippe Pibarot1, Jean G Dumesnil
1Québec Heart Institute/Laval Hospital Research Center, Laval University, Saint-Foy, Quebec City, Quebec. philippe.pibarot@med.ulaval.ca
Insights
Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is linked to systemic arterial issues and left ventricular dysfunction. Comprehensive evaluation of the aortic valve, systemic arteries, and left ventricle is crucial for managing AS patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Cardiology
- Heart Valve Disease
Background:
- Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a prevalent heart condition with significant adverse outcomes.
- Emerging evidence indicates AS is not confined to the valve itself.
- AS frequently coexists with systemic arterial abnormalities, notably reduced arterial compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the interconnectedness of the aortic valve, systemic arterial system, and left ventricle in AS.
- To emphasize the need for a holistic approach in evaluating and managing AS.
- To underscore the implications of arterial and ventricular dysfunction on AS pathophysiology and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current data and clinical observations regarding AS.
- Analysis of the pathophysiological links between aortic valve stenosis, systemic arterial compliance, and left ventricular function.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by associated abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Aortic valve stenosis is frequently associated with reduced systemic arterial compliance.
- Left ventricular systolic dysfunction and reduced transvalvular flow rates are common in AS patients.
- These comorbidities complicate the assessment of AS severity and clinical decision-making.
Conclusions:
- AS management requires a comprehensive evaluation beyond the aortic valve.
- Systemic arterial and left ventricular status are critical determinants of AS prognosis.
- Integrated pathophysiological and hemodynamic assessment is essential for optimal patient care.
Abstract:
Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the third-most frequent heart disease after coronary artery disease and arterial hypertension, and it is associated with a high incidence of adverse outcomes. Recent data support the notion that AS is not an isolated disease uniquely limited to the valve. Indeed, AS is frequently associated with abnormalities of the systemic arterial system, and, in particular, with reduced arterial compliance, which may have important consequences for the pathophysiology and clinical outcome of this disease. Moreover, AS may also be associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and reduced transvalvular flow rate, which pose important challenges with regards to diagnostic evaluation and clinical decision making in AS patients. Hence, the assessment of AS severity, as well as its therapeutic management, should be conducted with the use of a comprehensive evaluation that includes not only the aortic valve, but also the systemic arterial system and the left ventricle because these three entities are tightly coupled from both a pathophysiological and a hemodynamic standpoint.
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