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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
Aortic valve stenosis
Charles Z Zigelman1, Patti M Edelstein
1Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Department of Anesthesia, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 91031, Israel. ziggy@szmc.org.il
Insights
Calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is a degenerative heart condition in older adults. Current treatments focus on aortic valve replacement (AVR) for symptomatic patients, as medical therapies are ineffective for altering disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is a degenerative cardiovascular disease common in the elderly.
- It shares pathological and etiological similarities with atherosclerosis, involving biomechanical, systemic, and inflammatory processes.
Observation:
- No medical therapy has proven effective in halting the progression of calcific AS.
- Factors indicating accelerated progression include moderate valve calcification, chronic dialysis, and advanced age (≥80 years).
Findings:
- Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the primary treatment for symptomatic AS.
- Despite associated risks, AVR offers a good long-term prognosis for successful candidates.
- Newer AVR techniques and technologies are under development to mitigate risks.
Implications:
- Anesthesiologists require a comprehensive understanding of AS for effective perioperative management of affected patients.
- Recognizing risk factors for rapid disease progression is crucial for timely intervention.
- Ongoing advancements in AVR aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce procedural complications.
Abstract:
Calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is primarily a disease of the elderly, possessing features that are biomechanical as well as systemic and inflammatory in nature, with risk factors and histopathology similar to atherosclerosis. To date no medical therapy has been shown to conclusively alter the progression of the disease, and for those with symptomatic AS, aortic valve replacement (AVR) is advocated. Factors that may alert the physician to an accelerated progression of calcific aortic valvular disease toward severe symptomatic AS include moderate aortic valve calcification, chronically dialyzed patients, and patients 80 years and older. There remains significant morbidity and mortality associated with AVR, and new techniques and technologies for AVR are being developed. For those who undergo successful AVR the long-term prognosis is good. A substantial number of patients with symptomatic AS present for anesthesia care for a variety of procedures. A thorough, modern understanding of AS and its course are necessary for the anesthesiologist to guide the patient through the perioperative period.
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