Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
08:50

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement

Published on: March 26, 2018

10.8K

[Therapy of aortic valve stenosis]

J D Widder1, J Bauersachs

  • 1Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland, widder.julian@mh-hannover.de.

Der Internist
|November 7, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Calcific aortic stenosis, a common heart valve disease, requires valve replacement when severe. Treatment options include surgical replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation for high-risk patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Valvular Heart Disease
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Calcific aortic stenosis is the most prevalent heart valve disorder in Western populations.
  • It is a degenerative, progressive condition common in the elderly, with rising incidence due to demographic shifts.
  • Currently, no medical therapy exists, making valve replacement the sole treatment for severe cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options for calcific aortic stenosis.
  • To discuss the management of complex cases, including low flow, low gradient aortic stenosis.
  • To outline treatment indications based on symptoms and patient risk stratification.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool for assessing aortic stenosis severity and valve morphology.
  • Diagnostic criteria for severe aortic stenosis include valve area <1.0 cm², valve index <0.6 cm²/m², mean gradient >40 mmHg, and peak velocity >4.0 m/s.
  • Patient management is guided by symptom onset and progression, with regular reevaluation for asymptomatic individuals.

Main Results:

  • Severe aortic stenosis is defined by specific echocardiographic parameters.
  • Asymptomatic patients generally have a favorable prognosis but require monitoring.
  • Symptomatic patients experience a significant decline in prognosis, necessitating valve replacement.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical valve replacement is the gold standard treatment for aortic stenosis.
  • Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the established standard therapy for high-risk patients, including the elderly and those with severe comorbidities.
  • Timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention are crucial for managing calcific aortic stenosis.

More Related Videos

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots12:17

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots

Published on: May 21, 2017

10.5K
Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement14:14

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement

Published on: December 11, 2017

13.3K

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
580
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
501
Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management01:27

Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management

A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...
402
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by retrograde blood circulation from the left ventricle into the left atrium due to inadequate mitral valve closure. The severity of the condition, symptoms, and underlying cause determine treatment strategies.Monitoring and Pharmacological TreatmentPatients with mild to moderate MR typically do not need immediate intervention but regular monitoring to assess progression and guide treatment. Patients with mild MR should have an echocardiogram every 3-5...
663
Aortic Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management01:17

Aortic Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management

A nurse managing a patient with aortic regurgitation begins with a comprehensive assessment, including a review of the patient's medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors. During the cardiac examination, the nurse listens for heart sounds and checks for signs of valve abnormalities. The nurse also observes for symptoms such as dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and assesses the patient's endurance and daily activity tolerance.Based on the findings, the nurse...
441
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
1.5K