What is Aortic Stenosis?
The aortic valve, located between the heart and the body’s main artery (the aorta), ensures the proper flow of blood. Sometimes, due to conditions like aortic stenosis, this flow is restricted. This narrowing can occur due to factors like rheumatic fever (a bacterial infection), congenital heart defects, or calcification of the valve due to excess calcium buildup. When the valve narrows, it fails to open and close properly, leading to restricted blood flow to the body. Common symptoms of aortic stenosis include fatigue, difficulty walking even short distances, chest pain and pressure, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and fainting.
How is Aortic Stenosis Treated, and What Types of Surgeries are Performed?
The treatment for aortic stenosis, which restricts blood flow and causes less blood to be pumped to the body, depends on several factors, such as the severity of the condition, the patient’s age, medical history, and chronic conditions. Various methods are used to treat aortic stenosis:
Aortic Valve Replacement
This is the gold standard for treating aortic stenosis. The damaged valve is removed and replaced with an artificial one. The replacement can be performed through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive procedures like a small incision under the armpit. Recovery is faster with minimally invasive techniques, as the ribs are not cut, allowing for quicker healing and less movement restriction. Artificial valves can be metallic or bioprosthetic, and the choice of valve is made by the surgeon in consultation with the patient, considering various medical guidelines.
Ozaki Procedure (Natural Aortic Valve Surgery)
The Ozaki procedure is an alternative to metal and bioprosthetic valves, used worldwide for around 16 years and in Turkey for 7 years. In this method, the calcified aortic valve is removed, and a new valve is created from the patient’s own heart tissue. The procedure avoids the use of foreign materials, except for stitches. Patients typically need only low-dose aspirin for 6 months post-surgery, and the valve functions similarly to a normal aortic valve, allowing patients to remain physically active without anticoagulants.
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
TAVI is a less invasive procedure where a new valve is inserted through a catheter, usually via the groin. This is often recommended for high-risk patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery. However, TAVI has some limitations, as the calcified valve is not removed, potentially leading to heart rhythm issues that may require a pacemaker. While recovery is faster than surgical valve replacement, it is not the first choice for most patients.
Medication Therapy
In less severe cases of aortic stenosis that do not yet require surgery, medication may be used to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Research shows that aortic stenosis affects 26% of people over 65 and 37% of those over 75. If you experience symptoms of aortic stenosis, especially if you’re older, it’s important to consult a cardiovascular surgeon and begin the treatment process early.
