Treatment Options

Treatment options for aortic stenosis will depend in part on the severity of your condition. Mild aortic stenosis can be managed with regular observation and medications.¹ If your aortic stenosis becomes more severe, you may need to have your aortic valve replaced.¹

About your heart

The heart is a vital organ that pumps oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body.¹ A healthy heart beats around 100,000 times a day. The heart has four chambers through which blood is pumped with the help of four heart valves. The valves open when the heart pumps to allow blood to flow through.² They close quickly between heartbeats to make sure blood does not flow backwards.²

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During the procedure, the doctor will make a small cut in either the groin (1), neck (2) or in a space between your ribs (3).²

The doctor will then guide a thin, flexible tube (called a catheter) containing the transcatheter heart valve through the incision, into an artery and to the diseased aortic valve.²

The transcatheter heart valve will then be placed in the disease valve and begin working immediately. Your doctor will then remove the tube and close the incision.²

The procedure takes approximately 1–2 hours. Your treatment team will talk with you about whether you should have a mild sedative or a general anaesthetic for the procedure.²

The transcatheter heart valve

A valve made from the heart tissue of a pig

The valve tissue is held by a Nitinol (nickel-titanium) metal frame

Three valve leaflets control the flow of blood like your natural valve

Benefits of TAVI

TAVI is an effective treatment for aortic stenosis. You may start to feel better soon after your procedure because your heart valve is now working properly. Some people may take a little longer to feel better.³

Many TAVI patients report benefits like:³

having more energy
being able to do everyday activities
breathing normally
experiencing less pain
feeling less anxious

Warnings and precautions

Some patients may have a disease that results in more calcium in their blood. This may cause early wear.

The transcatheter heart valve is only for certain patients. This includes patients with severe AS or failing surgical valves that:

cannot have surgery
are at high risk for surgery.

At some point the transcatheter heart valve may need to be replaced. How long it lasts varies from patient to patient. Keep appointments with your doctor. Follow all care instructions to ensure the best possible results.

Antibiotics are recommended for patients who are at risk of infections.¹
Patients should stay on blood-thinning medicines after the procedure as instructed. Patients who do not are more likely to have a stroke.³
If an MRI scan is required, tell the doctor about the transcatheter heart valve. Tell the doctor if there is a transcatheter heart valve inside a surgical valve. Not doing so could cause injury or death. Any dentist and all doctors need to know about the transcatheter heart valve.

FAQS

How do I know if my transcatheter heart valve is working properly?

Your doctor will check the valve during the regular follow-up visits.

What kind of exercise can I do with my transcatheter heart valve?

Discuss this with your doctor and they can help advise you what activities you can do.

Can I have an MRI with a transcatheter heart valve?

If you need an MRI, tell your doctor you have a transcatheter heart valve. Not doing so could result in injury or death.

4/10 Australians living with severe aortic stenosis may be considered suitable for TAVI¹

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Are your symptoms part of normal ageing or signs of aortic stenosis? Here’s a list of questions to discuss with your doctor

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Hear from real patients who have benefited from aortic valve replacement

Patient stories (opens new window)

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References:

1. Mayo Clinic. Aortic stenosis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353139. [Accessed December 2021].

2. Mayo Clinic.Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac20384698#:~:text=Transcatheter%20aortic%20valve%20replacement%20(TAVR)%20is%20a%20minimally%20invasive%20procedure,guide%20it%20to%20the%20heart. [Accessed January 2022].

3. Baron SJ et al. JAMA Cardiol 2017; 2(8):837–45. 4. Mayo Clinic. Aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/aortic-valve-repair-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20385093 [Accessed January 2022].

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Treatment options for aortic stenosis will depend in part on the severity of your condition. Mild aortic stenosis can be managed with regular observation and medications.¹ If your aortic stenosis becomes more severe, you may need to have your aortic valve replaced.¹

The transcatheter heart valve

BENEFITS OF TAVI

RISKS OF TAVI

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

FAQS

4/10 Australians living with severe aortic stenosis may be considered suitable for TAVI1

4/10 Australians living with severe aortic stenosis may be considered suitable for TAVI¹