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I have severe aortic stenosis. What should I do?

If you have severe aortic stenosis, your aortic valve may need to be replaced.1 

There are two ways to do this:1

  • Surgical aortic valve replacement by open heart surgery
  • TAVI/TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve implantation/replacement), a minimally invasive procedure
 Open Heart SurgeryTAVI or transcatheter aortic valve implantation1
ProcedureThe surgeon makes an incision into the chest to access the heart.1
The diseased aortic valve is completely removed and replaced with a mechanical or biological valve.2,3
The Interventional Cardiologist makes a small incision* and inserts a new bioprosthetic valve into the diseased valve.2
TAVI is a relatively less invasive procedure than open heart surgery.2
Length of procedureThe procedure typically takes 2–4 hours.3The procedure typically 1–2 hours.4
Discharged timeGenerally, a hospital stay of 1 week is advised, after the procedure.1You may be discharged from hospital within a day or two of the procedure, unless your doctor advises a longer hospital stay.4

*Usually on the upper leg and occasionally, on the side of the chest.

Watch this video to learn about all the ways to treat your aortic stenosis


Talk to your doctor to learn more about the benefits and risks of severe aortic stenosis treatments.

Do not delay getting your heart checked. Visit your doctor today.

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References

  1. Mayo Clinic. Aortic valve stenosis. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-stenosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353145. Accessed 23 October 2023.

  2. American Heart Association. Managing Aortic Stenosis Symptoms. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-disease-risks-signs-and-symptoms/managing-aortic-stenosis-symptoms. Accessed 23 October 2023.
  3. Otto CM, et al. Circulation 2021;143:e72-e227.
  4. British Heart Foundation. TAVI (Transcatheter aortic valve implantation). Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/information... Accessed 2 August 2023.

Important safety information

Information on this site includes educational information regarding certain conditions and potential therapies or treatment options.

Other therapies or treatment options may be available and you should discuss any educational information you access online with your healthcare professional. Appropriate treatment for individuals is a matter for healthcare professionals to decide in consultation with each individual.