Having performed nearly 3,000 transcatheter valve procedures,
Dr Russo is the among the most experienced TAVR surgeons in U.S.
Dr Russo is the among the most experienced TAVR surgeons in U.S.
What information is needed before I can
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Prior to TAVR patients must undergo a special CAT scan of the heart and blood vessels |
Evaluation includes non-invasive echo and CAT Scan assessment of heart function, the aortic valve, peripheral blood vessels, and the aorta. Typically, patients receive most of this testing in a single day.
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What is Aortic Stenosis?
Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a disease of the aortic valve in which the opening of the valve is narrowed (stenotic).
The normal size of the aortic valve is the size of a half dollar; a severely stenotic valve may be the size of a dime or smaller.
The normal size of the aortic valve is the size of a half dollar; a severely stenotic valve may be the size of a dime or smaller.
Aortic stenosis most commonly results from calcium that is deposited in the valve as people age. There no proven modifiable risk factors; that is there is nothing the patient did to cause it or could have done to prevent it.
Aortic stenosis is among the most common valvular abnormalities occurring in 7%-10% of patients over 70 years old.
Aortic stenosis is among the most common valvular abnormalities occurring in 7%-10% of patients over 70 years old.
What are the symptoms of
aortic stenosis?
Narrowing of the aortic valve increases the effort required by the heart to adequately pump blood to the body. Over time heart function will deteriorate, and the patient will develop symptoms. Symptoms include:
If untreated, 50% of patients with severe aortic stenosis die 18 months years after symptoms are detected. And if untreated ultimately nearly all patients die from this condition.
- shortness of breath,
- chest pain, and
- loss of consciousness (syncope).
If untreated, 50% of patients with severe aortic stenosis die 18 months years after symptoms are detected. And if untreated ultimately nearly all patients die from this condition.