What if aortic stenosis or regurgitation is still present? Should it be repaired in adulthood?
When the aortic valve becomes excessively obstructed (stenotic) or leaky (regurgitation or insufficiency), the valve must be repaired or replaced. Repair of the obstructed or narrowed valve can be done 1) in the catheterization lab (referred to as interventional or therapeutic catheterization) using a balloon to force the leaflets open; or 2) in the operating room by open-heart surgery. Some valve leakage is likely to develop after either approach. Some patients will have had one or both of these procedures as an infant or child. Replacing the valve requires open-heart surgery. In most adults, when the valve is no longer working properly, it’s best to replace the valve rather than repair it. Deciding when to perform aortic valve surgery and the type of valve to insert are complicated decisions for your doctor. Your aortic valve can be surgically replaced with any of these: • A mechanical valve made of metal, which requires you to take blood thinners but is very durable; • A valve made
