Aortic Valvular Stenosis

Abstract

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are at risk for sudden cardiac death, left heart failure, and severe arrhythmia and are better managed promptly. Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty lowers the aortic valve pressure gradient, ameliorates clinical symptoms, and decreases the risk of sudden death. Currently, it has become an important procedure for the treatment of congenital AS. In the chapter, the details of percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty have been described. The retrograde and antegrade approaches are the two main techniques, with the retrograde approach being the most common. If the valve has not been successfully crossed or femoral arteries are tortuous or small, the antegrade approach should be considered. The early mortality rate is about 4 %, and the complication rate appears to be related to age of the patient and type of lesion. To reduce the severe complication of aortic regurgitation and vascular complications, the double-balloon valvuloplasty technique and the hybrid balloon valvuloplasty through the ascending aorta may be helpful. Congenital AS is a lifelong disease, and the families of these patients should be told about the palliative nature of the procedure. All patients should be regularly followed up during their lifetime.