Types of Aortic Valve Disease

Overview

Aortic Regurgitation– Aortic regurgitation (also called aortic insufficiency) occurs when the aortic valve is unable to close completely. As a result, the valve leaks, which leads to reduced blood flow to the body. This causes the heart to work harder to make up for insufficient blood flow, and over time the heart weakens. In mild cases, aortic regurgitation may be treated using medication therapy. However, in moderate to severe cases, Aortic Valve Surgery is recommended to either repair or replace​ the damaged aortic valve.

Aortic Stenosis– Aortic stenosis occurs when the heart’s aortic valve narrows. This narrowing prevents the valve from opening fully, which obstructs blood flow from the heart into the aorta and onward to the rest of the body. As a result of reduced blood flow, the pressure increases inside the left heart ventricle. As the pressure continues to rise, blood may back up into the lungs, and may prevent adequate blood flow to the brain. In cases of aortic stenosis, Aortic Valve Surgery​ is generally recommended to either repair or replace the damaged aortic valve.
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Inoperable Severe Aortic Stenosis– The best method for treating aortic stenosis is to replace the damaged valve. However, for some patients with aortic stenosis, conventional surgery is not an option. The good news is Hoag is the first and only center in Orange County to offer the ground-breaking Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). This revolutionary non-surgical option utilizes a catheter to replace the damaged aortic valve for patients who are not candidates for conventional open heart surgery.