Aortic Stenosis Repair Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is valvar aortic stenosis?
A spectrum of aortic valve obstruction, ranging from significant obstruction in infancy to mild stenosis or bicuspid aortic valve.
Why should mild aortic stenosis be followed regularly?
Because aortic stenosis can be progressive, and mild cases may develop into severe stenosis over time.
What is a bicuspid aortic valve?
Aortic valve with two leaflets instead of the usual three, which may remain non-stenotic for decades.
What symptoms may indicate severe aortic stenosis?
- Angina
- Labored breathing during exertion
- Fainting (syncope)
What is the most common treatment for valvar aortic stenosis in infants?
Balloon valvuloplasty.
What is a limitation of balloon valvuloplasty?
The narrowing may return with further growth, and it is not very effective in adults with calcified valves.
What can result from over-dilating the aortic valve during balloon valvuloplasty?
Severe insufficiency.
What is a surgical valvotomy?
A surgical procedure to widen the valve opening.
When is aortic valve replacement often necessary?
When calcification or valve regurgitation occurs, especially in adult patients.
What type of valve is usually used for replacement in older children and adults?
Mechanical prosthetic valve.
How long can a mechanical prosthetic valve be expected to last?
At least 10 years, depending on patient age and valve type.
What is required for patients with a mechanical prosthetic valve?
Lifelong anticoagulation to prevent thrombosis.
What is the Ross procedure?
Surgical repair that replaces the aortic valve with the patient’s own pulmonary valve.
Fill in the blank: Symptoms of severe aortic stenosis may include _______.
angina, labored breathing, or fainting.
True or False: Balloon valvuloplasty is a permanent fix for aortic stenosis.
False.
What is a potential outcome of moderate aortic insufficiency?
Aortic valve replacement may be needed due to poor tolerance by the left ventricle.
What is Discrete Subvalvar Aortic Stenosis (DSVAS)?
A condition where a fibrous ridge obstructs the outflow tract from the left ventricle into the aorta.
What may happen to the fibrous ridge in DSVAS over time?
It may gradually become more prominent, leading to significant obstruction.
How severe can the obstruction from the subvalvular ridge be?
It can remain relatively small with only mild obstruction.
What can the subvalvular ridge’s proximity to the aortic valve lead to?
The development of aortic insufficiency.
What do most cardiologists recommend when aortic insufficiency develops?
Surgical removal of the sub-valvular stenosis to halt further progression of aortic insufficiency.
What is often the first indication of late-developing DSVAS?
The recognition of a heart murmur before symptoms.
Fill in the blank: In DSVAS, a _______ ridge obstructs the outflow tract.
fibrous
True or False: DSVAS can lead to aortic insufficiency due to the location of the subvalvular ridge.
True
