Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
aortic valve replacement
Surgical procedure replacing a diseased aortic valve with a mechanical or biological prosthesis.
Full Definition
Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a cardiac surgical procedure involving the removal of a diseased native aortic valve and implantation of a prosthetic valve substitute. The procedure is indicated for severe aortic stenosis or regurgitation when medical management is insufficient. Replacement valves may be mechanical (requiring lifelong anticoagulation) or biological (tissue valves from porcine, bovine, or human sources), with selection based on patient age, lifestyle, and comorbidities.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate as AVR in subsequent references; specify valve type and size when known.
In Context
- "The patient underwent aortic valve replacement with a 23mm bioprosthetic valve." — Operative report
- "Aortic valve replacement remains the gold standard for severe aortic stenosis." — Clinical guideline
Also known as
AVR
Contrasted with
aortic valve repair
Don't confuse with
aortic valve repair
aortic root replacement