Aortic Valve Replacement
Also written as: AVR — Aortic Valve Replacement
Surgical or transcatheter procedure to replace a diseased aortic valve, particularly relevant in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Full Definition
Aortic valve replacement involves the surgical removal and replacement of a diseased aortic valve with either a biological or mechanical prosthesis. In geriatric cardiology, this procedure is increasingly performed via transcatheter approaches (TAVR) rather than open surgery due to reduced operative risk in elderly patients. The decision between surgical and transcatheter approaches depends on patient frailty, comorbidities, and life expectancy. Biological valves are typically preferred in elderly patients due to their limited lifespan and the desire to avoid long-term anticoagulation.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as AVR in medical documentation; distinguish from aortic valve repair.
In Context
- "The 82-year-old patient was referred for aortic valve replacement following severe symptomatic aortic stenosis." — Clinical consultation note
- "Given the patient's advanced age and comorbidities, transcatheter aortic valve replacement was preferred over surgical AVR." — Treatment planning document