Aortic Valve Surgery

Aortic valve stenosis is the most common primary valvular disease today. The natural history of aortic valve stenosis is most commonly described as a long latent period without symptoms as the disease progresses from mild to severe, followed by a shorter period with symptoms; ultimately, death will result if the stenosis is left untreated. Today, severe aortic stenosis is a class 1 indication for surgery. Classic symptoms include dyspnea, syncope, and angina. Diagnostic options include echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Perioperative transesophageal echocardiography is necessary for preoperative and postoperative assessment of the patient who has severe aortic stenosis.