Aortic Valve Replacement in the Current Era

Aortic valve disease (AVD) is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the surgical treatment for those with severe disease. Common etiologies of AVD include aortic stenosis (AS), aortic insufficiency (AI), endocarditis, and congenital diseases. Shared decision making plays a large role in the treatment methodology chosen for each patient. Selection of valve type and surgical intervention require strong considerations to age and compatibility with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to ensure optimal post-operative outcomes. Due to the development of novel surgical techniques, including transcatheter AVR (TAVR) and placement of sutureless valves, patients who previously had limited access to AVD surgical options can now be considered for AVR. Further research into therapeutic development is imperative to improve patient short- and long-term outcomes as well as widening surgical candidacy for those seeking AVR for management of AVD. Overall, AVR will continue to hold its prominent role in the treatment of AVD.