There are several options for aortic valve replacement you can consider, including mechanical valves, tissue (bioprosthetic) valves, transcatheter aortic valve replacement/implantation (TAVR/ TAVI), homograft/allograft (human donor) valves, and the Ross Procedure. Keep in mind, what works best for one person might not be the best option for you, so you should make your decision based on what is best for you and fits your lifestyle.

Many patients don’t realize it, but you do have a say in what type of aortic valve replacement is best for you. This should be a collaborative process and decision between you, your cardiologist, and your cardiac surgeon. The goal is to select the best valve for you – one that meets your clinical needs and gives you the greatest chance of living a long and healthy life.

When discussing your options for aortic valve replacement with your cardiologist and cardiac surgeon, here are some things to keep in mind:

• I have an active lifestyle.
• I am under 60 years of age.
• I am a woman and considering having children in the future.
• I am allergic to products of porcine (pig) or bovine (cow) origin.
• I am comfortable taking blood thinner medication for the rest of my life if it means having the lowest chance of needing another operation in the future.
• I am comfortable with the ticking sound of a mechanical valve.