Table of Contents
Introduction
Aortic stenosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the aortic valve, which regulates blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, becomes narrowed and stiff. This can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting. If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure and death.
Fortunately, there is a new and innovative treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis: CoreValve. CoreValve is a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device that can be implanted in the heart without open-heart surgery. CoreValve is designed to fit securely within the native valve and restore normal blood flow. CoreValve has been proven to improve survival, quality of life, and functional status in patients with severe aortic stenosis.
If you or someone you know suffers from aortic stenosis, talk to your doctor about CoreValve. CoreValve is a revolutionary solution that can help you live longer and better.
What is Aortic Stenosis and How is it Treated?
Aortic stenosis is a condition that affects the aortic valve, which is the main valve that controls the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aortic valve has three leaflets that open and close to regulate blood flow. In aortic stenosis, the leaflets become thickened, stiff or fused, causing the valve to narrow and restrict blood flow.
Aortic stenosis can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness or fainting. It can also increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac death. Aortic stenosis can be caused by various factors, such as congenital defects, rheumatic fever, aging, or calcification.
The treatment of aortic stenosis depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health. Some mild cases may only require regular monitoring and medication to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. However, if the condition is severe or symptomatic, surgery may be needed to replace or repair the damaged valve. There are two main types of surgery for aortic stenosis: open-heart surgery and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Open-heart surgery involves making an incision in the chest and stopping the heart to remove and replace the valve. TAVR is a less invasive procedure that involves inserting a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin or chest and delivering a new valve inside the old one.
Understanding the Benefits of CoreValve Treatment for Severe Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis is a condition that affects the aortic valve, which is the main valve that controls the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the aortic valve becomes narrowed or stiff, it can restrict the blood flow and cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting. Severe aortic stenosis can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.
CoreValve is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered high-risk or inoperable for conventional open-heart surgery. CoreValve is a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device that is inserted through a small incision in the groin or chest and guided to the heart using a catheter. The device replaces the diseased aortic valve with a new one made of biocompatible tissue. CoreValve has been shown to improve survival, quality of life, and functional status in patients with severe aortic stenosis.
If you have been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and are interested in learning more about CoreValve treatment, please consult your cardiologist or contact us at 1-800-COREVALVE. We are here to help you understand your condition and your options.
Who is a Candidate for CoreValve Treatment for Aortic Stenosis?
CoreValve treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that can replace a diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery. It is also known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and uses a self-expanding prosthesis that is delivered through a catheter.
CoreValve treatment may be an option for patients who have severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis and are at high risk or not eligible for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Symptoms of aortic stenosis include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting.
To determine if CoreValve treatment is suitable for a patient, a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons will evaluate the patient’s medical history, physical condition, and heart function. They will also perform tests such as echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) scan, and angiography to assess the anatomy and severity of the valve disease.
CoreValve treatment has been shown to improve survival, quality of life, and symptom relief in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk or not eligible for surgery. However, it also has some potential risks and complications, such as bleeding, infection, stroke, vascular damage, pacemaker implantation, and residual aortic regurgitation. Therefore, patients should discuss the benefits and risks of CoreValve treatment with their doctors before making a decision.
The Future of Aortic Valve Replacement: CoreValve Technology Explained
Aortic valve replacement is a life-saving procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis, a condition that causes the narrowing of the aortic valve and reduces blood flow to the body. Traditionally, aortic valve replacement requires open heart surgery, which involves cutting through the breastbone, stopping the heart, and placing the patient on a heart-lung machine. However, open heart surgery is not suitable for everyone, especially for patients who are elderly or have other medical conditions that increase the risk of complications.
Fortunately, there is a less invasive alternative to open heart surgery: transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) to deliver a new artificial valve to the heart. The catheter can be inserted through a small incision in the groin or chest, and guided to the heart using X-ray imaging. The new valve is then expanded inside the diseased valve, pushing it aside and restoring normal blood flow.
One of the most advanced TAVR devices available today is the CoreValve system from Medtronic. The CoreValve system features a self-expanding nitinol frame that conforms and seals to the native annulus (the opening of the valve). The frame also supports a supra-annular valve design, which means that the leaflets (the flaps that open and close) are positioned above the annulus, allowing for more blood flow and less pressure on the valve. The CoreValve system also has a low delivery profile, which means that it can be inserted through smaller vessels and incisions than other TAVR devices.
The CoreValve system has been evaluated in more than a dozen clinical trials, demonstrating its safety and efficacy for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high or intermediate risk for open heart surgery. The CoreValve system has also shown durability up to five years after implantation.
If you or someone you love has severe aortic stenosis and needs aortic valve replacement, talk to your doctor about whether TAVR with the CoreValve system is an option for you. TAVR with the CoreValve system can offer you a less invasive way to restore your heart function and improve your quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CoreValve is an advanced treatment for severe aortic stenosis that has revolutionized the way this condition is treated. With its minimally invasive procedure, there are fewer associated complications and less downtime for patients than traditional open-heart surgery. Additionally, CoreValve has been shown to provide better outcomes for patients with severe aortic stenosis, improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of mortality. While not all patients may be suitable candidates for CoreValve, it is an important option for those suffering from severe aortic stenosis who may not be able to undergo open-heart surgery. As technology continues to advance, we can look forward to continued improvements and innovations in the treatment of heart disease.
