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Aortic Valve

When the aortic valve narrows (stenosis) or leaks, you may face a choice between TAVR, open surgical replacement, or careful monitoring. These articles walk through the options, timing, and trade-offs in plain language.

9 articles

Coronary Surgery Aortic Valve Mitral Valve Aortic Surgery Other Conditions

Treatment Options

TAVR vs SAVR: How to Choose the Right Aortic Valve Replacement

Deciding between a catheter-based (TAVR) and surgical (SAVR) aortic valve replacement is one of the most consequential choices a heart patient can face. An aortic surgeon explains how the decision is actually made, and what your care team may not be telling you.

Callistus Ditah, MDJuly 27, 2026

Patient Education

Recovery After Heart Valve Surgery: A Surgeon's Honest Timeline

A cardiac surgeon walks you through what genuinely happens after valve replacement or repair — from the ICU to the day you feel like yourself again. Practical, honest, and free of false promises.

Rahul R. Handa, MDJuly 26, 2026

Treatment Options

Bicuspid Aortic Valve: How We Decide Between Watching, Repairing, and Replacing

A bicuspid aortic valve is not one condition but a spectrum, and the right treatment depends on how the valve and the aorta behave together. Here is how an aortic surgeon actually thinks through your options and the timing of surgery.

Callistus Ditah, MDJuly 23, 2026

Treatment Options

TAVR Valve Durability: How Long Do These Valves Last?

TAVR has transformed aortic valve care, but a fair question follows every patient home: how long will the new valve last? Here is what the evidence shows.

Sandeep M. Patel, MDJune 12, 2026

Patient Education

Aortic Stenosis: Recognizing Symptoms and Knowing When to Act

Aortic stenosis can stay silent for years, then change urgency overnight. Learn the warning symptoms and why timing your treatment matters so much.

Callistus Ditah, MDJune 12, 2026

Treatment Options

Structural Heart Interventions and TAVR: A Plain-Language Overview

Catheter-based procedures now repair heart valves and other structures without open surgery. Here is an overview of structural heart interventions, including TAVR, and how to know if one is right for you.

Dr. Sandeep PatelJune 6, 2026

Treatment Options

TAVR vs SAVR: How to Decide on Your Aortic Valve Replacement

If you have severe aortic stenosis, you may face a choice between a catheter-based valve (TAVR) and traditional open surgery (SAVR). Understanding how age, risk, anatomy, and valve durability factor in can help you ask the right questions before you commit.

Callistus Ditah, MDMay 27, 2026

Treatment Options

Structural Heart Interventions: A TAVR Procedure Overview for Patients and Families

A world-class interventional cardiologist explains what patients need to know about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), including who qualifies, what to expect during the procedure, and how outcomes compare to traditional surgery. Practical guidance for patients and families navigating this decision.

Sandeep M. Patel, MDMay 26, 2026

Treatment Options

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease: An Aortic Surgeon's Approach to BAV Treatment Options and Surgery Timing

A fellowship-trained aortic surgeon explains how bicuspid aortic valve disease affects both the valve and the aorta, why BAV treatment options depend on the full picture, and how to think about bicuspid valve surgery timing before a crisis forces your hand.

Callistus Ditah, MDMay 6, 2026

Second Opinion

Facing an aortic valve decision?

Before you consent, a cardiac surgeon and a cardiologist independently review your records and deliver an unbiased written second opinion — typically within 24 hours.

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