Indications for surgery for aortic regurgitation.
Aortic valve replacement for isolated aortic regurgitation (AR) is usually not indicated unless the regurgitation is severe. However, not all patients with severe AR require aortic valve replacement. This review focuses on the causes of AR and the pathophysiology of acute versus chronic AR, and the attendant adaptive mechanisms of the left ventricle that ultimately determine their different natural histories. Aortic valve surgery must be performed in a timely manner to prevent cardiac death, ameliorate symptoms, and limit late postoperative excess mortality.
Nkomo
Vuyisile T
VT
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. nkomo.vuyisile@mayo.edu
D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery