Contemporary Aortic Valve Therapy

Introduction

Aortic valve disease imparts a pressure or volume overload on the left ventricle (LV). If this load is severe and prolonged, it eventually leads to LV damage, congestive heart failure (CHF), and death. These mechanical problems ultimately require mechanical correction in the form of valve replacement or repair, and the timing and types of mechanical therapy will be the main thrusts of this article.