Aortic Stenosis (AS) is a valvular heart disease caused by incomplete opening of the Aortic valve and is the most common indication for heart valve surgery. AS can be a result of degenerative calcification, thickening and/or fusion of the valve leaflets that results in significant left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Aortic Stenosis is a disease of ageing and will become increasingly common as the population ages. Asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis generally have a good prognosis. However, the development of symptoms is an ominous sign and is associated with a poor survival rate.
Aortic Valve Bypass (AVB) is a viable treatment option for patients with critical AS. AVB has been performed for > 30 years in a limited number of patients but is regaining attention due to the ageing population and the increasing number of repeat surgeries.