Aortic valve replacement with 17-mm St. Jude Medical Regent prosthetic valves for a small calcified aortic annulus in elderly patients

Current status and future perspectives of prosthetic valve selection for aortic valve replacement

Aortic valve abnormality is the most frequent form of valvular heart disease. Notably, aortic stenosis in the elderly population has been increasingly common. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) using prosthetic valve has been still believed as a gold standard surgical intervention for various types of diseased aortic valve. The numerous reports and studies evaluating the clinical outcomes and durability of prosthesis were revealed, however, prosthesis selection for AVR is still debated. In twenty-first century, paradigm shift of prosthesis preference might be emerged from mechanical valves to bioprosthesis due to the development of the technology. Moreover, transcatheter aortic valve implantation accelerated among the worldwide trends. It could be developed having the potential to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with high-risk traditional AVR. After the current guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease, we should consider the valve choice in various patients' profile setting. This review summarizes the current status of prosthesis selection and future perspectives of ideal aortic valve intervention, including minimal invasive care.