Dementia is a major issue for patients in their 80s with aortic stenosis warranting valve replacement. Mildly demented patients are suitable for either SAVR or TAVR. Those with severe dementia aren’t candidates for either procedure and are best managed with medication or balloon valvuloplasty.
"We no longer operate on patients with moderate dementia. They sundown really badly. We’ve gone to TAVR in these patients," Dr. Thourani said.
He reported serving as a consultant to Edwards Lifesciences, Sorin, and St. Jude Medical.