Aortic Stenosis

Stenosis means narrowing. Aortic stenosis is then a narrowing of the aortic valve or a narrowing of the aorta directly above (supravalvar) or below (subvalvar) the aortic valve.

Normally, oxygen rich blood is pumped from the left ventricle, through the aortic valve and into the aorta. The aorta is the main artery that sends oxygen rich blood to the body. When aortic stenosis, it makes it very hard for the heart to pump blood to the body.

Depending on the severity of the stenosis, open heart surgery may be needed to correct the defect. Another option may be a balloon valvuloplasty. This procedure is done in the cardiac catheterization lab. Your physician should offer you the best option for your child.

Learn more about aortic stenosis