Ultrasound Therapy as a Treatment for Valvular Aortic Stenosis: A Review

Abstract

Calcific aortic stenosis is the most common form of aortic stenosis, and offers a poor prognosis in affected patients. Current treatment methods for aortic stenosis, including open surgical aortic valve repair and transcatheter aortic valve replacement, are invasive, and require the patient to undergo open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Ultrasound therapy offers a potential solution for patients ineligible for traditional surgical treatment. Noninvasive ultrasound therapy allows for decalcification of aortic valves without open sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. This article reviews the use of ultrasound therapy for aortic stenosis, including this newer method of noninvasive ultrasound therapy.