Aortic Valve Replacement for an 84 year old woman

Initial tests on my 84 year old mother suggests that she might require a aortic valve repla. A cath will not be done until we OK the valve replacement - the doctor thinks the arteries are OK because they have been working overtime  The family has mixed feelings on putting her through such a major operation. Right now she cannot do a lot of walking i.e., go to the mall and shop but she can go out for groceries and take care of herself in her home.  My mother is energetic and extremely outgoing.  We are having a hard time trying to make a decision on whether this kind of operation would be beneficial to her because of her age.   She does not want to do anything because she feels she has had a good life.  If we could convince her that her life could  change drastically i.e., go to the mall again and do some traveling she might reconsider. Any suggestions? Are there any statistics on this type of operation for an 84 yr old woman.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Theresa,


At experienced centers, outcomes are quite good.  Short of a valve repair you may want to consider a temporizing measure called a valvuloplasty .  This is done via a catheter and has short term good results although often valve disease will recur.  This might be enough to prove or disprove the value of fixing the valve.
Individual statistics should be provided by your surgeon.