Surgical vs Non-Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Melbourne

Treatments | Cardiology Specialists Melbourne

Aortic stenosis is a common but serious heart condition that affects the aortic valve, one of the key valves that controls blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body. When this valve becomes narrowed, the heart must work harder to pump blood, which can eventually lead to heart failure if not treated with an aortic valve replacement.

Many people with aortic stenosis experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or fainting. Others may be asymptomatic until the condition becomes severe. Because aortic stenosis can worsen over time, early diagnosis and timely aortic stenosis treatment in Melbourne are essential to protect your heart and overall health.

What is Aortic Stenosis?

Aortic stenosis tends to develop gradually, most often due to age-related calcium build-up on the valve. Other causes include congenital heart defects (like a bicuspid aortic valve), rheumatic fever, or prior radiation therapy to the chest.

As the valve narrows, blood flow from the heart to the body is restricted, forcing the heart to pump harder. Over time, this can cause thickening of the heart muscle, reduced pumping efficiency, and eventually heart failure. Severe aortic stenosis requires prompt medical attention and treatment, as untreated cases carry a high risk of complications.

Treatment Options Overview

At Cardiology Specialists Melbourne, we offer three main approaches for managing aortic stenosis, tailored to suit your health, lifestyle, and personal needs:

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR): This traditional open-heart procedure involves removing the narrowed valve and replacing it with a mechanical or biological valve. It is a heart valve surgery in Melbourne typically recommended for younger or lower-risk patients who are otherwise healthy. SAVR is performed under general anaesthesia and requires a hospital stay of about 5 to 7 days, with full recovery taking 6 to 12 weeks. While the recovery period is longer than other procedures, SAVR offers excellent long-term durability.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI): Also known as TAVR, this non-surgical option involves threading a new valve into place using a catheter, usually through a blood vessel in the groin. TAVI in Melbourne is ideal for older adults or those at higher surgical risk. It is less invasive, involves a shorter hospital stay (usually 2 to 4 days), and allows for a quicker recovery—often 1 to 2 weeks. TAVI is now widely available in Melbourne and offers strong results for eligible patients.
Medical Management: For patients with mild symptoms, early-stage disease, or who are not candidates for aortic valve replacement, medical management may be recommended. This approach involves regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medications to relieve symptoms and manage related conditions. While it doesn’t correct the narrowed valve, it can help improve comfort and quality of life, especially in patients who are not suitable for aortic valve replacement options.

Each of these aortic valve replacement options has its place in care, and your cardiologist will guide you through which one best fits your situation.

Which Option is Right for You?

Surgical vs non-surgical aortic valve replacement—choosing between the two depends on several factors: age and overall health, severity of aortic stenosis, presence of other medical conditions, and lifestyle preferences and recovery goals.

At Cardiology Specialists Melbourne, we use a multidisciplinary heart team approach. This means that cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists, and other healthcare professionals work together to review your health status and guide you through the best treatment pathway.

We believe in shared decision-making. Patients and their families are fully involved in the process, with clear, personalised advice every step of the way.

What to Expect from Each Procedure

Understanding what to expect before, during, and after aortic stenosis treatment can help ease anxiety and prepare you for recovery.

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)

Typically performed under general anaesthetic through a chest incision.
Hospital stay ranges from 5 to 7 days.
Recovery takes about 6 to 12 weeks.
Most patients will need cardiac rehabilitation and ongoing follow-up with their cardiologist in Melbourne.
SAVR has a proven track record of durability, especially in younger patients.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Minimally invasive procedure, usually done through a small incision in the groin.
Often performed under light sedation or general anaesthesia.
Hospital stay is shorter (2 to 4 days), with faster return to normal activities.
Ideal for older adults or patients who are not candidates for open-heart valve surgery in Melbourne.
TAVI in Melbourne is now widely available and supported by growing clinical evidence for safety and efficacy.

After either procedure, patients continue follow-up care with their cardiologist in Melbourne for monitoring, medication management, and heart health optimisation.

When to See a Specialist

If you or a loved one are experiencing aortic stenosis symptoms, such as fatigue, chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath, it’s important not to delay care. Early diagnosis makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

Even if you’ve already been diagnosed, understanding your aortic valve replacement options and getting a second opinion can help you feel confident in your next steps.

Cardiology Specialists Melbourne is proud to provide advanced, evidence-based care for aortic stenosis treatment in Melbourne, including both surgical and non-surgical aortic valve replacement. If you’re needing support managing aortic stenosis symptoms and treatment, our expert cardiologists are here to help.

Book an appointment today to discuss your options with a trusted cardiologist in Melbourne. With compassionate care, the latest technology, and a personalised approach, we’ll guide you towards the best possible outcome for your heart.