Calcific Aortic Stenosis: Pathology and Role of Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is a common expression of aortic valve disease and increases in prevalence with advancing age. Recent studies have shown that calcific deposition in aortic valve leaflets is an actively regulated process with many pathophysiologic similarities to atherosclerosis. Surgical valve replacement is the definitive treatment of calcific AS, but many patients do not undergo surgery because of prohibitive comorbidities or other high-risk features. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty remains an option for temporary palliation and symptomatic relief, and continues to serve as a bridge to aortic valve replacement in certain patients with AS requiring temporary hemodynamic stabilization.