Aortic Valve Interventions in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Aortic valve (AV) disease in pediatric patients requires a complex decision process that has an impact on decades of life. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence surrounding AV interventions in this patient population. In neonates with critical aortic stenosis, the relative merit of surgical vs balloon valvuloplasty is debated and practices vary depending on centers' experience with little comparative literature. In children and adolescents, AV repair has regained interest in the last decades with encouraging early and mid-term results. The Ross procedure represents the best AV replacement option as it offers growth potential, excellent hemodynamics, low rates of endocarditis, and thromboembolism without the risks of anticoagulation. Based on contemporary literature, we propose a management algorithm for children AV disease.

Keywords: Aortic valve; Congenital; Repair; Replacement; Ross procedure.