How Doctors Choose Aortic Valve Size for TAVR and SAVR
Video available online at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weMkmriwx5U
How do doctors determine the right size for a replacement aortic valve? In this video, Dr. Christopher Mehta of Northwestern Medicine answers a question from a HeartValveSurgery.com community member about valve fit and sizing. He explains why each patient's aortic annulus is different and how CT scans and echocardiograms can help the heart team assess the appropriate valve size before a procedure.
Dr. Mehta then compares surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). During SAVR, surgeons can use a physical sizer to measure the annulus and may consider aortic root enlargement when a larger valve is needed. For TAVR, CT imaging guides device sizing, but surgical enlargement is not available as part of the transcatheter procedure. He also discusses patient-prosthesis mismatch and the importance of planning for possible future valve-in-valve treatment. (Video posted on October 20, 2026)
Dr. Mehta then compares surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). During SAVR, surgeons can use a physical sizer to measure the annulus and may consider aortic root enlargement when a larger valve is needed. For TAVR, CT imaging guides device sizing, but surgical enlargement is not available as part of the transcatheter procedure. He also discusses patient-prosthesis mismatch and the importance of planning for possible future valve-in-valve treatment. (Video posted on October 20, 2026)
Doctor Interviewed
Director of the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
(888) 515-0285
(888) 515-0285
