Ask Dr. Loumiotis: When Is Aortic Valve Repair Possible?

In this video, Dr. Ioannis Loumiotis, Director of Aortic Surgery at AdventHealth in Orlando, explains how heart surgeons determine whether a diseased aortic valve can be repaired instead of replaced. He discusses the importance of evaluating the valve’s anatomy, including whether it has two or three leaflets, the quality and flexibility of the tissue, and the presence of calcification, fibrosis, stenosis, or an aortic aneurysm. Dr. Loumiotis also explains how advanced imaging helps surgeons understand why the valve is failing before surgery.

Dr. Loumiotis emphasizes that surgeon experience is critical because the final decision often depends on directly examining the valve in the operating room. He also reviews patient-specific factors such as age, overall health, activity level, and heart function. For patients interested in preserving their natural valve, he recommends seeking an evaluation from an experienced surgeon or high-volume aortic valve repair center, where specialized expertise may improve the chances of achieving a successful and durable repair. (Video posted on July 14, 2026)