Which of the following may be indicated as a treatment modality for severe aortic stenosis?

Aortic balloon valvuloplasty is a treatment modality that is often indicated for severe aortic stenosis, particularly in patients who are at high risk for surgical intervention or who are not candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement. This procedure involves inserting a catheter with a deflated balloon into the narrowed aortic valve area, and then inflating the balloon to widen the valve opening. This can provide temporary relief of symptoms and improve blood flow, especially in cases where immediate surgery may not be feasible.

In the context of severe aortic stenosis, this option is significant because it directly addresses the functional impairment caused by the narrowed valve without requiring major invasive surgery. Though it may not be a permanent solution, it can serve as a bridge to surgical intervention or as a palliative measure in certain high-risk populations.

When considering alternative treatments mentioned, coronary artery bypass grafting and pacemaker implantation are not direct treatments for aortic stenosis. Bypass grafting is focused on improving blood flow to the heart muscle in cases of coronary artery disease, while pacemaker implantation is used to manage arrhythmias, which are not the primary concern with isolated aortic stenosis. Mitral valve repair pertains to issues specifically with the mitral valve and does not address a