Hello @bforbes,

I can certainly understand your concern for your mom regarding the possible surgery to replace her heart valve. I would be concerned as well. You do not mention your mom's age nor when she had the CAA. How is she doing since the stroke?

Do you know what type of aortic valve replacement the doctor is planning? There is a non-invasive type of surgery that can be done on elderly folks or others who are at risk for open-heart surgery. It is called TAVR and is done with a catheter (rather than by opening the chest). You would probably need to talk with a specialist about the need for blood thinners with this type of procedure. Most likely blood thinners would still be required. Here is a link with information about this procedure,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/care-at-mayo-clinic/pcc-20384700?
If you and your mom decide on having this valve replacement I would certainly recommend a second opinion at a well-known heart institute such as a Mayo facility or a university medical center that has a good reputation for heart surgery and specifically valve replacement.

How long has your mom had an aortic valve problem?