Which treatment option is not considered effective for aortic stenosis management?

Medical therapy alone is not considered effective for the management of aortic stenosis because it does not directly address the structural problem of the narrowed aortic valve. While medications may alleviate some symptoms associated with aortic stenosis, such as hypertension or heart failure, they do not improve the physical obstruction caused by the stenosis.

In cases of significant aortic stenosis, the primary treatment is often surgical intervention. Valve replacement is a definitive treatment that addresses the issue by removing the narrowed valve and replacing it with a new one, either mechanical or biological. Similarly, percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty, though primarily used as a palliative measure or in specific patient populations, can temporarily relieve symptoms by enlarging the valve opening.

The intra-aortic balloon pump can provide hemodynamic support in acute cases but is not a long-term solution for the stenosis itself, nor does it treat the underlying condition. Overall, while various interventions may be suitable depending on the patient's condition, relying solely on medical therapy fails to manage the root cause of aortic stenosis.