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Running a 5K today which I should almost certainly PR. Surgery set for May 8 (AVR ATS mechanical by Dr. Clifton Lewis in Birmingham, AL).

AVR with ATS mechanical valve on May 8 by Dr. Clifton Lewis of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons PC in Birmingham, AL.

Bill, I think you are right. and the mini-thoracotomy is sometimes more painful than the mini-sternotomy. However, the recovery is quicker. But my main reason for choosing the mini-thoracotomy is to reduce the risk of bleeding, transfusion and infection. The smaller incision gives you that...

John, I love the quote from your cardiologist in your signature!

Debby, you framed the issue really well. The issue for me is whether the mini-thoracotomy produces the same statistical outcomes as the mini-sternotomy or the full sternotomy. The thoracotomy is more painful but faster recover by all accounts. The medical literature I've found seems to support...

ElectLive, thanks! I was aware of the 2015 date. I was not aware that they are still recruiting for the non-coumadin group. What are the guidelines for participation?

I was a baseball player in college and played baseball, football and basketball in HS. Since then I really havent trained hard at anything since and was only an occasional runner (5-8 miles a week). About a yer ago I got serious about training and worked up to 35 miles a week. If it wasn't for...

Great feedback guys! This is very encouraging but gives me a dose of reality too. I think I'm going with the on-x mechanical. Did your sport influence valve choice at all?

Check out Alan Wolfe at NE Georgia. He left St. Josephs and went to a smaller hospital but has tons of experience with mini thoracotomy

I'm also leaning towards an On-x valve. Can't wait for the results of the PROACT trial! I'm a runner/marathoner and I do have a question about reduced valve opening size for mechanicals v tissue. Of course we may discuss repair too.

All great thoughts! Thanks everyone. The mini-stern doc is at a teaching hospital (UAB - McGiffin). The mini -thor guy is Clifton Lewis at St. Vincent's in Birmingham. See www.drcliftonlewis.com. I'm leaning towards Lewis but I have not met with him yet.

PS this is for an aortic valve replacement most likely with the on-x valve.

This is the biggest choice I will have to make. Each surgeon suggests the approach he prefers. Both are sufficiently experienced in the incision they recommend. One is at a teaching hospital. The other is at a not-for-profit. Any thoughts, input, and experience would be great. I'm a 38 year...

I'm seeing Clifton Lewis here in Birmingham on Wednesday. He can do an AVR via right anterior mini thoracotomy with a smaller incision and usually faster recovery than a mini sternotomy. Smaller scar means less risk of infection as does a shorter hospital stay. Any thoughts about mini-thoracotomy?

I got every single one of them answered by Dr. McGiffan at UAB.

I'm off to see surgeon number one who wants to replace/repair my BAV. Lots of questions: 1. Why “fix” now? “spherical shape” per Dr. Taylor. Any other indications? 2. Surgery type: repair or replace? 3. Chances of reop if repair? 4. Chances of reop if replace (mechanical)? 5. Ross...

Strep viridans is the bacteria that commonly causes endocarditis. It is not the same bacteria that is found in strep throat.

Any serious runners out there? I'm facing aortic valve replacement soon and have this overwhelming desire to set the goal of running another marathon post repair or replacement. My prior marathon training schedules have started with long runs of 10miles or so and progress over 16 weeks. I...

What restrictions have been placed on your walking intensity? I"m a marathon runner and want to get back to running as soon as I safely can.

Mandy, I'm in Birmingham, AL and have almost exactly the same situation as you. I discovered my BAV in 1999 and have had it followed since then. In 2010 I contracted endocarditis but fortunately did not get any vegetation on the valve. Still the leak has gone from moderate to severe. I'm...