Search results

Hi I recently had open heart surgery 4 weeks ago for a mechanical AVR. I am now on warfarin, currently on with a target INR of 2.0-3.0. Given that there is some risk of thromboembolism at lower INR ranges and the mindset of "I'd rather have a bleed than a stroke". I understand the risk of...

Thank you all for your fantastic and detailed replies! Yes i am definitely trying to get an extra supply of warfarin if possible, havent managed to persuade my nurse successfully yet! I have bought a quick clost gauze and hemostatic powder, i may look into expanding the kit @3mm with those...

Hi All, I have recently had OHS on the 12th of April for a AVR, all went well and i am recovering, i am now on warfarin and starting to think ahead about how i can put plans in place for when something goes wrong, so that when the time comes i am prepared. My current plan of actions are: If my...

Can i ask what it is that you know that would make you choose a homograft over a mechanical? My current thinking is that it is not unlikely for a homograft to fail under 10 years so i'd rather play it safe an get a mechanical

I asked my surgeon about valve repair, ozaki and homograft and his response was valve repair has earlier failure than tissue valve, homografts last no longer than tissue valves (xenograft tissue valves) and are also a risky operation, an ozaki failure rate is higher than both valve repair and...

Thanks so much guys, is there any data on long term outcomes of repairs? Jamie

Hi i'm a 28 year old male with a biscupid valve awaiting open heart surgery with severe aortic regurgitation. I am considering a mechanical valve, though a dream of mine is to become a semi-professional boxer in which case Warafin would be off the cards: What are the requirements for a valve...

I'm probably going to go with mechanical but just considering: A xenograft tissue valve seems pointless as it may only last me 5 years If i somehow could get a homograph, given that i want to get into boxing at a semi-athlete level, would it be unlikely for a homograph to last 10 years?

Hi Tommy, Thank you so much, this is really helpful, you have provided some fantastic information and links. Ill readup on these I'm hesitant about getting a experimental valve as it may be ineffective.

Thank you, if a biological tissue valve and a homograph valve were both available and fit the individual. Which would last longer?

Hi, Why do tissue valves tend to be used over homographs? Kind regards, Jamie

Thanks James, You're right, theres not much choice i really have anyway to be honest, in the NHS i don't think i get much choice over valve and things like that.

Hi Tommy, Thank you for your suggestions, i've looked into both. From what i've read valve sparing surgery will only delay me having to have a OHS at some point to replace the valve anyways, which i'd rather jsut have one OHS. The Ozaki procedure is exciting however i feel like there is not...

Yes i think i will leave it up to the surgeon. I'm not concerned what mechanical valve i got, as long as they don't put a biological valve in there by mistake :) Thank you, i'm so grateful for all the contributors on this forum, there is a huge amount of info on this site which has saved me...

Yes i've read a little about AFIB, one of my biggest fears post surgery. Thanks for sharing about heart block, i don't know anything about that, i'll do some reading into heart block over the coming days.

If i have a larger aortic valve, i assume it would be better to get a SJM in that case?

Yes i'll probably leave it up to the surgeon, whatever valve i get ill be happy as they are all so similar

Good morning, Yes i don't have time to learn everything and its not necessary. Thanks for the offer, i'm fairly happy with what i know, i don't even know if ill have the option on the NHS to decide on the valve and i'll probably leave it up to the surgeon, from what i've read, all the...

Thanks Pellice, in that case i will stick to the areas i've mentioned above and go through them to make sure i understand everything about those things. For the on-x vs st jude debate, i've read through a lot of your post on the forum (which i am very grateful for) and after reading things like...

Yes Apologises i've added my age to the post, i'm a 28 yr old man, Thank you yes i've done a fair amount of research. I feel well prepared at this point, perhaps i should relax more :)