neo
Well-known member
Hey,
I am new to this site and have really enjoyed reading through the posts over the last month. I wanted to share my story as I am having my 3rd AVR tomorrow. After having the Ross Procedure in 1999, and a 2nd procedure to fix a dilated aortic root in 2010, I now have severe regurgitation again. Nobody knows yet why the AR came back, maybe a torn leaflet. I guess the best option now is something NEW, thus my name, ha!
The most common question seems to be tissue vs. mechanical. I have found, through an exhaustive amount of research, that there is no right or wrong option. At first, I was set on the On-X mechanical valve. I like the idea of having something potentially permanent with a good possibility of FDA approved low or no anti-coagulation in the near future.
I changed my mind to tissue reasoning that there is tremendous advancements taking place right now. The SJM Trifecta (porcine & bovine) and the CE Magna Ease (bovine) valves have new calcium treatments which may extend their durability. The current long-term durability studies showing 10-15 years refer to tissue valves that were implanted 15-20 years ago, naturally. Therefore, it could be assumed that these newer valves could last longer. There just are no long-term studies yet to prove either way. However, there are several ongoing studies which can be found at clinicaltrials.gov
TAVR technology is currently being used in high-risk folks, but is certainly capable of being a more mainstream option in the near future. They say that multiple TAVR procedures could be done (valve in valve in valve), just not proven as of yet. Finally, tissue engineered valves (adult stem cells) are currently being tested in sheep, etc. In the next few decades, this "holy grail" of valve replacements could be something that would replace a worn out valve, ascending aorta, etc.
So finally, I was unable to find the perfect option. But with me, this will be my 3rd open-heart procedure, and I think I'm comfortable with another procedure down the road. If I can live a life unrestricted by meds and diet, and have the possibility of an easier/better fix in the future, this seems to be, for me, the best way to go. Any comments would be greatly appreciated! I am going under tomorrow, so would also appreciate your prayers!
Thanks!
I am new to this site and have really enjoyed reading through the posts over the last month. I wanted to share my story as I am having my 3rd AVR tomorrow. After having the Ross Procedure in 1999, and a 2nd procedure to fix a dilated aortic root in 2010, I now have severe regurgitation again. Nobody knows yet why the AR came back, maybe a torn leaflet. I guess the best option now is something NEW, thus my name, ha!
The most common question seems to be tissue vs. mechanical. I have found, through an exhaustive amount of research, that there is no right or wrong option. At first, I was set on the On-X mechanical valve. I like the idea of having something potentially permanent with a good possibility of FDA approved low or no anti-coagulation in the near future.
I changed my mind to tissue reasoning that there is tremendous advancements taking place right now. The SJM Trifecta (porcine & bovine) and the CE Magna Ease (bovine) valves have new calcium treatments which may extend their durability. The current long-term durability studies showing 10-15 years refer to tissue valves that were implanted 15-20 years ago, naturally. Therefore, it could be assumed that these newer valves could last longer. There just are no long-term studies yet to prove either way. However, there are several ongoing studies which can be found at clinicaltrials.gov
TAVR technology is currently being used in high-risk folks, but is certainly capable of being a more mainstream option in the near future. They say that multiple TAVR procedures could be done (valve in valve in valve), just not proven as of yet. Finally, tissue engineered valves (adult stem cells) are currently being tested in sheep, etc. In the next few decades, this "holy grail" of valve replacements could be something that would replace a worn out valve, ascending aorta, etc.
So finally, I was unable to find the perfect option. But with me, this will be my 3rd open-heart procedure, and I think I'm comfortable with another procedure down the road. If I can live a life unrestricted by meds and diet, and have the possibility of an easier/better fix in the future, this seems to be, for me, the best way to go. Any comments would be greatly appreciated! I am going under tomorrow, so would also appreciate your prayers!
Thanks!
