A Good Rumor

[SHIRL73]

tissue valves

tissue valves

I was at the surgeon today and have a date of June 2nd for a valve replacement. We discussed the different kinds and I was rather set on a bovine valve but had heard from my cardiologist that they only will last 8 to 12 years. The surgeon reassured me.

Tissue valves do not last as long in young people but they have found that in older people (I am 73) the metabolism is different and they last longer. He gave me possible tissue valve life of 20 years.

It has been most interesting to read the different perspectives and as some have said. You can't re think yourself, once you make a decision you live with it and you shouldn't look back. It was a good decision when you made it.

I am looking forward to being able to walk, breath easier, and enjoy life again.

 

[Guest]

I saw one of my long-time patients today. He was taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation but had to have an artificial valve about 3 months ago. He came in today and it was amazing how good he looked. Better than I have seen him in years. He is in a vigorous cardiac rehab program. He went 22 minutes on the treadmill at 2% grade and 2.5 mph.

He is 84 years old -- probably could pass for 64 if he tried.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I was at the surgeon today and have a date of June 2nd for a valve replacement. We discussed the different kinds and I was rather set on a bovine valve but had heard from my cardiologist that they only will last 8 to 12 years. The surgeon reassured me.

Tissue valves do not last as long in young people but they have found that in older people (I am 73) the metabolism is different and they last longer. He gave me possible tissue valve life of 20 years.

It has been most interesting to read the different perspectives and as some have said. You can't re think yourself, once you make a decision you live with it and you shouldn't look back. It was a good decision when you made it.

I am looking forward to being able to walk, breath easier, and enjoy life again.

Shirley -

Your cardiologist needs to get his facts right. I 'believe' 8-12 years is average for a standard PORCINE valve. Check the Carpentier-Edwards for data on the BOVINE valves. The last study I recall showed 90% durability (still functioning) after 15 years and many early recipients are approaching 20 years.

I personally like the Bovine Pericardial Valve and there are times I wish my surgeon had gone ahead an installed one as agreed upon prior to my surgery, in spite of my 'extenuating circumstances'. I 'believe' that the Bovine Valves are the 'valves of choice' at the Cleveland Clinic which is the #1 rated Heart Hospital.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[brd]

Shirley -

Your cardiologist needs to get his facts right. I 'believe' 8-12 years is average for a standard PORCINE valve. Check the Carpentier-Edwards for data on the BOVINE valves. The last study I recall showed 90% durability (still functioning) after 15 years and many early recipients are approaching 20 years.

I personally like the Bovine Pericardial Valve and there are times I wish my surgeon had gone ahead an installed one as agreed upon prior to my surgery, in spite of my 'extenuating circumstances'. I 'believe' that the Bovine Valves are the 'valves of choice' at the Cleveland Clinic which is the #1 rated Heart Hospital.

'AL Capshaw'

This has been a great discussion for me. I am scheduled for an AVR in about 6 mos and am wondering about a homograft. Does anyone know anything about them? Thanks in advance, brd