ALCapshaw2
Well-known member
Karl-
You (and your Surgeon) need to know that SCAR Tissue is possibly the Primary Damage from Radiation Therapy. Some have suggested that operating on a Radiation survivor is similar to doing a Second Operation on a non-radiated patient due to the scar tissue issues.
Scar Tissue can also affect the Valves in several ways including heavy calcification and progressive stenosis. For these reasons, if I were in your situation, I would want to avoid future problems by just replacing BOTH valves at the same time (preferably with On-X). Many Surgeons are now recommending mechanical valves from the start after realizing that valve damage can be more extensive than first appears by Echocardiograms and other pre-surgery tests.
If your Surgeon has NOT used On-X before, he needs to contact the company and they will send a representative to explain the differences in implanting their valves vs. the more common St. Jude (or other) mechanical valves. There are 2 main differences. ON-X uses a different "sizing" protocol and they recommend putting 4 'tacking stitches' equally spaced around the valve and then performing the usual continuous stitching procedure around the valve. My (non-professional) understanding is that the latter holds the valve in place and prevents it moving out of position during the stitching procedure.
Another 'side effect' of Radiation Damage is Cardiomyopathy. This is typically seen as 'stiffness' of the Heart Muscles and Walls which can effect Ejection Fraction (my non-professional supposition) and 'timing' of the Heart 'pumping' process. Typically this is more of a Recovery Issue than a Surgery Issue.
For your peace of mind, ALL of our members who reported Radiation Damage survived their surgeries. A couple who had co-existing Lung Issues had a harder time after surgery than those who only had minor or NO Lung issues. The rest are all 'getting on with life' and don't check in much anymore.
Ask your Surgeon about his experience dealing with Repeat Surgeries and Scar Tissue.
FYI, more than one Surgeon who has never used On-X before has agreed to give a patient an On-X valve and then 'back-out' just before or during surgery. That is another reason for having the surgeon talk with On-X beforehand so that he will be more knowledgable and comfortable with their valve (assuming that is your first choice). It is also wise to have a Plan B. (My plan B would be the St. Jude Master's Series valve).
You (and your Surgeon) need to know that SCAR Tissue is possibly the Primary Damage from Radiation Therapy. Some have suggested that operating on a Radiation survivor is similar to doing a Second Operation on a non-radiated patient due to the scar tissue issues.
Scar Tissue can also affect the Valves in several ways including heavy calcification and progressive stenosis. For these reasons, if I were in your situation, I would want to avoid future problems by just replacing BOTH valves at the same time (preferably with On-X). Many Surgeons are now recommending mechanical valves from the start after realizing that valve damage can be more extensive than first appears by Echocardiograms and other pre-surgery tests.
If your Surgeon has NOT used On-X before, he needs to contact the company and they will send a representative to explain the differences in implanting their valves vs. the more common St. Jude (or other) mechanical valves. There are 2 main differences. ON-X uses a different "sizing" protocol and they recommend putting 4 'tacking stitches' equally spaced around the valve and then performing the usual continuous stitching procedure around the valve. My (non-professional) understanding is that the latter holds the valve in place and prevents it moving out of position during the stitching procedure.
Another 'side effect' of Radiation Damage is Cardiomyopathy. This is typically seen as 'stiffness' of the Heart Muscles and Walls which can effect Ejection Fraction (my non-professional supposition) and 'timing' of the Heart 'pumping' process. Typically this is more of a Recovery Issue than a Surgery Issue.
For your peace of mind, ALL of our members who reported Radiation Damage survived their surgeries. A couple who had co-existing Lung Issues had a harder time after surgery than those who only had minor or NO Lung issues. The rest are all 'getting on with life' and don't check in much anymore.
Ask your Surgeon about his experience dealing with Repeat Surgeries and Scar Tissue.
FYI, more than one Surgeon who has never used On-X before has agreed to give a patient an On-X valve and then 'back-out' just before or during surgery. That is another reason for having the surgeon talk with On-X beforehand so that he will be more knowledgable and comfortable with their valve (assuming that is your first choice). It is also wise to have a Plan B. (My plan B would be the St. Jude Master's Series valve).
