Any difference between tissue & mechanical in terms of taking advantage of advances?

[Superbob]

Gina had the words of wisdom, as she often does. "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" It would be silly for someone with a mechanical valve that gives every indication of working forever to opt for an "advance" that might or might not work as well as advertised.

As for someone who has a tissue who hopes it'll last him 15-20 years and take him into his 80s (if he makes it that long) -- in other words, me -- sure, that guy would be a willing candidate for some marvelous advance.

Personally, I'm hoping this can be performed in the year 2025 by a medical technican resembling Christie Brinkley (who no doubt will be just as well preserved then as she is now),who can just wave a magic wand over my chest and bestow on me a nice new valve whenever it's needed.

 

[Karlynn]

And my doctors will look like this, if I'm in the OR again.

 

[geebee]

And my doctors will look like this, if I'm in the OR again.

Karlynn,
If your St. Jude would ever fail, you would be so old your eyesight would have you thinking every doctor looks like this.

 

[Karlynn]

Karlynn,
If your St. Jude would ever fail, you would be so old your eyesight would have you thinking every doctor looks like this.

Don't forget all the advancements in vision improvement!

 

[mntbiker]

As for someone who has a tissue who hopes it'll last him 15-20 years and take him into his 80s (if he makes it that long) -- in other words, me -- sure, that guy would be a willing candidate for some marvelous advance.

Well if I want my tissue valve to last into my 80's then I need the one that lasts about 45 years. Unfortunately I am only in my 30's (ok, late 30's ) but still, I think the chances of me needing to take advantage of new technology is 100%.

 

[Joe Cool]

Time waits for no man.

Time waits for no man.

"Any difference between tissue & mechanical in terms of taking advantage of advances?"

Only time will tell. I don't have time, and don't choose to be a "guinea pig". So for me in my situation the choice is obvious.

 

[Arlyss]

Hi Karlynn,

No one knows exactly why strands form on valves. I have not found any connection mentioned between them and the aorta. They are associated with the valve. I am suspicious of the hemodynamics in my husband's case since he initially had a heavily calcified valve, and I also realize that his tissue is "special" because he is bicuspid.... But this is all just speculation....there is no way to know......

Yes, we all are called upon to do our best to keep living as well and fully as we can.... and I wish everyone all the best as they do just that!

Arlyss