Any members here scuba dive after Aortic valve replacement?

bdryer · Dec 26, 2011

Hi kids

I found out from my Cardiologist that it's......OK to Scuba dive after MAV replacement. I've got a MAV, an On-X 23 mm to be exact, along with a DuPont graft of the ascending Aorta. The question of, "can I scuba dive after MAV replacement" has plagued me from diagnosis on Oct 2010. I searched high and low surfing the web and finally got an accurate answer from a subject matter expert, my cardiologist.

Look for me soon in the Caribbean digging the sun, sand, waves walls and critters in 2012.

I posted this for the inquisitive, who have struggled for a definitive answer to the question of....."can I scuba dive after MAV replacement".

Jkm7 · Dec 26, 2011

You may find the dive instructors/tour operators will refuse you when you complete their 'hold harmless' forms. It certainly is not a good idea to lie and they may not care your surgeon or cardio said okay.

Hope you are able to find a dive organizer who doesn't have a problem with it.
Best wishes.

bdryer · Dec 26, 2011

Jkm7

Thanks for the heads up.

scott.eitman · Dec 27, 2011

I did a in pool give scuba a try a few months ago. Before going, I had to have my cardio fill out a form stating that I was good to go. I know, I know, not really scuba diving, but it was a fun adventure with the family.

bdryer · Dec 27, 2011

Thanks for responding Scott.

Any time you are under water breathing compressed air, it's scuba. Good job.

I see the cardiologist for my 1st year follow up end of March. I'll make a point of finding a form from a dive shop, for him to complete.

Bill B · Dec 28, 2011

My surgeon answered similar concerns I had by saying that after the recovery period there would be absolutely no restriction on any exercise or activity I might want to do, period. These repairs are at least as durable as native tissue. Any restriction would be determined by my underlying health, not my valve and aorta repair.