Aortic Surgery Decision Making - Especially for those with BAVD

[Arlyss]

Many of those with bicuspid aortic valve disease may find helpful information through the following link, which includes a recent presentation by Dr. Eric Isselbacher from the Aortic Surgery Center at Mass General in Boston. Dr. Isselbacher points out the challenges of detecting a bicuspid aortic valve, mentioning that 20% of BAVs are missed by echocardiography. He also addresses the abnormality of the aortic tissue in BAVD, reviews the imaging options available, and explains why it is so important for the ascending aorta - not just the root - to be measured in those with BAVD.

Here is the link

http://www.bicuspidfoundation.com/The_View_From_Here_-_July_2006.html

Best wishes,
Arlyss

 

[Wise]

Quite informative Arlyss. Thank you!

 

[Wise]

Arylss, I've got a question. Is Cystic Medial Degeneration the same as, or an aspect of, Connective Tissue Disorder. I did a web search and, as is the case many times, generated more questions for myself. The slide show you have linked is the best I've seen in explaining the anatomy of the aorta. After all this time, I still had a shadowy understanding of the aorta. I guess we all assimilate information at different rates; I may be slow, but when I get it, I get. Thanks again. This will no doubt come in handy again.

Wise

 

[Mary]

Thanks Arlys for sharing this presentation.
I still have many questions about further tissue issues after having my BAV replaced.
Echos are showing progressive enlargement of the vena cava, and I'm not sure what that's all about.
I continue to read what I can find.
Mary

 

[BillB]

Great Info!

Great Info!

Thank You Arlyss....the video is terrific and addresses so many issues that I and many other BAV'ers in the waiting room are dealing with. It certainly provided an unsolicited "4th" opinion for my situation. Again...Thanks

BillB

 

[Arlyss]

Hi Wise,

The wall of the aorta has three layers - the middle one is called the media, and it is the thickest. The media contains the elastic fibers, collagen, and muscle that make the aorta so flexible. It is an amazing vessel in terms of how it expands and contracts with the heart beat and the flow of blood into it. Generally, cystic medial degeneration refers to the break down of these tissue components that make up this "media" layer. Sometimes people describe it like the break down of a rubber band - it loses its elasticity.

Best wishes,
Arlyss