sknydave
Well-known member
Thanks everyone! I'm definitely looking at every option possible.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement/Repair
- Thread starter sknydave
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pamela
Well-known member
Do you not need to have a replacement valve ready to go into the pulmonary position, Doug? A Ross candidate still must have some kind of prosthesis or graft as a replacement for the native pulmonary, which means you're still looking a 2 complete procedures, more if the aortic root and or arch needs work, to sew up the pump and hoses.CHDDoug said:
It's just something to consider. The Ross is wonderful if you're a good candidate but it certainly isn't a worry or selection-free process.
ctyguy
Well-known member
I had a Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement
I had a Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement
Hello...Im two weeks post op and I had a Biscuspid Aortic Valve replacement because of severe stenosis. I only found out I had an issue on Valentine's Day and was on the table on 2/29 for surgery. I didn't have alot of time to digest it all and come to a decision but based on my age (42), and the fact that Im otherwise very healthy my surgeon recommended the mechanical valve. I had my procedure done at the Cleveland Clinic and I received an On-X valve. All the talk is that it is the next generation in valves and that there are ongoing studies where coumadin usage can be lowered and possibly even eliminated. Those trials are early though and it could be upwards of 10 years before there is a definitive answer to that question. I had no option but replacement because the valve was heavily calcified. I was told that biscupid valves (if they become calcified) cannot be repaired and must be replaced. So the decision is really bovine or mechanical. Prior to surgery I was 3 to 4 times in the gym, lifting weights, doing aeorbic work. It was the aerobic work struggles that let me to the cardiologist and hence my discovery of the issue. I reached out to a specific surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic because of his extensive resume and I was fortunate to have him accept me as a patient. He told me he does about 300 valve procedures a year and that if it were him, he would want the On-X if he were in my shoes. We talked about the Ross procedure a little and he said that he wasn't happy with the overall results he had seen thus far. Especially someone like me who only has one valve that needs repair, why introduce the complexity of two valves being worked. That made my decision pretty simple. Im only two weeks post-op, but he did a minimally invasive procedure (4 - 5 inch incision), and am moving around pretty well. I've slept in my own bed the last few nights and have been pretty comfortable but Im still forced to sleep on my back. Everyone is different, but I didn't like the thought of a re-operation, or even 2 or 3 re-operations by going bovine given my age. While those procedures are common each re-operation adds more risk. And the first few days in the hospital post-op are no picnic either. I only wanted this procedure once and thus far Im ok with my choice. In 6 months I will be able to really say more. If you want to shoot me a private message I will be happy to tell you about what my experience was and answer any questions I can for you. Bottom line is at your age you should tolerate the surgery very well. Good luck !
I had a Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement
Hello...Im two weeks post op and I had a Biscuspid Aortic Valve replacement because of severe stenosis. I only found out I had an issue on Valentine's Day and was on the table on 2/29 for surgery. I didn't have alot of time to digest it all and come to a decision but based on my age (42), and the fact that Im otherwise very healthy my surgeon recommended the mechanical valve. I had my procedure done at the Cleveland Clinic and I received an On-X valve. All the talk is that it is the next generation in valves and that there are ongoing studies where coumadin usage can be lowered and possibly even eliminated. Those trials are early though and it could be upwards of 10 years before there is a definitive answer to that question. I had no option but replacement because the valve was heavily calcified. I was told that biscupid valves (if they become calcified) cannot be repaired and must be replaced. So the decision is really bovine or mechanical. Prior to surgery I was 3 to 4 times in the gym, lifting weights, doing aeorbic work. It was the aerobic work struggles that let me to the cardiologist and hence my discovery of the issue. I reached out to a specific surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic because of his extensive resume and I was fortunate to have him accept me as a patient. He told me he does about 300 valve procedures a year and that if it were him, he would want the On-X if he were in my shoes. We talked about the Ross procedure a little and he said that he wasn't happy with the overall results he had seen thus far. Especially someone like me who only has one valve that needs repair, why introduce the complexity of two valves being worked. That made my decision pretty simple. Im only two weeks post-op, but he did a minimally invasive procedure (4 - 5 inch incision), and am moving around pretty well. I've slept in my own bed the last few nights and have been pretty comfortable but Im still forced to sleep on my back. Everyone is different, but I didn't like the thought of a re-operation, or even 2 or 3 re-operations by going bovine given my age. While those procedures are common each re-operation adds more risk. And the first few days in the hospital post-op are no picnic either. I only wanted this procedure once and thus far Im ok with my choice. In 6 months I will be able to really say more. If you want to shoot me a private message I will be happy to tell you about what my experience was and answer any questions I can for you. Bottom line is at your age you should tolerate the surgery very well. Good luck !
