Composites?

[FauxClaud]

So we survived the MRI on Monday..and I just got a call from Dr. Sett, the surgeon..
Garin's aorta is 4.9 cm +/- 2 cms
then I tried to write stuff down..but now it doesn't make as much sense!
The arta up to the first branch is 2.8 cms
Something is 17 or 18 mm and that is probably ok?
It definaly dialtes from his annulous ( sic?) until the mid portion before the branching
Root, valve and asending aorta will be replaced.
He DOES do the Ross, but uses it mostly on children who have the need based on the need for the vavale to grow.
Because Garin's assending aorta also needs to be replaced, he does not reccomend the Ross as the pulminary valave is thinner and there will have to be another sewwing area between the arota and the valve.
What he is reccomending is a composite valve with the valve and new asending aorta all in one piece.

Somehow, this all is making me feel much better. KNowing that he HAS done the Ross, but does not see it as the best answer for GArin is alot better than thinking he does not do the Ross and THATS why he doesn't recommend it.

Breathing.........

So anyone know anything good about these composite things??

 

[Phyllis]

Clau,
Why not have him fax, email or snail mail you a copy of the report. I don't know anything about composite valves, but I'm sure someone on the forum will and the correct figures from the MRI will help.

 

[tobagotwo]

He's likely referring to a type of fabric sleeve-and-valve combination, manufactured by St. Jude among others. It's a fabric sleeve that replaces the dilated aorta, with a mechanical valve preset inside it. Mechanical valves, usually fashioned from pyrolytic carbon these days, are sometimes referred to as being made of "composite" materials.

Link to the St. Jude Mechanical Master Series: http://www.sjm.com/devices/device.a...c+Valved+Graft+Prosthesis&location=us&type=18

This can also be accomplished with a tissue valve, if the patient's tissue is not myxomatous. This is less popular with surgeons, and it is more complicated. The tissue setup is not preconnected, there is a longer pump time involved, more sewing, and there are more pieces to double-check during the procedure. Disturbing it for replacement years later is also more complex. As such, the all-in-one is usually the preferred way to go.

Best wishes,