Confused About Surgery

[jkn2kids]

Size Difference Of Ascending Versus Descending

Size Difference Of Ascending Versus Descending

My ascending aortic aneurysm measures 4.8 cm and the descending measures (caliber ranging between 2.3 cm and 2.6 cm maximum AP and transverse diameters).This was my measurements in June 05.Now the aneurysm is still 4.8 cm and (The proximal descending thoracic aorta at the level of the left pulmonary artery is normal in caliber measuring 2.8 cm X 2.7cm.Does anyone know what transverse dimension mean?Initially,I was measured at 4.8 cm x 4.4 cm in maximum transverse and AP diameters.Now it measures 4.8 cm in maximum AP dimension and 4.6 cm in transverse dimension.I have found that the people on this site are just as knowledgeable as the Cardio and Surgeons.Thank you for all of your help!!!

 

[afraidofsurgery]

ATS valve

ATS valve

Karl (KAJ)-thank you for your response!!! I'm also worried about the ticking sound of a mechanical valve.What has been your experience with the ticking? Does it bother you at all or do you get used to the ticking?

Kevin

I have an ATS valve and it is extremely quiet. I can only hear it if I'm in a really quiet room. My surgeon chose it over the St. Jude, I think because it's quieter, but it was designed by the same guy who first designed the St. Jude valve.

So far coumadin seems to be no big deal, my INR levelled off the first week after they started measuring my INR. I made sure to read prior posts on the subject on this website to see what people who have been on it for a while say, that was very helpful for me.

 

[Jamboesque]

Just on the ticking thing.
I'm the proud owner of a St Jude Valve courtsey of the NHS in Scotland, 4 & 1/2 years ago.

If I can't fall asleep at night I relax get comfy, concentate on the 'tick', make it the only thought in my head and slow it up, to a nice even rythm and the next thing its morning. Well it mostly works for me!!!!!

This peice of advice is of no use whatsoever if you're married but it can help in 'chatting up' the ladies 'I bet you've never heard a guy tick before!!!!' can produce the correct response............

Although if I concentrate, I can hear it in any environment it really does disappear into the general noise that we live in............

 

[TomS]

When you're ready

When you're ready

I'll give you the same advice that was given to me by someone that had already had their AVR. The question of "when" to go for surgery depends on your outlook. Can you live with feeling that the next chest pain or feeling dizzy is the big one? In my mind you will know when it's time to take the plunge, and that you don't want to live with it anymore. I went six years with a bad valve, and then another 90 days after discovering a 5.2 aneurysm before I was ready.
Also, I suggest that you check the Internet for a presentation by Len Girardi. Girardi does about 250 of these surgeries a year out of Cornell Medical Center in NY. He has done research on aortic aneurysms and bicuspid aortic valves. As I recall he suggested surgery at 4.5, with a BAV, and 5.0 without a valve problem, so I'm sure that you are within the range where others would suggest operation should you decide to not put it off.
Good luck on this as well as your valve type choice. I'm sure you already are aware of the trade-off between coumadin and facing additional surgeries. I went wtih a mechanical because I've seen the lack of limitations on a coumadin user.
Tom

 

[jkn2kids]

I'll give you the same advice that was given to me by someone that had already had their AVR. The question of "when" to go for surgery depends on your outlook. Can you live with feeling that the next chest pain or feeling dizzy is the big one? In my mind you will know when it's time to take the plunge, and that you don't want to live with it anymore. I went six years with a bad valve, and then another 90 days after discovering a 5.2 aneurysm before I was ready.
Also, I suggest that you check the Internet for a presentation by Len Girardi. Girardi does about 250 of these surgeries a year out of Cornell Medical Center in NY. He has done research on aortic aneurysms and bicuspid aortic valves. As I recall he suggested surgery at 4.5, with a BAV, and 5.0 without a valve problem, so I'm sure that you are within the range where others would suggest operation should you decide to not put it off.
Good luck on this as well as your valve type choice. I'm sure you already are aware of the trade-off between coumadin and facing additional surgeries. I went wtih a mechanical because I've seen the lack of limitations on a coumadin user.
Tom

Where can I find the presentation by Len Girardi?