different types of tissue/other valves etc.

[alpha 1]

hi everyone, we have to have a backup plan for our surgery. so if we dicide to go with the bovine which i hear is the tissue that is supposed to last the longest, there are very many different models, for instance the magna 27mm and 29mm and then there is a 3000 model and also a 2700 model, so which is the best. i read something about the 2700, not being a good choice and that is what the doctor said that he uses, so how do you know which is good and which isnt as good. just learning about valves. and how do you know which valve causes more scar tissue than others, or if the valves have anything to do with scar tissue or is it the way the surgeon does the operation or what?
alpha 1

 

[Ross]

Mechanical would last the longest, but how old are you?

 

[JimL]

Learning as much as you can about this is wonderful, but finally you have to listen to the surgeon and trust what he says is the best valve for your son to have.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Learning as much as you can about this is wonderful, but finally you have to listen to the surgeon and trust what he says is the best valve for your son to have.

This * A S S U M E S * that the surgeon has studied EVERY VALVE that is currently available, knows the pluses and minuses for every valve, and knows what would be "BEST" for the patient's lifestyle.

It also A S S U M E S that the surgeon has the knowledge and experience to implant EVERY VALVE OPTION that is currently available. We KNOW this is NOT the case.

(Think Ross Procedure, or Homograft, and yes, the latest innovations in tissue and mechanical valves.) Most surgeons only offer a few options.

I'm not convinced that this is a valid assumption for EVERY SURGEON who performs Valve Replacement Surgery. That's why I believe it is wise for patients to educate themselves in the options available and to think about what valve would best match their needs and lifestyle. IF the surgeon they are talking with is not familiar with or does not offer the valve the patient is interested in, then it is wise to Search for a Surgeon with the knowledge and skill and willingness to provide that option. (This is especially true for the Ross Procedure or Valve Repairs).

'AL Capshaw'

 

[alpha 1]

thanks for your imput all, and al i know what you mean i tried to pm you but it wouldnt go through, that is why it is so long in finding a surgeon, the first surgeon gave us a 80 to 90 percent chance of fixing this valve, then i heard a few things one from forum and one just from walking into the wal mart and had to do some thinking and our surgeon that we want to go with now is giving a 70 percent chance of fixing the valve which i think is pretty good but they dont seem to provide the particular bovine valve that i heard was the best, which is the magna 27 or 29 or the carpentier edwards 3000 have you heard of any of these, im no expert but some doctor out there should be and they should be from a good hospital. being in this situation is aweful. thank you so much for your imput.
alpha 1

 

[Phyllis]

I know that both Cleveland Clinic and Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston offer the Edwards valves- both great hospitals.

 

[tobagotwo]

The numbers 27mm and 29mm are valve opening sizes. A 25mm is considered average for an adult male. In a very general sense, larger is better, but if the valve is oversized by even one notch, it won't fit or operate correctly.

The Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna is Edwards' premiere valve. I suspect the 2700 and 2900 are simply versions based on size (27mm and 29mm, respectively). An extra size is also stretched out of the valve by its "perimount" positioning, just above a slight constriction on the mounting point, which allows the stent to blend into the side walls of the aorta, rather than intrude.

Of all of the current tissue valves, the CE bovine pericardium models have by far the longest documented lifespan (the others haven't been around as long). And that is the older version, without the nondamaging fixation process and the addition of anticalcification treatments.

If a tissue valve is right for you, this is certainly a fine one to have.

Best wishes,

 

[ALCapshaw2]

hi everyone, we have to have a backup plan for our surgery. so if we dicide to go with the bovine which i hear is the tissue that is supposed to last the longest, there are very many different models, for instance the magna 27mm and 29mm and then there is a 3000 model and also a 2700 model, so which is the best. i read something about the 2700, not being a good choice and that is what the doctor said that he uses, so how do you know which is good and which isnt as good. just learning about valves. and how do you know which valve causes more scar tissue than others, or if the valves have anything to do with scar tissue or is it the way the surgeon does the operation or what?
alpha 1

Alpha -

It would be beneficial for you to Learn More about those valves so that when you discuss valve options with surgeon(s), you will be coming from a background of knowledge and understanding rather than merely stating that "I heard this valve is not the best" or whatever.

For starters, I recommend that you go to the Carpentier-Edwards website and read about their valves. For more detail or clarification of your questions, you could contact the company and ask for someone who can answer your technical questions.

THEN you will be better prepared to discuss optons with the surgeons you interview.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Susan BAV]

...For starters, I recommend that you go to the Carpentier-Edwards website and read about their valves. For more detail or clarification of your questions, you could contact the company and ask for someone who can answer your technical questions...

Hi Alpha - I think I cut and pasted their website to you, along with some others, in reply to one of your PMs.

As always, best wishes to you and your son as you mull over your options. Take care and please post again.