Mainstream Valves?

[Duff Man]

This question might belong in a different thread, but what are the brand/model of mechanical valves that are considered the best or mainstream so I can do research on them?

 

[geebee]

This question might belong in a different thread, but what are the brand/model of mechanical valves that are considered the best or mainstream so I can do research on them?

Aaron,
There are only 2 valves I would consider - St. Jude or On-X.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

See www.onxvalves.com and www.heartvalvechoice.com for the latest (1996) and greatest designs from Jack Bokros, Ph.D., founder of ON-X and patent holder for Carbomedics and ATS designs. His original pyrolytic carbon leaflets first appeared in the St. Jude Valves (see www.sjm.com) in 1977 which hold the record for longevity. The Master's Series Valves are the record holders. Some of their 'newer designs' have had 'issues'.

Note that pyrolytic carbon was first developed for an application in the Nuclear Power industry in the 1970's but Dr. Bokros recognized it's potential for use in Heart Valves and has been designing Valves ever since.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Duff Man]

even though I have small ulcers I think I'm going with the mechanical. I don't care if it's not on-x. I can never, ever see myself going through something like this again. It's a big pause button for life. I'm going to get my cardiologist to agree to a warfarin trial for me even though he thinks I should wait until 5.5 cm to get it done. Screw that. If he doesn't agree he'll be history for me. I burned through 3 doctors when i was first diagnosed with hypertension at 20.

 

[Karlynn]

I would be totally uncomfortable with waiting to 5.5. I know you've said you are a bigger man, so a 5.5 in you may not be the same as a 5.5 in me, but it is still a number I'd be uncomfortable with.

With your desire to get a mechanical, and your small ulcer issue, if it were me I'd go with the On-X. Al C. has contact information you may want since the surgeon will also be dealing with the aneurysm.

 

[Jkm7]

Could a genetic test have predicted I would be on 88 mg of warfarin per week and still not be in range? When I was permitted to stop it, I never reached range.

 

[Ross]

Could a genetic test have predicted I would be on 88 mg of warfarin per week and still not be in range? When I was permitted to stop it, I never reached range.

Good question. All I know is that genetic testing is cost prohibitive at this point. We had an outfit come advertise here about it. It was like $1800 and no insurance would cover it as it's experimental.

 

[Ross]

I'm not an expert on the genetic testing - I just offered as a suggestion that may help prevent future problems.

It actually has 3 different test inclusing one for for warfarin dosing @ $550 - the mlost expensive is $1300 wich has an extended panel of genetic tests. Not sure why you'd want more than just the 2 genes that affect warfarin.

It states on the site that the "majority" of insurance claims have been covered. A quick call to your insurance company would verify that.

While it is still in clinical trials, personally, if I were considering a mechancial valve, I would take the test, with or without insurance coverage.

Anyway, it is offered as a suggestion to those that are considering a mechanical valve. If it doesn't interest you, you feel it's cost prohibitive, or you feel its experimental, don't use it.

Duly noted and appreciated.

 

[Superbob]

Aaron -- I am not an expert on the mechanical but your reasons for going that direction seem sound to me.

And I agree with you, it would be better to go ahead and have it taken care of before it reaches 5.5...