Medtronics CoreValve to Replace Edwards Bovine Pericardial

Mentu · Apr 5, 2019

Hi, everyone, I am back after several years away. Currently, my Bovine Pericardial valve is failing after 9 1/2 years which is most disappointing. I started feeling a little short of breath about 10 months ago and when it didn't improve I finally had to admit that it had to be valve failure. After a good echocardiogram and an inconclusive TEE, I had a Heart Cath yesterday, the 4th (also my 4th Heart Cath). It confirmed severe stenosis as had the Echo so at 69, I am back in the waiting room looking towards 30 April when my specialist will insert a Medtronics CoreValve (Porcine) into the ring of my Edwards Bovine. Does anyone here share this combination? My Cardiologist Specialist did an extra two years at Cleveland Clinic to develop his specialty and has since performed something over 500 TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) so I feel pretty secure about him doing good work but I haven't talked to anyone with a similar experience. If you are out there, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Currently, I'm extremely short of breath, as expected, and dizzy but no palpitations so far. The first time, the palpitations becoame debilitating by the time of the first replacement. So, all in all, things are not too bad yet.

Otherwise, I have only my faded chest scar and a mild case of costochondritis to remind me that my chest was once open. Things could certainly be worse.

Thanks for help, all, I look forward to hearing from you.

Larry, in Tulsa

pellicle · Apr 5, 2019

Hey Larry

sorry that the schedule was pushed forwards. I see you have "exactly the right viewpoint" and they'll just brighten up your scar a bit and you'll be back out on the street soon. (and indeed your sage advice over the years has shown that clearly too).

As you know I'm a multi-AVR guy now settled into my marriage with a mech valve (till death do us part). I hope your TAVR goes well and I hope you'll keep us appraised.

You're an experienced hand so you know the drill now.

Best Wishes and hoping you have a text book recovery mate.

Mentu · Apr 6, 2019

Thanks for your kind note, P. I've thought about a mechanical valve but my Uncle Bob started with one but ended up with a porcine valve when his Mech was overgrown with pannis tissue. My surgeon warned that there was a better than average chance that the same might happen to me. My only real worry is about what comes next in another decade or so. However, things will be different then and I will have outlived my Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.

I was interesting to see some of the changes in the Cath Lab. At my last one in 2009, I got to watch the surgeon's screen which was a 20" CRT. In this week's lab things were displayed on a 60" flat screen and there was so much equipment that my view was completely blocked. Fortunately, the happy juice left me unconcerned about the viewing aspect. The collagen plugs were also a great plus. There wasn't a single sandbag in the recovery room. For now, then, take care.

Larry in Tulsa

ottagal · Apr 7, 2019

Hi Larry, Sorry to hear that you are having to go through this again. You and I were not too far apart with our first AVR. I will see in May what is up with my bioprosthetic aortic valve. Wishing you all the best going forward and that you can be at peace with the decision. Thinking of you and know that your VR buddies are here for you.

pellicle · Apr 7, 2019

Hey

Mentu;n887011 said:
....I've thought about a mechanical valve but my Uncle Bob started with one but ended up with a porcine valve when his Mech was overgrown with pannus tissue. My surgeon warned that there was a better than average chance that the same might happen to me.

I think that's a reasonable assessment, as it could well be genetically linked.

Best Wishes