New to a forum

SHIRL73 · May 15, 2005

I am 73 years young and new to using a forum. I will have my valve replaced within a few weeks. I see the surgeon on Wednesday. My gut feeling is to go with the ovine valve not the mechanical one. Are their any people out there who have got longer than 10 years from this valve?

geebee · May 15, 2005

Welcome.

I think there are a few who have had more than 10 years but I am not sure. You will be hearing from others soon.

Which valve are you having replaced and for what reason? What is your family history for longevity? If you have a chance to live into your nineties, you might want to consider a mechanical. You really wouldn't want to have a tissue valve replaced when you are in your eighties. Just some thoughts.

However, wait until you get some more responses. They might help you decide for sure.

Please stay in touch.

ALCapshaw2 · May 15, 2005

Welcome aboard Shirl !

Your question about which valve to choose is one of our hottest topics. See the VALVE SELECTION Forum for lots of discussion on that topic.

The latest data on the Bovine Pericardial Valve is 90% durability after 15 years with several early recipients approaching 20 years. The GOOD NEWS for you at age 73 is that tissue valves tend to last longer in patients over age 60 so IMHO, this is probably a good choice for you, unless you come from a family with lots of 90 year olds. That valve was my FIRST choice, but due to other factors, my surgeon felt he needed to give me a mechanical valve.

For issues concerning surgery, see the Pre-Surgery and Post-Surgery Forums. There's LOTS of good reading to be found here. ENJOY and feel free to ask any questions that come to your mind.

'AL Capshaw'

LUVMyBirman · May 15, 2005

Hello,

If you are not very active....the tissue valve may go longer than 10 years. High activity level in one reason they do not last long in younger folks.

Good luck with your process

PJmomrunner · May 15, 2005

SHIRL73 said:
I am 73 years young and new to using a forum. I will have my valve replaced within a few weeks. I see the surgeon on Wednesday. My gut feeling is to go with the ovine valve not the mechanical one. Are their any people out there who have got longer than 10 years from this valve?

Hi Shirley:

Welcome. I am a relative newcomer to VR.com myself and I am in the process of deciding when to replace my bicuspid aortic valve, which is unfortunately accompanied by an aortic aneurysm.

I recently posted a question on the Cleveland Clinic heart forum website and received a succinct and pretty standard explanation of the relative merits of the different types of valves. You can read it here:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/cardio/messages/35216.html

My surgeon at the University of Michigan has stated to me that I can expect a tissue valve (and I believe he is referring to a stentless porcine valve, which is what he mostly uses) to last me 10 to 15 years. I am 42 years old. My general impression is that tissue valves last longer in older people, although I don't know how much longer or exactly why. I believe their longevity is adversely effected by calcification, which causes them to get "crispy" and deteriorate and, because older folks' systems don't hang on to calcium too well, it's not as much of an issue. I believe normal wear and tear is minimized in older folks too, unless they happen to be Ironman triathletes or major thrill-seekers. My take on this may be overly simplistic (and someone will probably be along to smack me for it

), so consider it guardedly and maybe as a jumping off point for conversation with the surgeon.

I'm sure you'll get lots of input from this fine bunch of supportive people. I look forward to hearing what your surgeon has to say to you.

P. J.