New Valve

[William]

At a social function today, I talked to the nurse for the surgeon that did my valve replacement. She talked about a new tissue valve that needs no Coumadin and will last as long as the mechanical ones. Anyone have info about this? Is there such a thing? Will

 

[maka]

When I first saw my surgeon I mentioned to him that I was apprehensive about having to take caumedin for the rest of my life. He told me that bovine valves (did not specified anyone in particularly) do no require for you to take caumedin and that they could last 17-20 years.
At the time I did not know as much as now after reading all the postings in the forum. Fortunately, he knew how strong I felt and he repaired the valve although I heard from his assistant it was quite tricky. and some else may not have been able to do it.

 

[tobagotwo]

At this time, if there is a tissue valve that will last as long as mechanical (carbon) valves, it's the world's best-kept secret.

The bovine pericardial valve, which is the current US leader for tissue longevity, averages 90% in service after 18 years, 80% after 20. However, where you are in those statistics depends partly on your age. It won't last as long in younger patients. Mitral versions also don't last as long.

There is reasonable hope that the anticalcification treated versions of that valve may go even longer, but we won't know that for certain for years to come.

Best wishes,

 

[RCB]

OH come on!

OH come on!

Everyone knows that under certain circumstances a tissue valve last just as
long as a mechanical! It happens all the time in America and other countries.
It is not even a secret or maybe Tobagotwo is trying to keep this information to himself(you little devil,Bob). I will let William and Maka in on the secret, that every surgeon knows. The single most important circumstance that make a
tissue valve last exactly long as a mechanical valve is the surgeon must time it so
the implantation of the tissue valve's expected life span, excedes the patient's natural life span!
Piece of Cake.

 

[Karlynn]

William, I don't think you need to spend any sleepless nights regretting that you have a St. Jude valve instead of one of these "new" tissue valves the person told you about. My guess is that they were getting facts and stories mixed up. Maybe some day - but not now.

 

[William]

The girl said the new valve was a St Jude product. No name for it was mentioned and I'd like to see some other information about it myself to find out if there is any truth to this.

 

[tobagotwo]

There is a St. Jude valve that's available in Europe that has anticalcification treatments. Their current claims are that their treatment is superior to Medtronic's AOA, based on sheep studies. However, their valve hasn't been out very long, so there's no way to tell how it will work in humans. Everything else is just marketing, which is much more loosely controlled in Europe. Their claims will change if the FDA lets them bring it into the US.

More concerning, it's based on a porcine valve that originally only had a 12-to 15-year life span. They'll really have to show something special to be convincing that it's equal to the current offerings from Edwards or Medtronic, much less superior.

Best wishes,

 

[William]

Hi Bob, Off subject here, didn't Jim Morrison have a great use of words? I like the quote at the end of your reply.

 

[tobagotwo]

Morrison was deep, as screwed up as he was. I have a lot of Doors. I especially love the album the Doors released after his death, An American Prayer, which showcased his poetry.

The quote above you probably recognize from The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat).

Best wishes,

 

[maka]

RCB
You are right!!!...the surgeon mentioned about the age factor. I guess he thought it was within the life spam.....more or less

 

[Andyrdj]

There is a St. Jude valve that's available in Europe that has anticalcification treatments. Their current claims are that their treatment is superior to Medtronic's AOA, based on sheep studies. However, their valve hasn't been out very long, so there's no way to tell how it will work in humans. Everything else is just marketing, which is much more loosely controlled in Europe. Their claims will change if the FDA lets them bring it into the US.

More concerning, it's based on a porcine valve that originally only had a 12-to 15-year life span. They'll really have to show something special to be convincing that it's equal to the current offerings from Edwards or Medtronic, much less superior.

Best wishes,

which one is that? Is it the Toronto?

 

[Sir Reel]

I have seen it said before that valves don't last as long in younger patients. What support is there for that statement and what is the cause? Is it becasue they are more active and their hearts beat more frequently during activity, andthus the number of beats in the valve are used up more quickly or is something else thought to be at work?

Edit: Never mind, I see the other post.

 

[Ion Manea]

RCB,

I appologize but I would like to better understand one of your postings:
"The single most important circumstance that make a tissue valve last exactly long as a mechanical valve is the surgeon must time it so
the implantation of the tissue valve's expected life span, excedes the patient's natural life span!".
Could you please try to explain? Is the life expectancy of tissue valve related to how long the surgery is taking place?

Thank you
Ion

 

[Sir Reel]

I think it was a toungue-in-cheek (see emoticons at end) way of saying if you get a 10 year tissue valve and a 50 year mechanical valve but you only live 5 years, then both the tissue and the mechanical valves would have lasted the same length of time.

 

[WesternNYer]

wondering ifanyone has heard of stats on my St. Jude

wondering ifanyone has heard of stats on my St. Jude

I had a 27 mm St. Jude Stented Porcine Bioprothesis done in November 2005....and was told it was just approved for use in the US in august or September of theat year....and I believe it has the anticalcification treatment....could that be the one they spoke about? Either way...one year or 20......each day is a gift. Tim

 

[MarkU]

I think it was a toungue-in-cheek (see emoticons at end) way of saying if you get a 10 year tissue valve and a 50 year mechanical valve but you only live 5 years, then both the tissue and the mechanical valves would have lasted the same length of time.

Just like my St. Jude valve that came with a "lifetime guarantee"...