Has anyone out there elected to "fix" their aorta at the time of AVR, even though there was not yet an aneurysm?
Here's why I'm asking:
Count down/prep to AVR continues:
April - I had my first surgical consult with Dr. Wolfe at St. Joseph's here in Atlanta. I liked him very much for his technical nature, and I've heard lots of good things about his capabilities. He would perform minimally invasive with an ON-X valve. He felt I needed the surgery soon but it wasn't yet urgent and I could schedule at my convenience. I left his office feeling positive, but needing to find out what type of BAV I have- true or functional. A true BAV can be an indicator of associated Connective Tissue Disorders and could lead to the likelihood of an aortic aneurysm later. It would also indicate a discussion/decision about the approach for the surgery--possibly a more difficult procedure.
June: Saw my cardiologist (Dr. Manfred Sandler - AWESOME doctor) for my now 4 month interval check ups. His first question- "Where's your scar? I thought you would have had AVR by now." Ha ha. Sandler did a TEE on me 12 years ago, so he was able to confirm I have the "true" type BAV but no aneurysm.
July: I have a 2nd surgical consult with Dr. Chen of Emory. He is the go-to guy if you need an emergency aneurysm repaired in Georgia, but he also performs minimally invasive AVRs. I'm thinking he's the guy to ask about pro-actively addressing the aorta while getting the AVR.
Any advise/input is welcome. Thanks!
Here's why I'm asking:
Count down/prep to AVR continues:
April - I had my first surgical consult with Dr. Wolfe at St. Joseph's here in Atlanta. I liked him very much for his technical nature, and I've heard lots of good things about his capabilities. He would perform minimally invasive with an ON-X valve. He felt I needed the surgery soon but it wasn't yet urgent and I could schedule at my convenience. I left his office feeling positive, but needing to find out what type of BAV I have- true or functional. A true BAV can be an indicator of associated Connective Tissue Disorders and could lead to the likelihood of an aortic aneurysm later. It would also indicate a discussion/decision about the approach for the surgery--possibly a more difficult procedure.
June: Saw my cardiologist (Dr. Manfred Sandler - AWESOME doctor) for my now 4 month interval check ups. His first question- "Where's your scar? I thought you would have had AVR by now." Ha ha. Sandler did a TEE on me 12 years ago, so he was able to confirm I have the "true" type BAV but no aneurysm.
July: I have a 2nd surgical consult with Dr. Chen of Emory. He is the go-to guy if you need an emergency aneurysm repaired in Georgia, but he also performs minimally invasive AVRs. I'm thinking he's the guy to ask about pro-actively addressing the aorta while getting the AVR.
Any advise/input is welcome. Thanks!
