Questions for Surgeon - Ascending Aorta Replacement

JLPTennessee · Mar 4, 2011

I'm 41 and have a 5.5cm ascending aortic root aneurysm. I was stented in 2005 and had another "episode" as they call it in 2008. Since the stent placement, I have been monitored (CT scan or echo) every 6 months due to this enlarged aorta. In December my cardio surgeon told me it is time to get this thing fixed. He thinks I may be a candidate for David Procedure. My doc says my valve is in "pretty good shape, but kind of stretched and floppy. Moderate leaking of the valve."

My surgeon has directed me to a surgeon out of state that "specializes" in this David valve sparing procedure. I am flying out and meeting him on Tuesday. I'm sure he'll take the lead in our discussion, but I need some help on "What to ask him?" I've got to decide wether to get the Bentall here in Tennessee or The Valve Sparing in another state? FYI-I am very comfortable with my surgeon here and have been told by countless people that he may be one of the most gifted in the US, I dread the thought of coumadin. Any input on questions and procedures would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, there are some really kind folks on here!!!
JP

Duffey · Mar 4, 2011

What does the local surgeon think about your chances of needing the valve replaced? I would ask the surgeon you're visiting on Tuesday the same question. I understand that at your age, 41, the longer you can keep the valve the better. However, if it were up to me, I'd want to get it all done at once.
I bet you will have a better idea of what you want to do after Tuesday's visit with the surgeon. Please let us know what his thoughts are along with your own.
Good luck!

Greg a · Mar 4, 2011

JP, a heart felt WELCOME to our OHS family there is a wealth of knowledge here for the future .....

Bob/tobagotwo has up dated a list of acronyms and short forms http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8494&d=1276042314

what to ask pre surgery http://www.valvereplacement.org/for...68-Pre-surgery-consultation-list-of-questions
what to take with you to the hospital http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/showthread.php?13283-what-to-take-to-the-hospital-a-checklist

Preparing the house for post surgical patients http://www.valvereplacement.org/for...Getting-Comfortable-Around-the-House&p=218802

These are from various forum stickies and there is plenty more to read as well

And Lynw recently added this PDF on what to expect post op
http://www.sts.org/documents/pdf/whattoexpect.pdf