replacement valves in children

[momta3]

Hi again everyone,

I posted here before about my 9 yr old son ( Brandon) who was due for his cath and maybe balloon on 3/1..

Well we had the cath but the balloon was a no go because he has to much leakage ( something about a 50 grad) and they thought that it wouldn't make matters any better. They said the risk was higher than the positive so they decided against it while they were in there.

So now we are going to keep a close eye on him ( cardio doc, EKG & ECHO's) every 2 months and I guess just wait until the time is right for valve replacement.

My ? is this.. I know of the Ross procedure as far as valve replacements in children and I know that there are other ones as well but I have no idea what they are or how they work, risks etc,,,,

If any of you know of any sites.. ( I know some of you posted some before but I can't seem to find them again) that might give me some information on pro's & cons of different replacement procedures I would greatly appreciate it.

I want to know what I and the doctors are talking about BEFORE I go in there and have to make a dicission about this. And I REALLY want to advoid blood thinners in a child of 9-10..

Thank you very very much already

Barb,, Mom to Brandon~9 ( aortic stenosis/ cath 3/1/04) , Russell~5, and our miss Emmie~23 months

 

[Ross]

Barb you need to start reading in the valve selection forum. Read everything and anything that even sounds like something you may want to know. Check the VR home page for links to manufacterers sites also. This place is chalked full of information, you just have to look for it.

Something is wrong with the picture of the boys. I downloaded it but only their knees are showing for me. You may want to change it from a bitmap to a jpeg file and post it. If you need help, just email me and I'll get you fixed up.

 

[Bryan B]

Barb,

One thing to consider in children is that since they are growing, they tend to outgrow mechanical valves. I'm not sure if that happens with tissue valves. I think the reason the Ross Procedure is a popular choice with children is that the pulmonary valve placed in the aortic position will grow with the child. But like Ross said, go to the "Valve Selection" forum and do some research. Also, talk with your cardiologist and surgeon to get their input as well.

 

[Kevin M]

Children grow out of mechanical valves and tissue valves. The exception is the Ross Procedure, where the valve grows with the child. They usually take the pulmonary valve and put it in the aortic position. Typically, a homograft is used to replace the pulmonary valve, but I do not know what they do in the case of growing children.
Kev

 

[momta3]

thank you so much for your reply's ... I did check out some information as soon as I was done posting and I do have a better idea of what everything is.. I stopped though because I didn't want to go into information overload.. and get all stressed out..

I will keep researching though.

 

[momta3]

Brandons gonna kill me for posting that picture.... LOL But look how cute they look... that was a while ago tho .. the baby wasn't even one yet..

 

[Ross]

That picture reminds me of the days that we gave our boys bathes in the kitchen sink. They don't stay little very long.

Gather what information you can digest and take a break. There is a lot to read and learn. So long as you don't have to make the decision today, you should be well prepared when the time comes.