Ross procedure on healthy, middle-aged bodies?

[Leah]

Hello. In the one day I've been a member, I've been overwhelmed by the responsiveness and knowledge of so many people on this site!

As I investigate the possibilities, I see that the Ross procedure (1) should only be performed by the best of the best; (2) still seems to hold promise as the only possibility for a permanent solution without anticoagulants (if it works) and (3) generally isn't performed on folks over 50.

Is anyone aware of Ross procedures' being performed on 50+-year-olds if they are otherwise healthy? If so, by whom? Where?

Cheers!

 

[Ross]

Excellent question. I guess we'll see.

 

[Mary]

Try Dr. Paul Stelzer in New York.
He's no longer at Beth Israel, but you can do a google search and get a phone number for his office.
When I had replacement at the age of 52, he reviewed my echos and deemed me a good candidate for the Ross.

 

[CHDDoug]

I just had the Ross, but I'm only 33. I'm not sure about anyone over 50 years of age. I did talk to Dr. Stelzer in NY and he's done the most Ross' of any active surgeon. You might also talk with Dr. William Ryan in Dallas, TX. He did my Ross and he is wonderful. Both surgeons talked to me at length about the Ross and both are passionate about it. Both very good choices.

 

[Leah]

what happened?

what happened?

Try Dr. Paul Stelzer in New York.
He's no longer at Beth Israel, but you can do a google search and get a phone number for his office.
When I had replacement at the age of 52, he reviewed my echos and deemed me a good candidate for the Ross.

And did you end up with the Ross procedure? And how did it go?

 

[Leah]

Good resource

Good resource

Mary, thank you for mentioning Dr. Stelzer. I found his website http://www.ps4ross.com/ and his overview of the Ross procedure says that it potentially can be used up to about age 65, depending on life expectancy.

So what I know, for now, is that I'll have to do more individual exploration with one or more surgeon about how they view my specific case.

Thanks to all. I'm starting to fine-tune where and with whom I'll consult.

L

 

[Ross]

Leah there is a Ross Surgeon directory in the "must have reference links' thread in the ref forum. Ben Smith I beleive posted it and we held on to it.

 

[Mary]

And did you end up with the Ross procedure? And how did it go?

No, I threw a clot from the stenotic valve, and I saw a surgeon nearer to home almost immediatley.
The surgeon was Dr. Nicholas Kouchoukos who operates out of Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis.
Since Dr. Stelzer wasn't going to perform the surgery, I chose not to have the Ross. I ended up with a bovine valve instead. Dr. Kouchoukos said he would almost guarantee 12 years with it, and anything over would be a bonus.
I'm content.

 

[alpha 1]

dr steltzer

dr steltzer

hi leah,
here is dr steltzers number, 212-241-6500. if you are getting a ross procedure that probibly would be the place to go. i watched his video of him doing it, he is such a talented doctor, and he will call you back on the phone and you can ask him anything, and he will answer all of your questions. no hurry and he is as nice as can be and very intelligent. dont know dr ryan but everyone seems to like him too.
alpha 1

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi leah,
i haven't been on much at all lately, but in checking i saw your inquiry about ross procedure. my husband, joey, had his rp done by dr. stelzer in 2001 (almost 7 years ago) and _thank G-d_ so far so good.
dr. stelzer is an artist, a genius, a gifted surgeon and above all, a fantastic person. we have talked to him over the years and he remembers each of his patients and is never to busy to talk.
please consult with him; you won't be sorry.
any questions i can answer, please feel free to email me.
wishing you all the best,
sylvia

 

[tobagotwo]

I believe the oldest patient I have read about was a 70-year-old, who was last reported as doing fine. Most articles indicate that they prefer younger patients, but a healthy older person seems able to pull it off as well. They key is to find a willing and capable surgeon.

Stelzer, of course, would be the Hat Trick in this endeavor.

Best wishes,