Rotator cuff surgery with a biological heart valve replacement

[Ellen]

I had my aortic valve replaced 4 years ago with a bovine tissue valve and all is well with it. I now have to have rotator cuff surgery. I know that people with mechanical replacement valves have to deal with the blood thinner during other surgeries. But I am wondering if there are any issues that people like me with biological replacement valves should be aware of when having surgery such as this for my rotator cuff? Is there anything I should be concerned about or do in advance or look for after surgery? Thank you. Ellen

 

[pellicle]

Hi Ellen

​​​​​
​​​​nope, you are pretty much are good to go.

best wishes with the surgery.

 

[Warrick]

The only thing I can think of is you might actually be anticoagulated for a few months after a joint surgery, which is common due to the chances if a clot forming in a healing joint. So unrelated to your valve.

 

[epstns]

Pellicle and Warrick pretty much covered it. Having the bovine valve leaves you, in this case, in the same spot as would be a person without any prosthetic valve. Just stay healthy and move ahead with your life. You'll do fine.