St Jude Valves
- Thread starter CatDad82
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I've had mine for nearly 28 years. It's still ticking....
I don't think I've had any issues with it.
Of course, I have to take warfarin daily, but this really isn't that big a deal to manage. It's easier now than it was when I first got the valve. Back then, I had to have my blood tested at a lab. Now, with meters available, I test at home (and I manage my dosing - although you may be more comfortable at at clinic, especially because the first few months, it can be difficult to get a handle on the dosing for your specific body).
This forum has a LOT of members who can help answer your questions.
I don't think I've had any issues with it.
Of course, I have to take warfarin daily, but this really isn't that big a deal to manage. It's easier now than it was when I first got the valve. Back then, I had to have my blood tested at a lab. Now, with meters available, I test at home (and I manage my dosing - although you may be more comfortable at at clinic, especially because the first few months, it can be difficult to get a handle on the dosing for your specific body).
This forum has a LOT of members who can help answer your questions.
pellicle
Professional Dingbat, Guru and Merkintologist
Millions out there, almost no problems.
What's your question?
What's your question?
carolinemc
Well-known member
I got one back in 2001 and still alive and ticking. Just on warafarin and doing great. Got it at 38, and now 54. You will be fine with whatever valve you choose. Hugs for today.
SumoRunner
Well-known member
1991, never an issue
Two St. Jude mechanical valves since 2008. No issues.
Warrick
Well-known member
My fathers St Jude is 35 years old and still cranking, with no problems which I consider fantastic advertising, they do exactly what it says on the tin.. last a lifetime.
mine is just a baby at 3 1/2 yrs
I was nearly the same age as you are at 38, my dad was 42 when he got his, so as much as its a s**t sandwich being in your 30s and having this you are being fitted with a device that is road tested thru and thru and is made from the hardest manufactured substance in the world pyrolitic carbon.
mine is just a baby at 3 1/2 yrs
I was nearly the same age as you are at 38, my dad was 42 when he got his, so as much as its a s**t sandwich being in your 30s and having this you are being fitted with a device that is road tested thru and thru and is made from the hardest manufactured substance in the world pyrolitic carbon.
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Thomas
Well-known member
Mine is still new - 1 1/2 years. No problems.
Very encouraging to read about the longevity in the previous posts.
Very encouraging to read about the longevity in the previous posts.
Cork
Well-known member
I have had 2 St Jude valves for coming up on 15 years without a single issue.
I have had my aortic mechanical St Jude valve for 26 years, with no problems at all. Of course one has to take warfarin daily, and the self testing system is very good, text it and refer to the hospital blood department for the dosage and next self testing date. Operation done at Leeds General Infirmary UK
trinitymcdermott
Active member
My 13 year old son got his St Jude aortic mechanical valve about 2 years and 4 months ago. I asked about bioprosthetic so he would t need to be on warfarin - his surgeons was not comfortable with him not having a proven lifetime valve because of his age (bioprosthetic also rapidly calcify in pediatrics) and his annulus was adult size so shouldn’t need an upgrade later.
Some consider Onyx as they are supposed to
require a lower INR - it it’s still new technology and his surgeon was it comfortable with that at
the time, but I understand he has begun using it recently in some patients (I know the rep that sells it). I’m happy he has a tried and true device.
Some consider Onyx as they are supposed to
require a lower INR - it it’s still new technology and his surgeon was it comfortable with that at
the time, but I understand he has begun using it recently in some patients (I know the rep that sells it). I’m happy he has a tried and true device.
I went On-X partially because of lower INR requirement, even though I plan on targeting an INR of 2.5, but also because it is supposedly quieter and has something that prevents the scarring from interfering with the valve (sorry I forget the medical term). I saw my PCP yesterday and even with stethoscope she was impressed with how quiet the On-X was as she has heard plenty of loud valves. While the On-X is newer than the St. Jude it does have a proven track record. My surgeon at Cleveland clinic uses it as his default valve.
gerrychuck
Well-known member
6 year old St Jude mitral here. All good!
DachsieMom
Well-known member
St Jude valve conduit. 3.5 years ago. No issues! I was 41 at the time.
CThrock
Well-known member
I have two mechanical valves since 2006. Have had no problems. Think St. Jude's is a great choice.
Enigmalady777
Active member
I have a St. Jude's mitral valve since March 2018 and no issues either.
I don't know much about On-X, but before the FDA approved it, I'm sure that it went through a LOT of testing.
If mine was On-X instead of St. Jude, I'd still be more comfortable keeping my INR around 2.5 than in the sub-2 that On-X says is safe. In this case, with 2.5 also being at the bottom of the range for St. Jude valves, the INR management may be similar - so perhaps the big difference would be that the On-X is quieter than the St. Jude.
We'll probably know better about any failure rates with On-X a decade or so from now. (I'm not sure that I'll be here that long, but, if not, my exit most likely will be unrelated to the St. Jude valve (aside, I guess, from really stupid INR management).
If mine was On-X instead of St. Jude, I'd still be more comfortable keeping my INR around 2.5 than in the sub-2 that On-X says is safe. In this case, with 2.5 also being at the bottom of the range for St. Jude valves, the INR management may be similar - so perhaps the big difference would be that the On-X is quieter than the St. Jude.
We'll probably know better about any failure rates with On-X a decade or so from now. (I'm not sure that I'll be here that long, but, if not, my exit most likely will be unrelated to the St. Jude valve (aside, I guess, from really stupid INR management).
carolinemc
Well-known member
With the On-x you do not have to test as often as on the S. Jude's valves with warafarin. I looked it up some years ago when On-x was starting to be used. It has come a long way for those who can get it.
I don’t care what they say I will still test at least once a week, and for now been testing twice a week as I am just 10 weeks post op.
