subvalvular aortic stenosis

[carrie999]

After a TEE and coronary angiogram, my BAV husband has been told that the valve itself is actually OK, but he has subvalvular stenosis that has reached the point where he needs to have it removed. The cardiologist says any surgeon who goes in to remove the calcium will replace the valve. We are wondering if this must always be the case...is it ever possible to remove the calcium without damaging or otherwise disturbing the valve? Maybe we are grasping at straws here...Has anyone been in the same boat?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

There are some "Valve Sparing" techniques (usually for Aortic Root issues).
You may want to do a Search (on VR or Google) for "Valve Sparing" and also ask the Surgeons you interview.

 

[Lynlw]

Carrie, I don't personally have experience with subvalvular Aortic stenosis, (Justin had subvalvular, valvular and supravalvular Pulmonary stenosis when he was born) and I don't know IF this is what your husband has, but FWIW a few members' of my Congenital heart defect groups childen have subvalvular Aortic membranes that have been removed. I think what they need to do probably depends on what/and where the stenosis is, but from what I know some people have had their subvalvular MEMBRANES removed a couple times and in their case, they leave the valve alone if it is OK.

I don't know if it is common for adults to have subvavluar Aortic stenosis, so I would probably ask how much experience they have with them, MAYBE the doctors- surgeons or cardiologists that have the most experience with subvalvular stenossis might be ones who specialise in Congenital Heart Defects.