johnnycake23
Two-time AVR Vet
Hi, Nick. I got my valve replaced at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. NWMH has a great reputation so you may want to give them a look-see. Hope this helps.
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Nck Nikolov
Thank you Lynlw and evrybody for youre respond.
C
Curtsmum
Best of luck with finding a surgeon and wishing you a successful surgey.
Hi Nick and welcome to the zoo 
... Glad you found us before you have your surgery .... we will walk with you up and over the mountain.
... Glad you found us before you have your surgery .... we will walk with you up and over the mountain.Hi Nick,
Just to welcome you aboard and wish you good luck.
Just to welcome you aboard and wish you good luck.
N
Nck Nikolov
Thank you all for your responce!
Now is the other big question...which tipe of valve??? Cow ot mechnical?????
The more I read the more I got confused.....
Thanks!
Now is the other big question...which tipe of valve??? Cow ot mechnical?????
The more I read the more I got confused.....
Thanks!
There is not an easy answer to the question of tissue valve vs. mechanical valve.
There are pros and cons with each.
The short answer is that a tissue valve (i.e., one made from either pig or cow) usually does not require the use of the anticoagulant coumadin, but it does probably require a reoperation within some period of time, generally given at around 12 - 20 years or so, depending on your age and some other factors. A mechanical valve, on the other hand, theoretically should last your lifetime and thus theoretically will not require you to undergo a reoperation, but you will be required to take the anticoagulant medication coumadin for as long as you have a mechanical valve in you.
So either answer could be correct; i.e, I could answer your question by stating:
"Either a tissue valve or a mechanical valve is right for you".
Or I could also give you the quick answers:
"A tissue valve is right for you."
"A mechanical valve is right for you."
In all three cases you would have a quick answer to your very short question that is perfectly valid:
"Either a tissue valve or a mechanical valve is right for you".
"A tissue valve is right for you."
"A mechanical valve is right for you."
So, you have three answers to your one question, all of which are valid answers.
Even though it is confusing, I think you need to do more research and weigh the pros and cons of both valve types. Then look at your own situation, how do you feel about possibly having to undergo a reoperation versus having to take the anticoagulant medication coumadin, etc. Then, if you still have question(s), come back and ask. If your question is on valve types, you should post it in the "Valve Selection" portion of the website. Also, I recommend that you thoroughly read the "Sticky" called "Famous Tobagotwo Writings on Valve Selection" in the "Valve Selection" portion of this website.
If you are still confused, you always have the option of letting your surgeon choose your valve type and/or brand. There are many on this website who believe that is the best way to do it.
There are pros and cons with each.
The short answer is that a tissue valve (i.e., one made from either pig or cow) usually does not require the use of the anticoagulant coumadin, but it does probably require a reoperation within some period of time, generally given at around 12 - 20 years or so, depending on your age and some other factors. A mechanical valve, on the other hand, theoretically should last your lifetime and thus theoretically will not require you to undergo a reoperation, but you will be required to take the anticoagulant medication coumadin for as long as you have a mechanical valve in you.
So either answer could be correct; i.e, I could answer your question by stating:
"Either a tissue valve or a mechanical valve is right for you".
Or I could also give you the quick answers:
"A tissue valve is right for you."
"A mechanical valve is right for you."
In all three cases you would have a quick answer to your very short question that is perfectly valid:
"Either a tissue valve or a mechanical valve is right for you".
"A tissue valve is right for you."
"A mechanical valve is right for you."
So, you have three answers to your one question, all of which are valid answers.
Even though it is confusing, I think you need to do more research and weigh the pros and cons of both valve types. Then look at your own situation, how do you feel about possibly having to undergo a reoperation versus having to take the anticoagulant medication coumadin, etc. Then, if you still have question(s), come back and ask. If your question is on valve types, you should post it in the "Valve Selection" portion of the website. Also, I recommend that you thoroughly read the "Sticky" called "Famous Tobagotwo Writings on Valve Selection" in the "Valve Selection" portion of this website.
If you are still confused, you always have the option of letting your surgeon choose your valve type and/or brand. There are many on this website who believe that is the best way to do it.
Welcome aboard. I live in the Milwaukee, WI area so I am not to familiar with surgeons in the Chicago area. After reading this site, there seems to be an overwelming thought about McCarthey. I would do some research on him/her and talk to some other people who have used him for their surgery. Good luck with everything.
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Nck Nikolov
Surgeon's in Chicago
Hi my name is Nick.I have diagnosed with an aortic valve stenosis and my doctor told me that I have to heve surgery and my valve to be replaced.I am loking for some recomendation for a very good... Surgeon.
Hi my name is Nick.I have diagnosed with an aortic valve stenosis and my doctor told me that I have to heve surgery and my valve to be replaced.I am loking for some recomendation for a very good... Surgeon.
heyrebekah
Well-known member
I'm in Chicago and I met with Dr. Malaisrie at Northwestern on Monday. I'm going to see Dr. McCarthy, also at Northwestern, for a second opinion later this month. I was quite impressed with Dr. Malaisrie. He seemed very confident and on top of things and addressed all of my concerns very well. Haven't had surgery yet, though. Good luck to you.
LUVMyBirman
Well-known member
Hi Nick,
Check out Dr. McCarthy at Northwestern. He came from Cleavland Clinc in Ohio. Tops in the country. Don't think you could do much better locally.
Good luck!
Check out Dr. McCarthy at Northwestern. He came from Cleavland Clinc in Ohio. Tops in the country. Don't think you could do much better locally.
Good luck!
Tom F.
Well-known member
I live in Chicago and I had my surgery at Rush University Hospital by Dr. Robert March. Dr. March is a very respected surgeon with many valve repairs and Ross procedures. I was very happy with him. I think he might also do surgery at the Rush affiliate in Aurora, Rush Copley, which may be a better location for you.
mattwisconsin
Well-known member
See also this thread. http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?p=369569#post369569
Here is what I wrote there.
I can't speak from actual experience, but I am in a similar situation. I am in Chicago and recently went from certain surgery to it being about a 50% possibility. I asked for Dr. McCarthy and chose Northwestern because it came highly recommended. I didn't really know where to go. Dr. McCarthy said that he was very busy this spring and probably would not be able to do it and suggested one of his team, Dr. Malaisrie. I have talked with him twice and like him so far. The only thing that I know that I don't like is that he will not use the on-X valve.
Dr. McCarthy's team includes himself, two other doctors from the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Malaisrie, who did a post doc at Stanford (http://nmhphysicians.photobooks.com/...name=malaisrie). From what I could gather they seem to be referring almost all Aorta patients to Dr. Malaisrie now.
Like I said, I have only talked with him, but from that he seemed good.
For the most part I have been happy with Northwestern. I like my cardiologist and the team of doctors they have working with me. Some of the attendees I saw in the hospital left something to be desired. On the whole I have been happy though.
Here is what I wrote there.
I can't speak from actual experience, but I am in a similar situation. I am in Chicago and recently went from certain surgery to it being about a 50% possibility. I asked for Dr. McCarthy and chose Northwestern because it came highly recommended. I didn't really know where to go. Dr. McCarthy said that he was very busy this spring and probably would not be able to do it and suggested one of his team, Dr. Malaisrie. I have talked with him twice and like him so far. The only thing that I know that I don't like is that he will not use the on-X valve.
Dr. McCarthy's team includes himself, two other doctors from the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Malaisrie, who did a post doc at Stanford (http://nmhphysicians.photobooks.com/...name=malaisrie). From what I could gather they seem to be referring almost all Aorta patients to Dr. Malaisrie now.
Like I said, I have only talked with him, but from that he seemed good.
For the most part I have been happy with Northwestern. I like my cardiologist and the team of doctors they have working with me. Some of the attendees I saw in the hospital left something to be desired. On the whole I have been happy though.
fabyan64
Well-known member
Surgeon's in Chicago
I read that many people around the Chicago area recommend Dr. McCarthy, but understand he will not use the On-X valve. If this is the case, does anyone know why he would not go with this valve? What valves (aortic) does he use? Thanks.
I read that many people around the Chicago area recommend Dr. McCarthy, but understand he will not use the On-X valve. If this is the case, does anyone know why he would not go with this valve? What valves (aortic) does he use? Thanks.
G
Guest
We have the same cardio ... Mendelson ... if I remember correctly.
Nick ... Fabyan ... and others ... did your cardiologist not give you some referrals for surgeons? If not, I'm surprised.... Hope you all have found the answers you need....
And, seems like we have a bunch of new Chicago area members ... feel welcomed to join us here:
http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29347
Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...MidW Event = 04/04/09
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Here today, forgot tomorrow" ... Duran Duran ... 'Ordinary World'
palmaceae
Well-known member
My surgeon was Dr. Henry Sullivan. Great qualifications, been practicing 42+ years, has done lung/heart transplants and started the cardiac unit at Alexian in Elk Grove Village. He also taught at Loyolla. I am very pleased with him and his staff.
P
panourie
Dr. Jeevenandum at University of Chicago Hospitals. He did my Ross Procedure in 2003. I haven't been on any meds since 2006 and just yesterday, was told by my cardiologist, I only need to see him once a year. I go where I went and do what I did all over again. Just my experience. Good luck to you.
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Nck Nikolov
Hi evryone,I am going in for surgery tomorow april 9 at NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL IN CHICAGO AND MY SURGEON IS Dr.Patric McCarthy.Thank You evryone for youre suport and advise!
ccummins
Well-known member
Dr McCarthy is great! I can't wait to hear from you on the other side. Northwestern is terrific. I just had my surgery there on March 16.
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BillB
Nik....I'll be up to visit you in a few days. As we discussed, McCarthy and NMH are the BEST! The most difficult part (the waiting) is now over and in a few weeks you'll be amazed how much better you'll feel. Prayers are on the way!
Bill
Bill
