Surgery's scheduled, still making choices, looking for feedback

[Andyrdj]

To RobHol

To RobHol

Did your surgeon mention if calcification of the entire freestyle root is an issue, or is it just confined to the valve?

 

[Superbob]

Andy,

That's an excellent question. He didn't address that issue and I'm not certain of the answer. Medtronic does tout the use of advanced technology for the Freestyle. Perhaps our friend Tobagotwo knows.

Bob

 

[Superbob]

Here is a link to a study about the efficacy of the stentless Freestyle. It offers some detail about calcification issues. I'm not sure it directly answers your question, but I thought it might be of interest:

http://ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/73/6/1817

 

[tobagotwo]

Since we're mentioning studies, just some notes about surgical mortality rates...

- They are tied to the type of surgery, not the type of valve.

- A study that includes mostly older patients will have a higher mortality rate than a younger person might expect. This would not be unusual, because the great bulk of valve patients are at least of retirement age.

- The condition of the patient at the time of the surgery is a primary factor. If a study doesn't concern itself with that aspect, the surgical mortality rates may be unusually high, but not indicative of general survival rates for that surgery type. Again, not unusual, as the goal of a study frequently isn't linked to surgical mortality, or even the likelihood of long-term survival of patients in the study who have comorbid conditions (other things wrong with them). This study is centered on the valve's condition over time.

- In a study such as this, mortality figures would only be of interest insofar as they are deemed valve-related.

Best wishes,

 

[KMS]

Thanks for sharing the study.

A few days ago, I actually spoke at length to a surgeon who's a member of Dr. Kon's team (Kon is chairman of the CT department at Wake Forest and one of the authors of the study). Obviously, they are very high on the Freestyle...Kon does about 100 a year.

I'm leaning in this direction, friends. I'll keep you posted with my continued dialogue and final decision.

Kristine

 

[Andyrdj]

Will watch with interest

Will watch with interest

The things I've been keeping an eye on for all tissue valves are

1. Howeffective at preventing calcification

2. Possibility of tearing or failure by other means

3. Quality of life towards the end of a valve's lifetime

I'd be very interested to hear what Dr Kon has to say on this for whatever you choose, Kristine

 

[Troy]

ON-X heart valve

ON-X heart valve



I have a Bi-Cuspid Aortic valve and it is regurgitating. I have decided on a ON-X heart valve. I have researched mechanical valves and it looks potentially very promising. Anyone out that has had an ON-X heart valve? My surgery is scheduled May 11th, 2006 at OU Medical Center in OKC.

 

[Karlynn]

I have a Bi-Cuspid Aortic valve and it is regurgitating. I have decided on a ON-X heart valve. I have researched mechanical valves and it looks potentially very promising. Anyone out that has had an ON-X heart valve? My surgery is scheduled May 11th, 2006 at OU Medical Center in OKC.

Give this thread a read http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14751

And you may also want to PM (Private Message) Randy (of Randy and Robyn) because he did a lot of homework prior to choosing the On-X.

 

[PJmomrunner]

Troy:

In order for your question to get the attention it deserves and so as not to detract from this thread, you really should pose your question in a new thread. Simply copy the question you posted here and go to the valve selection, pre-surgery, or heart talk forum, click on "New Thread," and paste your question there.

 

[DiscoG4]

On-X Valves

On-X Valves

Troy,

I had an On-X valve on 03/04/06, mainly for the slight possibility that anti-coagulation could be achieved via aspirin in the future, there is a thread on the subject in the new advancements section.

Apologies for hi-jacking the thread, probably best if you do start a new one!

Cheers

Steve

 

[Perry]

At 42 years old I chose thew ON-X valve - it was installed on 3/8/2006. What a tough choice. So many people used the term "gray area" to describe where roughly 37 to 47 year olds fit into the bio vs mechanical choice.

There is much promise with bio valves and some long life expectancies are being touted. Technology will continue to advance. Advancements could effect bio valve durability and, for those with bio valves already, advances could mean needed repair/replacement via catheter.

Technology has not halted for mechanical valves. The goal for the industry is a lifelong valve with no need for anticoagulation. What anticoagulation treatment will there be in 5-10 years? Will the ON-X users need even less of any treatment.

It's tough to choose now regardless - and a trough situation to be in. To also consider the possibilites for future advancement can get pretty confusing. Bottom line - go get fixed and enjoy you new lease on life.

Perry