surprise valve change

[windsurfer]

What are some of the conditions where the surgeon has to change plans for the type of valve e.g. found aneurysm so switched from planned cow valve to stentless porcine with root or? Can those conditions be seen ahead of time e.g. How do you detect an aneurysm before opening? or anything else that might change the valve selection.

Bobco

 

[ALCapshaw2]

My surgeon agreed to use a Bovine Pericardial Tissue Valve for my AVR but after opening me up, discovered extensive scar tissue due to radiation damage from treatment for Hodgkin's Disease many years previously. He went with a St. Jude mechanical valve instead and later told me that he didn't think I would survive another AVR due to the scar tissue.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[karlaosh]

Bobco:

It's my understanding that an aneurysm is best detected and measured by MRA (MRI angiography). My cardiologist said that test is the "gold standard" for valve, root and aneurysm measurements.

Not sure about CT scans. Echocardiograms also provide measurements, but I don't think they're as accurate as MRAs.

Karla

 

[CCRN]

Valve change

Valve change

My surgeon agreed to use a Bovine Pericardial Tissue Valve for my AVR but after opening me up, discovered extensive scar tissue due to radiation damage from treatment for Hodgkin's Disease many years previously. He went with a St. Jude mechanical valve instead and later told me that he didn't think I would survive another AVR due to the scar tissue.

'AL Capshaw'

Mine wasn't found until I had the cardiac cath about 5 days before surgery. It was decided I would have a mechanical valve dacron conduit because of my "youthful" age of 45 and my surgeon's wish that my chest never be opened again after the Bental procedure if at all possible.

 

[karlaosh]

My surgeon told me that we would decide on a valve choice before surgery and that I wouldn't have to worry about him installing a different valve while I was under.

But I know that other surgeons don't like to give that kind of guarantee.

 

[Karlynn]

If you doctor does end up making a change after surgery begins, you can rest assured that you have a good doctor. The change would be made in your best interest. I would question a doctor that guarantees there will be no change because the surgeon won't know until they get in and take a look as to what your exact circumstances are.

 

[windsurfer]

Mra

Mra

Sounds like I should get an MRA then to be sure I don't have an aneurysm. I wonder if most found their aneurysm by MRA or by echo. It's better to have the information ahead of time so one can plan e.g. stentless porcine is different than bovine and you want the surgeon with the most experience for a specific procedure or valve.
Bobco