Article in Science Daily June 2011, discussing TAVR vs. AVR
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110605123244.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110605123244.htm
It would also be interesting to see if these tissue valves are sites of clotting risk -- it would be great for future patients who've had TAVI valves implanted don't need to take anticoagulants or monitor their INRs.
but right NOW at the latest Europen conference they said "In 2011, one out of two cases of biological aortic heart valve replacement in Europe is taking place via transcatheter procedure." so chances are pretty high IF you choose to get a tissue valve NOW it can be replaced by cath when it needs replaced.
But you have to remember that most AVRs are not for congenital heart disease like bicuspid valve but for elderly people with degenerative heart disease, often these people are already in their 80's and 90's ! These are not 'active' people ! As I explained in my message above, with info from my cardio (I live in the UK), I would not be offered this procedure - I am going for tissue valve and I am 58, but like you say, maybe in 15 to 20 years time when that needs replacing TAVR will be a viable option.
From what was explained to me, the TAVR valve is not sewn in place - it is 'sprung' into place once in position...so you see why it might not be suitable for active people who challenge their hearts ! I guess that TAVR must also increase the risk of stroke - I watched a little video of AVR on YouTube and one of the things the surgeon does is to very carefully remove all the calcification in the area so that nothing is left loose to cause stroke - with TAVR the new valve is sprung into place on top of the 'old' valve so there must be more danger of any calcification breaking loose since no one is removing it.
Anne
That's good news. Now, I wonder how many surgeons will jump into learning how to place these valves, so we can quickly build up a pool of surgeons who can do the procedures when/if these valves get broader approval for candidates with more options than the 'inoperable' patients. It'll be nice to see some statistics generated in the United States for this valve.
I've read as much I could regarding percutaneous TAVIs. I was hoping someone could help me answer these questions that I had:
1. In the Phase 3 Partner II trial, BAV patients were excluded and only symptomatic patients were included. Europe appears to be doing many of these procedures, more so than in North America. If this is so, I was wondering if anyone on this forum had had an Edwards Sapien transcatheter valve? who also had BAV? Is so, were you asymptomatic or symptomatic? Are there not enough studies yet to determine the efficacy of this procedure?
In Canada, a study was done at the hospital my husband is monitored at:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21087746
2. I could find no information regarding the longevity of the Edwards Sapien trancathether valve. Does anyone know?
3. How common is it for someone with BAV and severe aortic stenosis to have no symptoms and great exercise tolerance prior to surgery? I could only find one gentleman on this site with that experience. I believe he is a marathon runner.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Did you have concurrent severe/critical AS along with your aneurysm? or an aneurysm alone?
More very good info. Thanks for that find Lynlw. It's hopeful that the devices are improving for TAVR. I suppose the proof in the pudding will be in the years to follow regarding device longevity, efficacy, etc.
Where would one get info regarding data on the subjects studied? Exclusion criteria? Inclusion? For example, age range? Any BAV patients?
In the link ElectLive gave up above, it summarizes the European perspective on TAVR and then gives an overall (international?) summary and recommendations where patient selection includes those with "prohibitive risks", one being BAV. The info you listed is more detailed in the risk outcomes, and they also appear to be improving!! I wonder if there was any age-specific data, BAV-specific data, co-morbid data that was extrapolated from those studies? (other than increase stroke risk with atrial fib as mentioned)
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