Thump

[Pat Hicks]

I had avr surgery with about 2 inches of the aorta replaced in November 2001. Since that time I don't click - I thump. Any ideas why?

 

[Johnny Stephens]

I'm not sure what type of graft you had, but I have seen others with a synthetic graft mention this as well. I assume it's because the sleeve is somewhat more rigid (is this actually true?) than your native aorta, and transfers the energy pulse of the valve closure more efficiently.

Or not.