Tissue Valve degeneration

[ticktock]

...the insufficiency/regurgitation is the confounding aspect of this, given the experience my surgeon's had with the medtronic valve. anyway, i'll post more to this thread as I find out more...looks like I'll be in for number 4 here in the not too distant future. My ticker is starting to look like a Microsoft product. har dee har.

Adam[/QUOTE]

Adam,this is the reason I opted for a Bjork Shiley originally which lasted 20 years, then ended up with an apico-aortic conduit with a St.Jude titanium in the fourth procedure. Repeat surgeries do come with problems, as you apparently have already discovered.

I've never heard of one having problems that early on, I know that is of no comfort. Will be anxious to read replies here. Best of luck to you.

 

[Jkm7]

You are corrrect. The first surgery was 11/07. I will update my profile. The TEE I had in 11/08 revealed valve was seated correctly, no calcium deposits but one of the leaflets was frozen in the open position creating severe insufficiency. Edwards did a study of my TEE but did not have a concrete answer. In fact their report stated valve was malfunctioning. Wow! I could have told them that. I had my 1st surgery at EAMC near Auburn, AL. My redo will be done at UAB, Birmingham, AL. Thanks for all the input!

Gee, Edwards is being 'hugely helpful'. What's that about?

I am so very sorry to hear you are in this position and wish you an easy time of it with a perfect surgery this time.