Valve Choices Revisited

temp69 · May 24, 2006

Hi, new member, too. Am facing repair of aneurism and aortic valve replacement surgery fairly soon. Am 55. Was just told by a surgeon in seattle that the tissue valves are lasting longer and longer. Am considering using a tissue valve with the hopes that in 10-15 years replacing it will be less invasive.

Am interesting in hearing from mechanical valve users, how it affects lifestyle with coumadin. I like to ski, play tennis, swim, etc. And love wine, though I'm off it for the time being.

Thanks for any support you can lend.

geebee · May 24, 2006

Welcome temp69.
You will find that the choice of valve is probably the most difficult decision for you to make. Of course, the vast majority of us are happy with the choices we made and have many reasons for them. Some of us had no choice but are still okay with our valve.
I have been on coumadin for over 25 years. It has never been an issue for me and has not affected my lifestyle whatsoever. I am as active as I was before coumadin (scuba dive, sailboat racing, motorcycles, swimming, etc.). I eat what I want (although I am fairly consistent in what I eat but not due to the coumadin), drink occasionally. Of course, there is a bridging regime to go through if you need surgery while on coumadin but I have done that now 4 times and have never had a problem.
I am the type of person who makes decisions based on what is before me right now and not what might be there down the road. I am not a gambler. I would do anything I could to avoid another surgery but, then, I have had 3 OHS so maybe I have a different perspective.
Be sure and visit our resident coumadin expert, Al Lodwick's, website http://www.warfarinfo.com/ for info on coumadin and do a search on this one for valve choice. You will find a treasure chest of information, enough to help you make the right decision for yourself.

Ross · May 24, 2006

Hey you made it! Welcome aboard.

Sounds like a logiical plan to me. Tissue may last you your lifetime with a possibility of one additional surgery. Some of the newer tissues are projected to give 20+ years of service.

I have a mechanical and Coumadin is not an issue at all for me. As Gina said, check into Al's site for the information of a life time concerning Coumadin. Do that as part of your researching choices.

Perry · May 25, 2006

Welcome Temp!

I just had my Aortic valve replaced on 3/8/2006. I am 42 and chose mechanical (ON-X valve) over tissue (though the Ross Procedure was my true first choice). It was a pretty even choice betwen mechanical and tissue - at 42. I get the feeling that doctors I consulted with would have leaned toward tissue if I was in my 50s. You hopefully will have some good folks to consult with and can make a very informed choice. Either way - just get better!!!!

It's very early for me, but for now I am glad to know I have a valve that ought to never fail. I made that choice before surgery and for me the hospital experience and recovery was not something I care to go through again.

I really hope there are less intrusive ways to implant a new valve in the future (my son may need his donor pulmonary valve replaced as he grows), but that was not something I wanted to bank on. I, too, wanted what was the best right now. There is promise with current tissue valve longevity and there is promise with the ON-X recipients needing less coumadin than other valves. Who knows what will happen down the road? I like to say "they went in and fixed it - DONE!". If I had the same confidence in a current tissue valve that would have been the clear choice.

The best advice - take it all in and choose your cure.

Perry

Tom F. · May 25, 2006

You did not say where the aneurysm is, or whether your aortic valve is biscuspid or normal. If you have an ascending aortic aneurysm and your valve is otherwise normal, you may want to find a surgeon that can fix the aneurysm and save your valve. Its called a "David type" valve sparing procedure, I had one in 2002. Good luck.