Valve replacement & bypass machine

[ComepletelyLost]

I am very curiuos how many times a surgeon should try to repair a valve on a senior considering the risks on being on a bypass machine too long before going with a machanical valve.

 

[hensylee]

Mornin Completely -
Maybe you can go into a bit more detail? Do you mean more than one operation for valve replacement. By bypass machine, do you mean the time you are connected to heart/lung machine during surgery or actual bypass surgery? There will be plenty of answers, but I think we need a bit more info. Tks - Ann

 

[Nancy]

Welcome to the site. I agree with Hensylee. We need more information to give you a good answer.

Are you exploring which type of valve to go with? Have you already had valve surgery or are you facing it soon?

My husband has had lots of valve surgeries and there are many aspects to discuss.

 

[ComepletelyLost]

My mother had openheart surgery for a bypass and valve replacement, she is a senior and only weighs 100 pds. The doc said he tried to repair the valve 3 times before putting the machanical in. She didnt wake up for a week and now , weeks later is only responding slightly. They claim she may have had a small stroke. If she only had a small stroke wouldnt she be more awake and more responsive? She is still in the hospital. I miss talking with her everyday. I called her every day just to hear her voice, i havent heard her voice in almost 2 months. Im scared!!

 

[Nancy]

Do you know if they are deliberately keeping her medicated while she is healing? There are times that this might be the case, say if she were still on the breathing machine (ventilator) longer than normal. If she did have a small stroke, then she might not be breathing well on her own yet.

Fill us in a little more.