sensei Ade
Well-known member
Hi all,
I have been in discussions with On-X themselves to get their feedback about possible complications with these valves over the long term. I did this because I saw some threads last week talking about infections, loosening sutures etc which made me feel a bit jittery, so I wanted to look into this a bit more. Below is the response that I've had from them today which is very encouraging and reassuring for all of us On-X men and women.
Thank you for your question. We hope you have fully recovered from your valve replacement. The pyrolytic carbon in On-X valves will last more than 100 years under normal pressures in the body. We have not received any report of failure of a valve due to structural wear and do not expect that we will.
The reoperative rate for the On-X valve is very low--under 1% and comparable to that of all replaced valves. The risk of reoperation long after surgery is mainly from infection or scar tissue growth. "Loose sutures" is usually an issue at the time of surgery and rarely develops after surgery in the absence of infection (endocarditis). Clotting can also cause a reoperation so it is important to take anti coagulation medication as prescribed by your physicians--this complication occurs less often with the On-X valve as shown in clinical trials.
Scar tissue growth that interferes with the valve is common with other heart valves, but, so far in 15 years of implant, we have not received an official confirmed report of scar tissue interference for the On-X valve. The near natural length of the valve is most likely the reason for this.
The main way to combat the risk of infection is to make sure you take an antibiotic when undergoing any invasive procedure including dental work and colonoscopy. Make sure your physicians are informed about your replaced valve and make sure you have regular check ups for the valve including echocardiography.
If you suspect any issue related to the valve, please consult your physicians as soon as possible. You are correct in staying completely informed about the possibilities for complications but try to remember that you have an implanted valve that has shown the lowest complication rates of all the products on the market. And try not to worry for your own peace of mind. Complication rates are low especially if you take care of yourself.
We hope this answer helps. We wish you the best for a great 2012!
I have been in discussions with On-X themselves to get their feedback about possible complications with these valves over the long term. I did this because I saw some threads last week talking about infections, loosening sutures etc which made me feel a bit jittery, so I wanted to look into this a bit more. Below is the response that I've had from them today which is very encouraging and reassuring for all of us On-X men and women.
Thank you for your question. We hope you have fully recovered from your valve replacement. The pyrolytic carbon in On-X valves will last more than 100 years under normal pressures in the body. We have not received any report of failure of a valve due to structural wear and do not expect that we will.
The reoperative rate for the On-X valve is very low--under 1% and comparable to that of all replaced valves. The risk of reoperation long after surgery is mainly from infection or scar tissue growth. "Loose sutures" is usually an issue at the time of surgery and rarely develops after surgery in the absence of infection (endocarditis). Clotting can also cause a reoperation so it is important to take anti coagulation medication as prescribed by your physicians--this complication occurs less often with the On-X valve as shown in clinical trials.
Scar tissue growth that interferes with the valve is common with other heart valves, but, so far in 15 years of implant, we have not received an official confirmed report of scar tissue interference for the On-X valve. The near natural length of the valve is most likely the reason for this.
The main way to combat the risk of infection is to make sure you take an antibiotic when undergoing any invasive procedure including dental work and colonoscopy. Make sure your physicians are informed about your replaced valve and make sure you have regular check ups for the valve including echocardiography.
If you suspect any issue related to the valve, please consult your physicians as soon as possible. You are correct in staying completely informed about the possibilities for complications but try to remember that you have an implanted valve that has shown the lowest complication rates of all the products on the market. And try not to worry for your own peace of mind. Complication rates are low especially if you take care of yourself.
We hope this answer helps. We wish you the best for a great 2012!
