Multiple Valve Problems

[the kid]

New member, 72 yr. old male, CABG bypass single mammary to LAD, 1991. Always complained about a second, different chest pain from the elephant on my chest, was told just put up with it, its to be expected. Finally, had two echos this summer, and found both aortic and mitral valves seriously stenosed and I'll have to have them operated on within x yrs./mos./days, doc to decide. My questions are 1. Will the operation(s) both be done at the same time? and 2. Is it possible to have them (it) done laporoscoply? Any comments from those in the same boat are welcome.

 

[Nancy]

Yes, they can both be done at the same time. They COULD probably be done using the HeartPort method, but I doubt if they could be both be done at the same time that way. I think that is a one valve at a time operation, and the mitral one is the one most often done that way. I believe some surgeons can do the aortic valve using a type of cannula method, but not every surgeon or every hospital can do them. You would have to discuss it all with your surgeon.

I imagine that this is quite a shock to you, but you must have some relief in that finally you have a reason for the uncomfortable feelings in your chest. Nothing is worse than someone discounting your symptoms by telling you to LWI (live with it). That is someone who doesn't want to do their job, and is taking the easy way out at your expense.

 

[bvdr]

Welcome to this forum. I'm sure that you've already read that the mitral stenosis in an adult is almost always from rheumatic heart disease. There are quite a few of us here that had rheumatic fever without ever being aware of it. It is not a nice surprise to find out decades after the fact. Your valve disease sounds like rheumatic heart disease as well. I had my mitral valve replaced via the heartport method. My aortic valve was not addressed during that surgery. It is mildly stenosed (1.3) and leaks moderately but it was judged to be many years before it needed replacement....maybe about the time I need stenotic vessels worked on. Everyone is different. Since you already have had OHS there is scar tissue to contend with as well and that may influence your surgeons opinion. Regardless, find someone who has done a lot of these procedures....especially if you have a minimally invasive or heartport approach used. I hope you have learned to trust your instinct about your symptoms. It is very easy for doctors to dismiss symptoms they don't fit the mold. I'm so glad you know what was causing it and that it is being addressed.

 

[bvdr]

I forgot to ask you about your heart rhythm. Are you still in normal sinus or are you having episodes of a-fib?

 

[the kid]

To bvdr: My only(?) physical problems are shortness of breath and pain from left quadrant under left arm into my back. No afibs. I've got to look up that heartport info. As you can see, I'm not too well informed yet, but I will be!