new surgical technique?

[starfish11040]

I know that they've been working on a very non-invasive procedure to replace aortic valves. My cardiologist guesses it will be ready in 5-10 years.

My thinking is like this: I am 58 years old and will most likely need a valve replacement. When the time comes I'm thinking about a tissue valve in the hope that by the time it needs to be replaced, this new procedure will be ready. My cardiologist threw some cold water on the idea when he said that he thinks that, as of now, the new procedure can be used only to replace a natural valve, not one that was sewn in. Any thoughts?

Is anybody else thinking like this? Anyone have more info on the new procedure?

There is also something bothering me regarding info about the longevity of pig valves. My cardiologist tells me at most 10 years. Yet I have read here and in other places numbers much higher. I don't understand how there could be such wide disagreement among cardiac professionals. Facts are facts. And if the higher numbers are accurate, why don't these doctors know that? Do laymen know more researching these websites than the medical specialists?

 

[Lynlw]

I think most of the tissue valves that people are talking about that CAN last 20 years are bovine not pig Lyn

 

[ks1490]

I think the discrepancy in estimates comes from the age and the activity level of the recipients - younger, more active recipients would be more likely to "burn" through the tissue valve more quickly....

 

[Phyllis]

Here is a good link that explains the procedure. At this time, it has been done for people who are at high risk for regular surgery. We have all hoped that this will become the method used in the future, but as with all medical research and technology, there are no guarantees.
http://www.cardiosource.com/rapidnewssummaries/index.asp?EID=25&DoW=Mon&SumID=186

Take a look through the threads on valve selection for much more info on longevity.