82 year old mother facing AV repair/replacement

[RobinH]

After going through AVR just 7 months ago, my soon to be 82 year old mother is facing the same surgery. Her cardiologist just told her that her aortic stenosis has moved into the severe category. The problem is that, at her age and with some significant health concerns, surgery would be risky. The doctor mentioned an option that may be available to her that involves replacing the valve via a catheter threaded into the groin. It's not available around here (NH) but he said that he would recommend Columbia in NYC because they've done this procedure the most. Has anyone heard about this? I am so scared of the thought of my mother getting the full blown invasive surgery. I was only 47 at the time of my surgery and it was no walk in the park.

 

[Mary]

We've had several threads about this procedure, Robin, and it does sound promising.
Have you looked at Columbia's website to see their statistics? I would start there and perhaps send some email inquiries to the surgeons who perform it.
I certainly understand your dreading the possibility of her undergoing a full blown replacement, but hopefully the valve can be replaced without going that route.
Best wishes

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Hi ~

You can find out more about this by going under "New Advancements" and then clicking on "Good Morning America". I always watch Good Morning America and they had a segment where they did this procedure successfully on a 92 year old nun. It's a wonderful advancement and will probably be the way they will replace aortic valves many years down the road. Unfortunately, it will not work if your mother should have a bicuspid aortic valve. Also, right now it is done as part of the FDA "Partner Study" and your mother would essentially be a guinea pig. A computer (not a doctor) decides whether you get the percutaneous aortic valve, or not. It's basicially like a flip of a coin as to whether the patient gets it, or not. The computer will decide if she gets it, or traditional surgery. If she is deemed completely inoperable, she would either get the percutaneous aortic valve, a valvuloplasty, or traditional medicine. Also, since a large catheter is needed to thread the valve up to the heart, you need to have extra large arteries for it to work. I know all this since i am deemed inoperable and my doctor referred me to Cleveland Clinic (who also participates in this study), and i was rejected because my valve is bicuspid. They said that even if it should become available for people with bicuspid valves, i would still have to go there for tests to make sure my arteries were large, and that the computer might still decide i couldn't get it. So, there is a long way to go before this will be a viable option for people with severe aortic stenosis who need their valve replaced.

It wouldn't hurt to look into it though. You could go into Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital's website and contact Dr. Martin Leon, or have your mother's doctor contact him and send your mother's medical records to him.

My best wishes and prayers are with your mother,

Dawn-Marie

 

[Jkm7]

There have been several successful percutaneous valve replacements done.
Check with Brigham and Women's as somehow I remember they may have done at least one.

They are only doing them on patients who are too ill for traditional valve replacements and it is a blessing this might be a choice.

No question in my mind, if I were in the position you are with your Mom I would absolutely seriously consider this option.

A google seach should find you places to start gathering info.

 

[Curtsmum]

Hope you can get this option for your mum and just wanted to wish you all the best.

 

[vprnet]

Robin,

While in NYP I also heard that NYP Columbia is one of the leading centers in the US trial for AoRTic traNscathetER valves. Here is some recent info on it:

http://www.nyp.org/news/hospital/heart-valves-implanted.html


Best wishes

BAVR with 27mm ON-X NYP Weill Cornell Dec 19, 2008.


PS. I am not a medical professional or a doctor. My comments in this forum are my own opinion and are not intended to be given as medical or professional advise or a recommendation of any valve choice. Decisions that affect your health and wellbeing are ultimately yours and your doctors. vprnet

 

[DavesMom]

Hi Robin,

I know what you mean! AVR wasn't fun for me at age 42 so I can't imagine going through it at 82. I'm so sorry your mom is being put through this - especially so soon after your own surgery. Good luck and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything turns out well.

Best wishes,
Michelle