R
Riversiderob
Hi Randy Im Robert Im new here about one week now. Im having a left and right haert cath and tee this friday, then I hope i get to see a surgen to get my mital valve repaired or replaced but welcome to vr.com
Robert
Robert
Welcome Randy,
Have you read any of the information in the Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Connective Tissue Disorder Forum?
The reason I ask is that Connective Tissue Disorders have a high correlation with BAV. Connective Tissue Disorders also have a high correlation with Aortic Aneurisms which are usually checked for with a Chest CT or MRI.
Did your surgeon order a Chest CT or MRI to check for aneurisms?
If not, I would sure want one of those tests if I had BAV. IF you have a connective tissue disorder and it is not examined / treated during your Valve Replacement Surgery, there is a risk of developing an aneurism at a later date which will require *another* open chest surgery.
My recommendation: Get Checked for aneurisms and be sure your surgeon knows how to examine the tissue of your aorta for signs of connective tissue disorders.
I would also want to know how much Experience your surgeon has doing surgery of the Aorta (NOT just the Aortic Valve). Surgery of the Aorta is another step up the ladder of complexity in Thoracic Surgery which is beyond the level of most Bypass and First Time Valve Replacement Surgeons.
Chicago has one of the Top Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Dr. McCarthy at Northwestern. He was recruited from The Cleveland Clinic which is the #1 rated Heart Hospital.
IF you require surgery of the Aorta, you will also want to be sure that the Recovery Nurses know what to watch for following surgery.
These kinds of Surgeons and Nurses are usually found at the Major Heart Hospitals and not in the typical "Local" Hospital which probably does mostly ByPass Surgery and some (first time Low Risk) Valve Replacement Surgery.
Bottom Line: Experience Counts. Make sure it is the right kind.
Second Issue:
Have you read the information in the 'stickys' at the top of the Valve Selection Forum?
Did your surgeon explain that Tissue Valves have a finite lifetime and will require replacement, typically less than 20 years (sometimes 10 years) in patients younger than 60 years of age at the time of replacement. Younger patients 'wear out' tissue valves faster than older patients. The downside for Mechanical Valves is that Anti-Coagulation Medication is needed for the rest of your life. See the Anti-Coagulation Forum for tips on living with and on anti-coagulation.
The information in the Valve Selection Forum covers the trade-offs between Mechanical and Tissue Valves. There are positive and negative attributes to ALL artificial valves. It is important to make an Informed Decision and understand the Benefits and Risks associated with each option.
'AL Capshaw'
Just got the word from the surgeon, my surgery will be March 9th, I am disappointed I have to wait another week and an half but that's OK, at least it is scheduled.
I chose the tissue valve because of the coumadin issue, my dad took it for years and I know how much trouble he had with it.
Yes, I am very blessed to have this happen so quickly, but the way I see it I have had this condition for a long time and it has taken 8 years to get to this point so my wait was actually pretty long. I just thank God this will be taken care of soon!
Yes, I am very blessed to have this happen so quickly, but the way I see it I have had this condition for a long time and it has taken 8 years to get to this point so my wait was actually pretty long. I just thank God this will be taken care of soon!
Enter your email address to join: