I posted a note a few weeks ago that I was back in the process of working up to a TAVR now that my Edwards Magna is failing due to calcification pretty much as my native valve did 10 years ago. After I learned that my prosthesis was failing, I assumed that everything would proceed in a regular fashion. That, however, has not proven to be the case. My Cardiologist Specialist, who will perform the TAVR examined the final CT Scan and believed he found an anomaly. At the time my Edwards Magna was put in place, surgeons didn't consider the implications of how the valve was oriented. Since that time, experience has taught that this could be most unfortunate for a few patients. Although still considered rare, a number of TAVR patients have died during the valve replacement because as the old leaflets were folded over to make way for the new valve, the left cusp (leaflet) covered the intake to the left carotid artery which feeds the heart. This had the disturbing effect of causing a massive heart attack and a quick death as the doctor watched unable to do anything to stop it. The anomaly that my Cardiologist found was just this; not so good for me.
Innovation to the rescue! A little over a year ago, the BASILICA procedure was developed. Simply, 2 probes are introduced into the aorta for the purpose of splitting the left cusp in half. Split in half, the leaflet folds over in two pieces but instead of covering the left carotid artery, the two pieces lay to either side. You can watch this procedure at:
Now that the CT Scan has been reviewed by an expert, there is agreement that the left leaflet will block the artery so they plan to first perform a BASILICA procedure. Other than that little hiccup that has delayed things, everything seems to be set for the morning of the 14th. Since I feel I am dragging my body around and experiencing constant shortness of breath when I walk and unable to walk in a straight line due to dizziness, I am ready, too. I will let you all know how things go...probably.
Larry
Tulsa, OK
Innovation to the rescue! A little over a year ago, the BASILICA procedure was developed. Simply, 2 probes are introduced into the aorta for the purpose of splitting the left cusp in half. Split in half, the leaflet folds over in two pieces but instead of covering the left carotid artery, the two pieces lay to either side. You can watch this procedure at:
Now that the CT Scan has been reviewed by an expert, there is agreement that the left leaflet will block the artery so they plan to first perform a BASILICA procedure. Other than that little hiccup that has delayed things, everything seems to be set for the morning of the 14th. Since I feel I am dragging my body around and experiencing constant shortness of breath when I walk and unable to walk in a straight line due to dizziness, I am ready, too. I will let you all know how things go...probably.
Larry
Tulsa, OK