Basilica Anyone? TAVR on 14 May, 2019

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Mentu

Premium Level User
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2008
Messages
1,309
Location
My surgery was performed at Oklahoma Heart Institu
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
 
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

Waiting for your post-op report, Larry. Another old member, Tobagotwo, is undergoing TAVR on the 14th. Chemo and radiation has destroyed the one he received in 2003. I’m keeping you both in my thoughts. Mary
 
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

Larry, looks like you will be the recipient of the cutting edge of technology and safety! Amazing...glad there was a good solution for you. As Duffy said, we will look forward to your post op report. Thinking of you and will be sending all good wishes and positive vibes on the 14th! Hope you are doing some nice things for yourself up until then. :)
 
Waiting for your post-op report, Larry. Another old member, Tobagotwo, is undergoing TAVR on the 14th. Chemo and radiation has destroyed the one he received in 2003. I’m keeping you both in my thoughts. Mary
Duffy, please give Tobagotwo my very best wishes for a successful surgery. He is certainly missed on this forum. I learned alot from his posts over the years and he certainly contributed alot to this forum.
 
Mentu--Best wishes for your TAVR. It sounds like you're in good hands.

Duffy, please give Tobagotwo my very best wishes for a successful surgery. He is certainly missed on this forum. I learned alot from his posts over the years and he certainly contributed alot to this forum.
I echo this. I'm sorry to learn TobagoTwo has had some other health challenges. He is missed.
 
I have personally observed the TAVR procedure in my line of work as a device rep. They typically go very smoothly and I’m so glad they caught that anomaly and have a way to avoid that! I have also been in hundreds of other procedures that involve percutaneous access through the femoral artery.
The recovery time will be night and day compared to your original OHS. Thanks for the bascullica video, I love that stuff.
Wishing you the best for Tuesday’s procedure!
Trinity
13 year old son
1st OHS 2 weeks old ToGV switch
2nd OHS at 11 years AVR St Jude mechanical
 
Larry. I am so sad, and in a way upset that you did not get the 15 to 20 years we all hope for out of your valve. If I remember correctly you and I received our Edwards Magna valves more or less at the same time 10 years ago. At my last 6 monthly checkup in April my valve was still functioning well. Wishing you all the very best with the TAVR tomorrow!.
Thank you for the Basilica video. No idea how my valve is orientated but if and when the time comes for a TAVR I shall certainly now tell the Dr's to check, and if need be, there is this procedure to correct the problem!

Many good vibes for tomorrow!!

Johan
 
Larry, waiting to hear your TAVR update. Tobagotwo also underwent TAVR Tuesday. Yesterday morning, Thursday, he let us know that it went well, and he and his wife were going to a retiree dinner last night! Less than 48 hours after the valve replacement! I am amazed at the difference between AVR via OHS and AVR via TAVR, and hope yours went as smoothly.
 
Larry, waiting to hear your TAVR update. Tobagotwo also underwent TAVR Tuesday. Yesterday morning, Thursday, he let us know that it went well, and he and his wife were going to a retiree dinner last night! Less than 48 hours after the valve replacement! I am amazed at the difference between AVR via OHS and AVR via TAVR, and hope yours went as smoothly.
I, too am waiting for an update from Larry and hoping all went well. :) That is amazing news for Tobagotwo Duffey! Thanks for sharing and please give him my best wishes and happy to hear the good news. 48 hours after my AVR I was still in ICU! How recovery time changes with TAVR.
 

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