Dilated Ascending Aorta & Brachiocephalic Artery

[carolyncox]

I have recently been diagnosed with a dilated up to 46cm ascending aorta and a 30 mm brachiocephalic artery. I was born with a biscuspid valve which which was replaced in 1989 and they say those born with a biscuspid valve are more likely have an aneurysm at some stage in their life. As I am from Christchurch, New Zealand, I am having trouble seeking a second opinion especially from someone with experience with the brachiocephalic artery, and have seen a Vascular surgeon who is the top in NZ, but has not done surgery on the brachiocephalic artery. I am keen to see someone who has for a second opinion, even if I have to find some one in Australia. I cannot seem to find a forum for Australia to see if someone there that has this kind of condition, which they say its rare to have it in the brachioecephalic artery. Am on beta blockers, and will soon be on ACE inhibitors, and hoping for another scan in a couple of months to see if its still growing or stable.
Would appreciate all advice.... Thanks heaps, this is a fantastic forum.

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome Carolyn. I can't help you, but we have quite a few members from Australia who might be able to help. Here is a thread where quite a few of them have posted. I suggest you try private messaging them:
http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24804&highlight=australia

 

[Donnchadh]

Pretty much what I'm having replaced soon along with my BAV. You definately want to see a Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
Bav with dilation is AAA 4.8cm and 3.2?(from memory on the brach) the Cardiologist wan't too worried but the surgeon said when do you want to be booked in the valves going straight in the bin and he's replacing the AAA upto and including the Brach Artery
He said most surgeons wont include the brach for fear of dificulties but he want to do the job right the first time and avoid other OHS

Apparently the one I'm seeing is one of the best in Perth. Western Australia. I know about as far away from you as you can get in Aust.
He specialised in transplants and pediatrics so a BAV and AAA replace should be a walk in the park for him

I think im talking myself into this OHS I might ring them again to speed things up a little while I feel good about it

 

[carolyncox]

Thank you Phillys and Donnchadh for your replies, it was very helpful.

Donnchadh - has your surgeon operate on brachiocephalic before? Here in New Zealand, they say its very rare...

I am interested in following your progress Donnchadh, and hope you will keep me up to date with everything. Cheers