G
Gary Snodgrass
I am a new member as of 3/4/02. I will be undergoing AVR and ascending aorta replacement on 3/8/02. I have decided after much reading, thinking, and discussion to go with a mechanical valve. I am 43 and do not like the prospect of multiple surgeries required for tissue valves. Of course being on Coumadin indefinitely doesn't appear to be a picnic either! I have looked into the Medtronic freestyle valve but the clinical data just isn't there yet (~ 7 years longitudinal data) and I'm not willing to take the risk. I wanted to thank all of you for the information on this site. I have found it useful to read about other's experiences and used the information in discussion with my cardiologist and surgeon. I will try to update following my surgery.