wvu mountaineer
Member
I am new to this web site and just learning how to navigate. I am scheduled for AVR surgery November 1st at Emory (Dr. Robert Guyton). I had a homograft valve replaced in 3/98, which is failing. I also have been told that the aortic root may be damaged and the mitral valve may need repaired or replaced. The mortality risk greatly increases as the complexity of the surgery unfolds, which won't be known until the surgeon has the chest opened. Very scary time.
My question is valve selection. I am 64 years old in reasonably good shape and regularly golf (125 times a year), occasionally downhill ski, and walk extensively. To avoid having the surgery a third time, I was going to go with a mechanical valve. The surgeon indicated that I might consider a tissue valve, because the replacement can be with a catheter versus open heart. I need to tell time on my pre op appointment on 10/26, which way I am going to go. Would appreciat feedback regarding anything that I have included in this tread.
Sincerely,
WVU Mountaineer
My question is valve selection. I am 64 years old in reasonably good shape and regularly golf (125 times a year), occasionally downhill ski, and walk extensively. To avoid having the surgery a third time, I was going to go with a mechanical valve. The surgeon indicated that I might consider a tissue valve, because the replacement can be with a catheter versus open heart. I need to tell time on my pre op appointment on 10/26, which way I am going to go. Would appreciat feedback regarding anything that I have included in this tread.
Sincerely,
WVU Mountaineer