Tissue Valve

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A family friend of my husband is not convinced of the Ross procedure, and he is a retired cardiologist in NJ, and is suggesting a tissue valve instead of mechanical since my husband is not really wanting to go on Coumadin. The friend, a Dr., says that there might be a non-OHS option to fix or replace the valve when it is time.

My question is, how many of you have chosen a tissue valve? At what age? Have you had a 2nd surgery? How long did the tissue valve last?

Thanks for your help.
 
There are lots of tissue valvers on here with a variety of experiences.

I have a tissue valve (porcine). Got it 3 1/2 years ago at age 63. Working well so far (knock on wood). There are pros and cons to both tissue and mechanical. Might want to read the "sticky" at top of this thread by tobagotwo to get an excellent overview for starters.
 
Moo-cow-valve
age 66
by the time I need another if still around
new procedures will have been perfected.
 
Husband is 47 and backpacking is his post surgery goal, since that was his passion and one of the reasons why he doesn't want coumadin.
 
Tissue

Tissue

I received an Edwards bovine on July 21 so I can't speak to durability but I was told sheep studies indicate the valve could last 20 years. I'm 58 and betting that replacement, if I'm around and I need it, can be accomplished via the artery without OHS. I was diagnosed with a totally blocked artery 12 years ago and there was nothing done because they couldn't open it. My current cardiologist said that today they would open it and referred to 12 years ago as "the dark ages". So what will be possible in 20 years?

But (big but) a tissue valve does not guarantee no anti-coag therapy. I'm on warfarin for a possible a fib problem but hope to get off it in September. Others could stay on forever. Good luck with your choice! I'm sure you'll make the one that's right for you!
 
Mine is only five years old so far (I was 42).

Have you read any of the posts from the Idaho doctor couple who are members here (Pairodocs, or a similar member name)? The patient-husband, Chris, wrote (today or recently) that he had a friend whose tissue valve lasted nearly 40 years. I've occasionally read of others whose tissue valves lasted around 30 years.

But they don't tend to last as long for younger people; and by younger, they often mean people under 60.

The non-OHS replacement method that was referenced was probably something called a percutaneous valve replacement.

Regarding a second surgery, there are members who have done that and more. Also, my surgeon put some type of surgical material between my heart and my sternum before he wired me back together, to hopefully avoid one common re-OHS issue where the heart has fused by scarring to the sternum.
 
I have a porcine valve that I received in April of this year. It really wasn't my choice however, it is the preferred valve of choice for a tricuspid replacement according to my Dr. at Mayo. I'm happy not to have to take another medicine for life but I didn't find coumadin to be a big deal while I was on it for 3 months post op. This was my second surgery and at four months post op, I am still worried about my next surgery in 10-12 years to replace this one. Sometimes I can't help but second guess my decision to have surgery at 45 knowing that I will be subjecting myself to at least 4, possibly 5 OHS in my lifetime. However, I know the alternative would have been to NOT look at 4-5 OHS in my lifetime. Good luck with your decision.

Kim
 
Coumadin wouldn't be a problem with backpacking. A tissue valve might still be his best option, but don't write off a mechanical valve based on incorrect information.
 
I have a tissue valve and route since all the reasons I chose tissue the first avr still applied in 2006. If I need further surgery I intend to ask for a mechanical replacement since the variables regarding menstration and major ortho surgeries are resolved, now.

I'm 48 and was 40 when i was diagnosed.
 
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