Valve Repair for a bicuspid?

[Country]

How long would a "repaired" bicuspid valve last? my surgeon suggested that it would be a possibility... not that he would perform it but it could be done.

I told him that i would take the mechanical valve and not worry about something that isn't a SURE thing

 

[Ross]

That's one of those things that no one can really answer. I can say that I'm no fan of repairs. They just don't last. Better to just get the valve replaced and be done with it.

 

[Country]

that is exactly what i wanted to hear Ross!! Thanks Man!

 

[heartman77]

I agree with Ross.....I had even told my surgeon, a replacement to me was much preferred to a repair. When i woke up he told me that he always goes in with the thought of trying to save the native valve, but said mine was a "mess" and was no way a candidate for repair. I am glad I received a new valve and for me personally, I am happy I went mechanical. Michael

 

[ALCapshaw2]

There is a fairly high correlation of Connective Tissue Disorders with BAV, especially among BAVers who also have Aortic Aneurisms. There was some discussion on how to tell if you might also have CTD (I don't remember the details).

Bottom Line: IF you also happen to have a Connective Tissue Disorder (or a family history suggesting the possibility),
I would think that a Repair would be Risky. This is something that you woud want to discuss with the Surgeon(s) you interview.

 

[delvalle6]

It highly depends on the type of "repair" and your tissue... among other things. My son is being evaluated for an autologous pericardial leaflet extension. Studies on this procedure have lead to 50% of study subjects NOT needing further surgical intervention at the 18 year mark. The outlook is very promising... and it turns a bicuspid into a tricuspid. Not sure if this is helpful to you, but Dr. Hillel Laks in LA at UCLA is the leading specialist on this procedure.