Comments on: Mini-Thoracotomy For Heart Valve Replacement… Jim’s Story

By: Joseph

Joseph — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:03:29 +0000

To all:

We have read about the different valves that are available to heart patients. Bovine, Porcine, Mechanical.

But has anyone ever heard of a HORSE valve for Aortic valve replacement?

Thank you for anyone whom answers this e-mail,

Joseph at Camelot47@aol.com

By: jim engelmann

jim engelmann — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:47:46 +0000

Sorry that I wasn’t able to respond to the questions earlier. As I know that there are probably others with some of the same questions, I thought that the answers would still be relevant.

I was 42 at the time of my surgery. My surgeon recommended a mechanical valve so that it would last as long as possible. (Pig and cow valves have a shorter life than mechanical). However, the surgery can be performed with either. My surgery took so long because it was the first time my surgeon had performed it, and he was taking each step slowly. As for women, it’s actually a better procedure, taking place above the breast. It avoids scarring the clevage.

As for my recovery…

It took longer than I expected to be at 100%. I believe this has to do with all of the medications. I found myself tired, forgetful and weak. Once I was off (yes, OFF) of all of the blood pressure medication I really recovered quickly. Right now I am only on coumadin and lipitor. I felt like I was at 100% after about 8 months. I’m not sure that everyone can get off of the medications, but I know that it was key to my full recovery.

If any of you are researching options, this is certainly one worth investigating fully.

Jim

By: fazilat

fazilat — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 12:30:31 +0000

hi i am so pleased to hear about the minimal invasive procedure i am not sure if this is available in uk but it will be great as the breaking of the sternum is very hard to recover from, i am post op 10 months now thank god one question though is this procedure also for women as we have breasts, how would they gain entry to the heart.
thank you. fazilat

By: Kathy Lemons

Kathy Lemons — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:26:34 +0000

The thoughts of a less invasive procedure for aorta valve replacement sounds wonderful. Can the less invasive procedure be done with either the mechanical valve or the bioprosthetic valve? Obviously, from your comments, the Ross procedure would not qualify for this procedure but I was curious about the other valve replacement options.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:46:04 +0000

My Dad needs aortic valve replacement surgery. He is 67 y.o. and has a bicuspid aortic valve. We will be discussing with the surgeon less invasive techniques such as the mini-thorocotomy. The hospital in NY we are going to also does minimally invasive port access valve replacements. I am not sure if he will be a candidate for this. I wanted to inquire about anyone who may have had this type of procedure done. Is this more commonly done with mitral valve than the aortic valve? I appreciate any feedback.

Thank you, Tammy

By: Don Henry

Don Henry — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:41:01 +0000

Hi Jim,

Congratulations on your successful surgery. I think this is truly awesome.
May I ask your age? And why did the surgery take 7.5 hours? I can’t say enough about the advances in heart surgery. I had my aorta replaced at age 55 with a Carpentier Edwards bovine valve 9 years ago and I am doing well. I will need to have this surgery again and I am hoping to have the mini-thorocotomy technique unless even something better comes along. This is great news and something positive for people , who will be facing this surgery.

By: dena

dena — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:42:04 +0000

I am planning of having a minimally invassive AVR in about a month, I found a great dr in NY, I looked in Tampa and id not find one, interesting to know. Did your surgen suggested for you to have the mechanicale alve or was it your choice. My surgeon in NY suggesting a tissue valve.

Thak you for sharing this story, scarry.
dena