“Did You Have A Heart Valve Replacement Re-Operation?” Questions John
I just opened an email from John about bovine valve replacement devices and re-operations. I provided some thoughts for John below but perhaps you can help him as well?
John writes, “Hi Adam - Because of a post-operative complication (possible suture failure creating a leak), it appears I will be facing a re-operation to replace my bovine aortic valve. How can I get some advice from other folks who have encountered this problem?”
Obviously, John raises a good question. So you know, I am aware of several patients that required re-operations for most types of valve replacement devices including cow valves, porcine valves and mechanical valves.
As with any type of manufactured devices (televisions, hair dryers, watches, etc.), sometimes they fail to work properly. Or, in John’s case, there might be a complication during surgery that forces the patient to have a re-operation.
Yes… This is definitely one of the unfortunate realities and risks of heart valve replacement surgery. That is why I always coach future patients and caregivers to perform the necessary research and due diligence before heart valve surgery.
Bioprosthetic Valve Inserted During Surgery
I am hopeful that you can help John with your experience. By chance, did you have a heart valve replacement re-operation? If so, please click here to share your story.
In advance, thanks!
Keep on tickin!
About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the opportunities and challenges of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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June 13th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I had a congenital bicuspid aortic valve removed in April of 2000 at the same time that I had a triple bypass. The bovine replacement started to regurgitate in August of 2007. I had it replaced with another bovine aortic valve in November of 2007. Both valves were manfactured by Edwards Life Sciences. The second is performing well and I lead a normal life for a 72 year old. I play tennis (singles & doubles) two days per week for two hour sessions, walk an 18 hole New England golf course two days per week, and work out in a gym at least two days per week.
It appears that these valves fail more frequently than we estimate. It is impossible to find out exactly why. The manufacturer publishes the statistical failure rate, but not the reason why the valves fail. There are pathological tests made on the removed valves, but it appears that the individual results are closely held secrets. Probably an insurance caution. I am happy that the manufacturers are developing valves that can be inserted through the femoral artery and hope my next one can be inserted in this method.
I hope this helps. The surgery is no easier the second time around, and the recovery is the same. There are precautions that the surgeon has to take when opening the sternum for the second time.
If anyone has been able to secure the pathological report on their removed valve I would appreciate it if you would supply me with information about how this was accomplished.
June 13th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
HAS ANYONE EVER HAD TROUBLE WITH THEIR EYES AFTER HAVING AORTA REPLACEMENT. EVER SINCE THE OPERATION EIGHT MONTHS AGO MY EYES GO OUT OF FOCUS QUITE OFTEN. MY EYE DOCTOR SAID MYEYES ARE OKAY. IT START RIGHT AFTER I HAD THE OPERATION
June 13th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Yes, I’ve had the same problem on and off since the surgery for aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement.
Been to many exams (including CAT scan)and doctors, eye and cardio, IM, etc., with no cause identified. Probably not caused by the Lopressor type blood pressure medicine (it’s a beta-blocker) they think.
At this point everyone assumes it’s a byproduct of the surgery and/or anesthesia and that hopefully it will go away in time.
June 13th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
I had an aortic valve replacement and an aneurysm repair procedure done in early February of this year. The operation and recovery went very well but now I seem to be losing my hair very rapidly. I am a 62 year old male that has been taking Propecia and using Rogaine for 20 years. Could it be the stress of the open heart surgery that is causing my hair loss? Has anyone else who has had this type of surgery had hair loss like mine? Thanks!
June 15th, 2009 at 7:33 am
I have had two aortic valve operations. The first one was done in 1981 (I was 30 years old) to replace my bicuspid aortic valve that I was born with. The valve used was a boivine vlave. Unfortunately I contracted bacterial endocarditis from dental work in 1987 (for the second time no less!!!). My aortic valave needed to be replaced in November 1988.My surgeon used a St. Jude mechanical valve which is now almost 21 years old.I am very active and I particiapte in golf, skiing, swimming, tennis etc.My current valve is not perfect and will eventually have to be replaced but is funtioning well at the moment. I encourage valve patients who need a replacement and who are in their 30s to consider having their surgeons use a mechanical valve. Although requiring the use of coumadin therapy, they work well and last a long time. Blood thinners are a bit of a pain, but ultimately tolerable.In my case, I believe that if my Doctos had used a mechanical valve the first time, I perhaps could have avioded a second operation so soon after the first one. I think there is a belief that coumadin poses a risk for athletically active patients but personally I have not found this to be a problem.
Stephen Waxman
June 15th, 2009 at 11:32 am
This raises a very interesting question. Which type of replacement valve has had the fewest replacement operations?
June 16th, 2009 at 8:17 am
I had a aortic valve replacement over a year ago and have noticed that my eyes do not focus and seem hazy.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I am 52 and been told that I need an aortic valve replacement. This was a shocking surprise to me! I have to make a decision as to what valve I want to use and soon. I am otherwise healthy and active and I take no medications at all.
I am concerned about taking blood thinnners for the remainder of my life and also the noise that a mechanical valve would make. Please help!
July 16th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
I am having a Ross Procedure in September. I believe that it is the best fit for me and my life style. I am concerned about those who are having vision issues, post surgery. There is alot of data out there. You just have to keep digging.