“Heart Valve Leakage After Surgery?” Asks Julie
I just received an excellent question from Julie about trace heart valve leakage after surgery.
Julie writes to me, “Hi Adam - My husband, who had mitral valve prolapse surgery on October 31, 2008, went for the annual check-up with his cardiologist. In review of the echocardiogram results, we were told that there was slight leakage in the mitral valve. The cardiologist told us that it was okay. But, when I asked him if the valve could require surgery again, he said that was possible. Do many patients experience heart valve leakage after surgery. Thanks, Julie and Jon!”
I can directly relate to the concern and worry that Julie carries regarding the trace regurgitation in Jon’s mitral valve.
So you know, Dr. Rosin, my cardiologist, told me that I had trace leakage in my aortic valve one year after my Ross Procedure. That news was very, very, very tough to digest.
Well… As patients, we want the post-operative valve to function perfectly. We want to hear that everything will be okay for the rest of our lives. We want to hear that we are “fixed”.
However, as Dr. Rosin shared the echo results with me, he noted, “Adam, I can see your concern. But, please know this is trace leakage. I would not even go so far as to say it’s mild leakage.”
I started to feel better considering all that I knew about the different classifications of aortic regurgitation.
Dr. Rosin continued, “Just so you know, most people have some form of leakage in their valves. Aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary and mitral leaflets do not always seal perfectly. In my opinion, you are just like everyone else. You are fixed. This is nothing to be concerned about. There is just a little leakage around one of the sutures. This does occur. Everything else in your echo looks great!”
Then, Dr. Rosin looked up at me with a convincing smile and ended our appointment by saying, “Now.. Get out of here! Go have some fun!”
So… Is my situation the exact same as Julie’s husband, Jon? The answer to that question is a simple no. All patient cases should be considered unique. However, my gut tells me that if Jon’s echo is only showing trace leakage this is not much to worry about right now.
Could Jon’s valve deteriorate? Yes.
Could my valve calcify? Yes.
Could the Earth stop spinning tomorrow? Yes.
However, current echocardiogram results and celestial data suggests that those things will not happen in the near future.
Remember, heart valve surgery is a medical miracle. Enjoy your “second chance” at life. We are not cats. We do not get nine lives. So, please make the most of this opportunity. As I have learned time-and-time again, worry is a useless attribute.
Keep on tickin!
P.S. Did you have leakage after your heart valve surgery? If so, please leave a comment by clicking here.
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 problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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October 8th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I have mild leakage after Ross procedure. Wish I did not, but it is what it is. The surgeon (perfectionists that they are) who told me was clearly unhappy. My cardiologist on the other hand not so much. He told me he has ptients he has been following for decades with same who have not had to have surgery. Of course some do progress to that point, but hopefully mine will not. Of course I would have preferred to have been told all was perfect after going through such a big surgery, but I am pretty much accepting of it now. I feel so much better.
October 9th, 2009 at 8:27 am
I have had two aortic valve replacements. My second operation was 21 years ago. The issue of a slight leakage is something I have been told is very common to valve surgery patients and is generally not a cause for concern. of greater concern to vlalve patients is probably stenosis of the valve which seems to build up over a number of years. I think Adam’s cardiologist was right on when he told him to go out and have fun!!!!. The perfect prescription!!. You will forget about this slight leakage. It is quite normal.
Stephen Waxman
Ottawa Canada
October 19th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Almost a year after my valve got fixed I feel great (inspite of the scar issues). If they have to go in again and fix my valve I am not going to worry so much because I know they are getting better at this stuff all the time. Don’t get me wrong I hope my little leaks stay minor, too. Worry doesn’t help tomorrow, it only steals energy from today. Hope you all can get out and enjoy the beauty of autumn!