Comments on: Trivia: Who Is The World’s Longest Living Heart Valve Recipient?

By: Dale Rapp

Dale Rapp — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:54:43 +0000

I have ofter wondered what I could expect the life of a Bjork-Shiley aortic heart valve might be and what was the most current longevity record might be. My valve was implanted on 8/9/1972 and I recently celebrated the 39th anniversary. Does anyone keep stats that might answer that question?

By: Colleen Graham

Colleen Graham — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:56:05 +0000

Well done Bob, I also had a Starr Edward Valve in 1972 in Melbourne Australia, I am told the valve is still doing what it’s supposed to do, Had a pacemaker\defribrillator implant 3 years ago. Am soon to be 59 years old,have allways done moderate exercise and walk a lot which I am sure is the answer for my continuance of life,I might consider retiring soon.

By: Steve Eneas

Steve Eneas — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:25:21 +0000

I had my aortic valve replacement in November 1979 in the United Kingom when I was 18 years old. I was born with an aortic stenosis and the Cardiac Consultant wanted to wait until I was 21 however had to have it done earlier. All is still working very well 31 years later and in fact I’ve just got my 2nd Dan Black Belt in Karate at the age of 50 and cycle 30 + miles on a regular basis.
Just wanted to let everyone know that life doesn’t stop with heart valve replacement.

By: Patrick shannon

Patrick shannon — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:20:39 +0000

congatulations Bob. I am the son of Richard Shannon(deceased nov09) who was born 27Jul1939 and had his first heart valve replacement surgury at age 21. His second was 35 years later. I can’t remember the exact dates but I know he had the most recent surgury in 2006 at Barrows in Arizona. I will research more exact info and check back.

By: Joseph Ashley Moore

Joseph Ashley Moore — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 12:33:08 +0000

With regards to my previous comment. My mitral valve was replaced by a pig’s valve. Since the surgery I have had no further health problems. I went on to a 25 year police career, played first class rugby for many years and I am still extremely active.

I have today submitted details of my operation to the Guinness Book of World Records for consideration

By: Charles Grech

Charles Grech — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:05:10 +0000

I had my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical one in 2002 when I was 58 years old, when I asked the surgeon before the operation, how long will the valve last he said that I will die but the valve keeps on ticking, and I feel he was right becouse when i go for a check the angiogram shows that it still working ok.
Now the problem is that my mitral is stenosed and I my go for a balloon valvolopsy to widen the valve. hoping that everything will goes well, I have a great trust in the ability of the surgeons.

By: Dick Feusner

Dick Feusner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:15:29 +0000

I had my aortic valve replaced with a Starr-Edwards(ball-in-cage) mechanical valve Aug. 16, 1967 at age 31. I am now 74 and that original valve continues to function. The surger was performed at the University of Kentucky (Chandler Med Ctr) by Dr. Richard Wood (now at Baylor in Texas). I live a normal life without any restrictions. The surgeons told me that this valve had a 50 year life expectancy….so I’ve got about 8 to go.

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:43:57 +0000

I had open heart surgery on March 9, 1977. I had Rheumatic Fever when I was 9 years old. My aortic valve began to reguritate after I gave birth and 6 years later my heart began to enlarge. I had to have the aortic valve replaced. Now that I am 60 years old and the valve is 33 years old tomorrow, I realize that I am becoming more afraid that my days on this earth are probably very near to an end.

My heart surgeon, Robert Karp, has since deceased. My cardiologist will not discuss my concern regarding my life expectancy. Where can I get some reliable information about my valve and how much longer I am expected to live. I know God has kept me for these 33 years – but I am still interested in learning what the medical statistics are.

By: Richard Erickson

Richard Erickson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:27:15 +0000

Adam,

I enjoyed reading about Bobby Baker and his multiple valve surgeries. I am very happy he is doing well, as I am about to have my 4th aortic valve replacement within the next six months.

Your website gives all of us a more positive outlook on life after valve replacement through the education and understanding you provide.

Thanks for being there for us.

By: Cynthia Lynn Brooks

Cynthia Lynn Brooks — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:45:57 +0000

I have enjoyed reading your information on this website. I was born with a mitral valve defect in December of 1969. I have had my mitral valve replaced twice. I also have several other heart diseases that have occured over the years. I now have a pacemaker/defibrillator implant. I was just curious as to the longest a mitral valve has worked in someone. I have had my St. Judes Mechanical Valve for 25 years and 5 months. I am only 39 years old. I wish to someday write a book about my experience, any advise… I will try and get a copy of your book to read, I know it will be an experience for me and helpful as well. God Bless and take care. I hope to hear from you soon. Have a blessed Day.
Cynthia Lynn Brooks