As I read many of the posts, watch the interviews and I apologize if I may have overlooked one relating to a 2nd heart valve replacement. I am on year 11 of ...Read more
As I read many of the posts, watch the interviews and I apologize if I may have overlooked one relating to a 2nd heart valve replacement. I am on year 11 of my bovine valve replacement and I am doing fine. The last couple of cardiologist visits revealed that there is leakage starting. I am not panicking, but believe in researching my options well in advance of a required 2nd Aortic valve replacement.
My original Aortic Valve replacement created a good amount of Vascular Dementia (Pump Head?) which eliminated a good portion of my pre-operation memory. It has compromised my short term memory, my short term to long term and my long term memory. I have decided that if and when I need to take on another heart surgery, it would be of the non-invasive type, but the big question is "What are my options for a 2nd replacement surgery?". Bovine, Pig or mechanical (last resort)? Invasive or non-invasive? Not sure what my options are.
I would like to see interviews with doctors explaining the options and issues regarding a 2nd heart valve replacement.
Thanks
Don
Adam Pick Don, Great question. Re-operations, as you allude to above, conjure many questions for patients needi ... Read more
Adam Pick Don, Great question. Re-operations, as you allude to above, conjure many questions for patients needing a second, third or even fourth operation. For that reason, I would strongly encourage you to connect with your medical team to lay out a strategy for the next steps in managing your leaking valve.
Today, there are many options for patients needing heart valve surgery including Valve-in-Valve approaches that do not require an incision to your chest or ribs. I'll post a video about that.
Specific to your situation, with aortic regurgitation, I do not believe that a Valve-in-Valve approach is available to you as TAVR typically requires a stenotic valve for device placement. That said, there may be a clinical trial out there which might be evaluating this. I don't know.
So, my gut is telling me that you might be looking at a removal of your valve and an implant of a new valve. You want to make sure you find an absolute specialist for your specific situation, anatomy, and lifestyle. I will post another video that discusses how surgical re-operations are a bit more complex.
That said, you are doing a GREAT job starting the diligence now well in advance of your next procedure (if needed). Way to go!
I hope this helps! If you need anything else, please let me know!
Adam
https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - As non-invasive, transcatheter valve replacement technologies continue to improve and receive FDA approvals, valve-in-v...
Adam Pick Here's a video about mitral valve re-operations. I know this doesn't specifically apply to you Don gi ... Read more
Adam Pick Here's a video about mitral valve re-operations. I know this doesn't specifically apply to you Don given your aortic regurgitation. But, Dr. Anyanwu has some great points about accessing the heart the second time which you may benefit from. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cmvHgNZ20E&t=10s
https://www.Heart-Valve-Sugery.com - Learn about complex valve operations and mitral valve re-operations in this special interview with Dr. Anelechi Anyanwu,...
Marie Myers Just wondering if you have had an MRI or CT scan of your head to look at possibilities for the memory ... Read more
Marie Myers Just wondering if you have had an MRI or CT scan of your head to look at possibilities for the memory issues.?
I have had numerous brain scans and after the latest one done at the VA, the VA Neurologist was almost positive that I had had a stroke during the heart valve operation. He also said while looking at the latest scan that I had a stroke sometime between the January 2021 scan and the current one, but I never felt anything. All my tests are normal. ... Read more
I have had numerous brain scans and after the latest one done at the VA, the VA Neurologist was almost positive that I had had a stroke during the heart valve operation. He also said while looking at the latest scan that I had a stroke sometime between the January 2021 scan and the current one, but I never felt anything. All my tests are normal.
I have learned how to live my life using my iPhone as my memory, and its calendar/Alarm features to remind me of EVERYTHING. If I lose that phone things will get real interesting, until it is replaced. I also went to the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute for 3 years. I was lucky enough to get a scan on the only machine (probably at the time of the scan) that could determine if the spots in the brain were from Alzheimers or not. In my case they were not Alzheimers related, but appeared to be from the operation. Lately, as I am on my 13th year of the bovine valve, I need to really start researching my options for another valve replacement. I want to review the other options that do not require splitting my chest open again and being on that heart bypass blood machine. I have to keep as much of my memory as possible. Being without short term memory and the process of moving it to long term memory is enough of a challenge for me. At least my cognitive skills are still intact, not as good as in the past, but still working.
I am from: Dunedin, Florida
My surgery date is: July 21, 2009
Today, there are many options for patients needing heart valve surgery including Valve-in-Valve approaches that do not require an incision to your chest or ribs. I'll post a video about that.
Specific to your situation, with aortic regurgitation, I do not believe that a Valve-in-Valve approach is available to you as TAVR typically requires a stenotic valve for device placement. That said, there may be a clinical trial out there which might be evaluating this. I don't know.
So, my gut is telling me that you might be looking at a removal of your valve and an implant of a new valve. You want to make sure you find an absolute specialist for your specific situation, anatomy, and lifestyle. I will post another video that discusses how surgical re-operations are a bit more complex.
That said, you are doing a GREAT job starting the diligence now well in advance of your next procedure (if needed). Way to go!
I hope this helps! If you need anything else, please let me know!
Adam
I have had numerous brain scans and after the latest one done at the VA, the VA Neurologist was almost positive that I had had a stroke during the heart valve operation. He also said while looking at the latest scan that I had a stroke sometime between the January 2021 scan and the current one, but I never felt anything. All my tests are normal.
... Read more
I have had numerous brain scans and after the latest one done at the VA, the VA Neurologist was almost positive that I had had a stroke during the heart valve operation. He also said while looking at the latest scan that I had a stroke sometime between the January 2021 scan and the current one, but I never felt anything. All my tests are normal.
I have learned how to live my life using my iPhone as my memory, and its calendar/Alarm features to remind me of EVERYTHING. If I lose that phone things will get real interesting, until it is replaced. I also went to the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute for 3 years. I was lucky enough to get a scan on the only machine (probably at the time of the scan) that could determine if the spots in the brain were from Alzheimers or not. In my case they were not Alzheimers related, but appeared to be from the operation. Lately, as I am on my 13th year of the bovine valve, I need to really start researching my options for another valve replacement. I want to review the other options that do not require splitting my chest open again and being on that heart bypass blood machine. I have to keep as much of my memory as possible. Being without short term memory and the process of moving it to long term memory is enough of a challenge for me. At least my cognitive skills are still intact, not as good as in the past, but still working.
Have a GREAT day!
Don