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I wanted to provide Randy an expert opinion, so I contacted Dr. Fayyaz Hashmi from Mercy Health System in Toledo, Ohio. I recently met Dr. Hashmi at the Heart Valve Summit. Beyond being a very experienced surgeon, with over 10,000 procedures completed, Dr. Hashmi is a very kind, soft-spoken man with an altruistic and global approach to cardiac care.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n In response to Randy’s question, Dr. Hashmi raised several interesting points:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Morning Adam, a few things to consider in Haley’s case: Did she have a congenital aortic stenosis as a newborn and was it opened up with a balloon which has gradually become incompetent? It is very rare to have aortic valve regurgitation in children as an isolated lesion. Typically, it is either associated with a hole in between two lower chambers. Or, the disorder is a result of Marfan’s syndrome? Lastly, although rare in the United States, it could be due to rheumatic fever<\/a>. However, valve damage from <\/p>\n Dr. Hashmi then addressed a potential treatment plan for Randy’s daughter:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other than for Marfan’s syndrome, I think best solution for Haley is to have an initial repair with the knowledge that there is a possibility of repeat surgery 15 to 20 years down the road. This approach will give her a time span free of need for anticoagulants while she is becoming an adult. One day, she might want to have a family. Later on, if needed, she could have a replacement with a mechanical valve which will be durable for rest of her life. It is not recommended to have a Ross procedure<\/a> for aortic valve regurgitation since the need for re-operation could be as high as 20%.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n Lastly, Dr. Hashmi addressed Marfan’s syndrome and potential next steps:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If she has a Marfan’s type of disease and has a large aortic root, a valve sparing root replacement with preservation of her own valve is the best choice. I hope this helps her parents in making a decision. Where to go for her surgery, depends on their geographic location. There are centers of excellence on both coasts as well as in the midwest and south.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/profileImages\/321.jpg\" "\\"Click")
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\nDr. Fayyaz Hashmi<\/p>\n
\nrheumatic fever usually involves the mitral valve as well.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n