Hi David! I'm 13 years and 3 months post op and I have an On-X valve. It's a very tough decision when choosing some object that is supposed to help ...Read more
Hi David! I'm 13 years and 3 months post op and I have an On-X valve. It's a very tough decision when choosing some object that is supposed to help keep you alive for, hopefully, the rest of your life. I was very fortunate to be under the care of one of the most prestigious cardiac thoracic surgeons in the US here in Atlanta GA back in 2009. At the time, Dr. Puskas was leading a nationwide clinical trial for the use of the On-X valve. This trail received the approval from the FDA. They ruled that patients using the On-X valve could use less dosages of blood thinners with less risk of bleeding complications. After much thought, research and prayer, I decided to go with the On-X valve and joined the study which lasted about 4 more years. I originally had an INR range between 2.0-3.0. After the study was over, it was lowered to 1.5 to 2.0. Currently, I am between 2.0 and 2.5.
It was also quite an adjustment to be more mindful of my intake of veggies with vitamin K. It took a while for me to balance my consumption of vitamin K and the right dosage of Warfarin, but it's worked out and I know what to eat and how much. If my INR goes out of range, it's just a matter of adjusting my dosage of warfarin. I take one 5 mg of Warfarin and one 81 mg baby aspirin once a day before going to bed.
As far as noise goes, my valve is very very quiet. I've heard of other valves sounding like a ticking clock. I, too, was concerned about that issue before choosing the On-X.
By the way, Dr. Puskas moved on to Mt. Sinai in New York a few years ago. I really miss him but know he is doing even better and bigger things to help so many with heart disease.
Please do your own research on the On-X valve. I can only share my personal experience and how this particular valve has worked out for me these past 13 years. I was 62 at the time of my surgery. Quoting from one of my sources on the valve (https://www.onxlti.com), "On-X mechanical heart valves are made with the most advanced material in the industry - pure pyrolytic carbon. The advanced design and materials make it the BEST LIFELONG heart valve replacement option available today."
I pray everything works out well for you. God bless.
Welcome