Paul's Guestbook
Aortic Regurgitation, Joined February 17, 2016
Aortic Regurgitation
Joined February 17, 2016
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I am from: Berea, Kentucky
Aortic Regurgitation, Joined February 17, 2016
Aortic Regurgitation
Joined February 17, 2016
The tissue valve implanted in the pulmonic position stenosed noticeable in just a few years. Newer valve types make claims to last longer but no guarantee. My pulmonic and those of people I know we're replaced at about 10 years.
The new aortic (old pulmonic) valve is said to revasculerize. But sometimes not so much. Many times it is replaced withen twenty years.
The new aortic valve is not recognize by the body as foreign, so it does not stenose as quickly.
Replacing 2 valves means more scar tissue and 2 valves that if not placed correctly may leak.
If I could do it over at age 45. I would go mechanical and take the Coumadin. I had my procedure local in KY.
For a single tissue valve look at the manufacturer web site some say things like. good hemodynamtics for up to 12 years.
So far two open hearts and expecting a third.
The enlarged chambers are here to stay. The previous pulmonic stenosis means a downsized pulmonic valve forever . I personally regret messing with my native working pulmonic valve, it may need to be explanted. Seems a waste to toss it in the trash when it could still be in its native position working better than than the 2 valves so far that replaced it.
You are 59. TAVR procedures are starting to be approved for intermediate risk patients. These constructed valves may not last as long but they can be placed minimaly invasive, and when the time comes can be replaced "valve in valve ". I would like to stay away from the perfusion machine. Search - post perfusion syndrome and, Pump head.
Lots to think about
My biggest fear is what you so aptly verbalized: If I could do it over...I'd do it differently. I bet we could find patients who had either tissue or mechanical who second guess their decision, as well.
I would seriously consider looking at the Cleveland Clinic in your situation...#1 cardiovascular surgery for the past 20 years! Some of their guys actually specialize in re-ops.
Yeh, pumphead syndrome is real...and yet another concern. I'd just as soon deny that I have any problems and go back to my youth... naivety has it's place :-) All the best, my friend.
It is so hard to know whether one would do it ... Read more
It is so hard to know whether one would do it differently as we can never know what the other alternative outcome might have been. But that question/feeling is always there. There are many ways to proceed. Is there any "right" decision? I wish I were more certain.
I hear exactly what you are saying.
Ultimately I wish we all didn't have to make these decisions, but we do what we can, and we take the next steps.
Take care.