Hello,
I am 68 years old female and had double valve replacement surgery in 1995 (22 years ago) in India. About a year back, the mechanical Aortic valve has ...Read more
Hello,
I am 68 years old female and had double valve replacement surgery in 1995 (22 years ago) in India. About a year back, the mechanical Aortic valve has started to malfunction causing severe pain and shortness of breath. The mechanical mitral valve is working fine. Yesterday, I had angiography done and the doctor found no blockage in arteries.
I have been told that the age of the mechanical valve is about 20 years and I may have to go another surgery to get the valve replaced. I am wondering if anyone else here is or has been in the same situation. The specific questions I have:
1. Is there really a lifespan of mechanical valves and do the patients have to go through repeat surgery after a certain period of time?
2. What are the options if the mechanical valve starts to malfunction? Surgery vs medical therapy?
3. Is it emergent situation to go through another surgery if the valve starts to malfunction?
4. Is age a factor when considering repeat surgery considering I am close to 70? I am concerned about post-operative/recovery.
5. Can I choose to have mechanical valve replaced by a tissue valve? Would that be recommended?
6. If I have to go through another surgery to get the aortic valve replaced, is it recommended to consider replacing mitral valve at the same time even though the mitral valve is working fine today? The reason I asked because the mechanical mitral valve is of the same age as mechanical aortic valve and I want to avoid getting into similar situation in near future with mitral valve starting to malfunction.
Thanks for your time!
John Dodson Wow Amarjit, I’m so sorry one of your mechanical valves has started to malfunction. Have you talke ... Read more
John Dodson Wow Amarjit, I’m so sorry one of your mechanical valves has started to malfunction. Have you talked to a surgeon? Your set of questions is pretty complicated, and I’ll bet unique, and a surgeon’s consultation should be a priority - talk to the best one you can find.
My guess is, you’ll need another surgery to replace the malfunctioning valve. Mechanical valves are supposed to last a lifetime(stuff happens, as you’ve found out). Like all technologies, great advances in both mechanical and tissue valves have been made in the last 20 years. Tissue valves are now rated to last 15-20 years. If you are healthy otherwise, you should be fine doing another OHS, but nothing substitutes for a trusted surgeon and cardiologist.
Best of luck to you.
Catie B I'm so sorry your aortic mechanical valve isn't working as it should. I understand there are a number ... Read more
Catie B I'm so sorry your aortic mechanical valve isn't working as it should. I understand there are a number of reasons that can lead to mechanical valves needing to be replaced. I so agree with John that consulting an excellent surgeon as soon as possible is wise, so you can get clear and accurate answers to the questions you've raised.
Heart valve replacement has become safer and safer. There are a number of members here who have undergone multiple surgeries and are thriving.
I wish you the best in your journey and hope you will update us when you learn more.
Amarjit Mittal Thanks John and Catie! I have not yet consulted a surgeon and will do that soon once I will feel litt ... Read more
Amarjit Mittal Thanks John and Catie! I have not yet consulted a surgeon and will do that soon once I will feel little better.
Catie B I hope you'll keep us posted as you learn more, Amarjit. Take care.
I am from: Cranbury, India
My guess is, you’ll need another surgery to replace the malfunctioning valve. Mechanical valves are supposed to last a lifetime(stuff happens, as you’ve found out). Like all technologies, great advances in both mechanical and tissue valves have been made in the last 20 years. Tissue valves are now rated to last 15-20 years. If you are healthy otherwise, you should be fine doing another OHS, but nothing substitutes for a trusted surgeon and cardiologist.
Best of luck to you.
Heart valve replacement has become safer and safer. There are a number of members here who have undergone multiple surgeries and are thriving.
I wish you the best in your journey and hope you will update us when you learn more.