My choice of valve is complicated by two factors. First, I am 62, which puts me in the age bracket between the medical community's recommendations for bovine ...Read more
My choice of valve is complicated by two factors. First, I am 62, which puts me in the age bracket between the medical community's recommendations for bovine vs. mechanical valves. Secondly, my atrium is enlarged to the extent that A-Fib is expected to occur, thereby necessitating anticoagulation with the use of Coumadin. While the straightforward solution would point to a mechanical valve, since I'd need to be on Coumadin no matter what, and with this choice would avoid the risks of future surgeries, I am nevertheless leaning towards the bovine valve alternative. Here's why. The bovine valve in and of itself poses less of a stroke risk. Should I need or elect to have surgery of this or some other type in the future, being off of anticoagulants for the duration of that surgery would be less risky with a bovine valve than with a mechanical valve in place. Also, in about a year's time, I understand that FDA approval is expected for replacements of bovine valves via catheter! Furthermore, given the rapidity of advancements in this field, whether in pharmaceuticals, prosthetics, or techniques, I have to believe that better replacements for Coumadin, the bovine valve, or even the method of placement may come about. Why be constrained by what's available today? If anyone has information to either support or contradict this, I'd appreciate hearing about it.
Amy Steele Hi Beverly! I am 52 and have chosen a tissue valve. I've always told my husband that I didn't want ... Read more
Amy Steele Hi Beverly! I am 52 and have chosen a tissue valve. I've always told my husband that I didn't want a mechanical valve and my decision was made easier when my pre-op CT showed an aortic aneurism. My aortic root needs replacement as well as a bit of the aorta itself, so the all-in-one Medtronic Freestyle (aortic valve and aortic root) tissue valve was a no-brainer. My surgeon really likes this option in my situation because of the excellent flow dynamics and durability for tissue. Even my husband agrees; and he was pushing hard for me to have a one-and-done mechanical valve. Even without this situation, I would have still chosen a tissue valve...
Keep in mind that the decision is entirely up to YOU. You don't know if A-fib will be an ongoing thing or not, which may take you off the meds for that... My big issue was being on coumadin for an extended period of time and the inconvenience and expense required for regular testing while on it. I know I'll most likely need an additional surgery in 10-15 years or so, but I'm banking on more improvements in cardiac surgery between now and then, and I feel that I will have a lot more options available at that time. I don't know if this helps or not... It's just my outlook on my particular situation. You should make the informed decision that you feel the most comfortable with and don't let anyone make you second guess yourself. My prayers are with you as you make this difficult decision.
Beverly Hoffmann Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Amy. While my defective valve is mitral and yours is aortic, we ... Read more
Beverly Hoffmann Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Amy. While my defective valve is mitral and yours is aortic, we are of a similar mindset in wanting to keep our options open! One thing that I can add about the testing and inconvenience of Coumadin is that there is a machine that enables patients to test their PT/INR levels at home. It's very costly, but insurance is likely to cover it. I'm happy about that, since I figure I'll be taking that drug for some time. BTW, a friend of mine had a situation similar to yours; in fact not just the aortic valve and aneurism, but a mitral valve replacement too! Everything went beautifully. I wish the same for you, too. It's truly amazing what can be done to correct these complex problems.
Needing a mitral valve replacement, I am scheduled for a catheterization this coming Thursday, Sept. 22, with my surgery consultation the day after that. Whereas ...Read more
Needing a mitral valve replacement, I am scheduled for a catheterization this coming Thursday, Sept. 22, with my surgery consultation the day after that. Whereas my surgeon will undoubtedly offer guidance as to the type of valve to use, my understanding is that the choice between a mechanical vs. tissue valve will largely be up to me. Since I haven’t yet undergone this surgery, I have no idea as to whether the prospect of having repeated operations to replace tissue valves another 2 to 3 times in the coming years is worth considering in favor of having to take Coumadin if I choose a mechanical valve. Would those of you who have gone through this be willing to share your perspectives about multiple surgeries?
mandy payne My doctor didn't give me a choice. But I've had my tissue valve for 12 years. They told me it should ... Read more
mandy payne My doctor didn't give me a choice. But I've had my tissue valve for 12 years. They told me it should last 10 years. So it did work out for me. Also it just depends, they never do know how long they may last. I might would of choose the mechanical if given the options. Just maybe ask your doctor the pros and cons.
Corey Sines Read through some of my Journal entries I explore this topic for myself. In the end it is a personal ... Read more
Corey Sines Read through some of my Journal entries I explore this topic for myself. In the end it is a personal choice, on what you can live with, or can't live with. From your thinking/expecting 2-3 more surgeries I am guessing you are relatively young (like myself). My choice? I am choosing an On-X mechanical valve.
Beverly Hoffmann Thank you both! Corey, the information that I found in your journal will be very helpful to me in my ... Read more
Beverly Hoffmann Thank you both! Corey, the information that I found in your journal will be very helpful to me in my discussion with my surgeon. You've really researched this thoroughly!
Steven Dean are you sure that repair is not an option? have you sought out other opinions?
Denise Campbell I chose mechanical on x also. My mitral valve wasn't repairable and I don't want to have guaranteed ... Read more
Denise Campbell I chose mechanical on x also. My mitral valve wasn't repairable and I don't want to have guaranteed surgery in 10 or so years. Since it could be as little as 8 or more than 10. Coumadin is something I think about daily. But I've been steady in range. And it's do able. Never an easy choice. Wish I didn't have to have made it. But such as life. Good luck
Beverly Hoffmann Thank you. Apparently repair is not an option because my valve is calcified, but the final verdict wi ... Read more
Beverly Hoffmann Thank you. Apparently repair is not an option because my valve is calcified, but the final verdict will be handed down after my catheterization. I've had an echo by a cardiologist that's different from the one who follows me, and yet a third will perform the angiogram. Then I'll meet with the surgeon the day after that. I'll have lots of professional opinions!
I am from: New Rochelle
Keep in mind that the decision is entirely up to YOU. You don't know if A-fib will be an ongoing thing or not, which may take you off the meds for that... My big issue was being on coumadin for an extended period of time and the inconvenience and expense required for regular testing while on it. I know I'll most likely need an additional surgery in 10-15 years or so, but I'm banking on more improvements in cardiac surgery between now and then, and I feel that I will have a lot more options available at that time. I don't know if this helps or not... It's just my outlook on my particular situation. You should make the informed decision that you feel the most comfortable with and don't let anyone make you second guess yourself. My prayers are with you as you make this difficult decision.