Daniel's Journal

Robert Osmachenko  Good questions. I chose a tissue valve at 58 because it would be quieter and didn’t require warfarin. I am happy with my decision, however, the valve has narrowed a bit increasing my pressures. it’s ok now and seems to have stabilized. Going into year 6.

Alex Sigalov  Hi Daniel, i am 39 had same thing as u aortic vale and anurism replaced, at 39 kind of did not have much choice but mechanical(have OnX) as i didn't want go thru OHS multiple times and as u getting older it gets more riskier and harder to recover. My surgen said he hax a patient whos tissue valve failed after 7 years, the younger u r the faster it will wear out. I would also recommend exploring Ross procedure.
Here are some reading about mechenical that u might find interesting
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2014/03/06/on-x-mechanical-valve-lower-coumadin-study/
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT04142658

Rose Madura  I was on the edge at age 59-1/2. I chose the Edwards tissue valve because I did not want to be on warfarin. I was told that it should last 15-20 years. I think mainly because "older" people are not as active. It's a very personal decision and I believe you'll figure out which is best for you. Definitely do your research and discuss with your doctors.

Adam Pick  Hi Daniel, I'm 14 years into my Ross Procedure with no issues so far (knock on wood). Have you heard about it? https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/ross-procedure.php

Daniel Green  Thanks everyone. Sounds like there isn't enough info to know if tissue valves in 45-55 yr olds last more than 10 years. There are vague estimates where some people say 5-7 and some say 7-12+ but I don't hear hard evidence or studies that just look at this age band where people are told, "It's a personal decision".

@adam - I've been told of the Ross Procedure and one doctor at Stamford said he would do it since I was hesitant with a mechanical valve. That said, everyone I speak with said not to do the Ross because it's very complicated and should only be done at a 'center of excellence' and there are only a few doctors in the country/world that can do it well. Happy to hear your surgery was successful and still doing well! I don't think I have the guts to go through it though. You're a stud!

Daniel Green  i just had my surgery a little over 30 days ago. happy with timing, surgeon, and valve decision (tissue). looking forward now. not back. thanks for the comments.