Deb Schwartz - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

366 days ago

I am in the process of deciding whether to go with a mechanical valve or a tissue one (and whether to do TAVR or OHS). I'm 67, am obese, high BP and cholesterol ...Read more

I am in the process of deciding whether to go with a mechanical valve or a tissue one (and whether to do TAVR or OHS). I'm 67, am obese, high BP and cholesterol but both well controlled on meds. Nothing much other than that. I really don't know which type of valve to go with!! First doctor I saw basically said it was up to me and didn't give any real advice either way. Going for a second opinion next week. Fortunately I live near Boston so lots of good hospitals here.

I do know about typical the advantages/disadvantages of each, but maybe some of you have things i haven't thought to consider!

Yumiko Ishida I was given a choice at age 54, so at 67 I would lean towards tissue valve if I were you. That’s ju ... Read more

Yumiko Ishida I was given a choice at age 54, so at 67 I would lean towards tissue valve if I were you. That’s just me, though. You are still relatively young, so OHS. It is my understanding that TAVR should be treated as a last resort, for those that already had multiple OHS in the past, or are advanced in age and the likelihood of needing another replacement is low.

Rose Madura Welcome Deb. It's a tough choice. At 59, I went with a tissue valve. Ask a lot of questions at your ... Read more

Rose Madura Welcome Deb. It's a tough choice. At 59, I went with a tissue valve. Ask a lot of questions at your 2nd opinion appointment. What do they recommend and why? Is your valve calcified? That may prevent a TAVR first time around. What are the risks of OHS being overweight? You need to you due diligence in order to make an informed decision. Be your own advocate and get lots of answers. Best wishes and please keep us posted. 👍

Larry Peterson Hi Deb- both Yumiko and Rose provide excellent info above; I was 67 when I had aortic valve replacem ... Read more

Larry Peterson Hi Deb- both Yumiko and Rose provide excellent info above; I was 67 when I had aortic valve replacement and an ascending aorta graft last November. I chose an Inspiris Resilia bovine tissue valve and was able to get a large size (27mm) so that I can likely have a TAVR replacement in 15-20 years if needed. I was not a fan of going on blood thinners for the rest of my life with a mechanical valve (although many folks do it quite successfully). I think most good surgeons will recommend that the patient choose between mechanical and tissue, unless there is a medical reason to choose one over the other.