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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: March 24, 2025

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Don Wigginton posted an update

1 year ago (May 17, 2025)

Pacing Wires Cut Anyone else have their pacing wires cut rather than pulled? Pulled seems to be the norm but my surgeon cuts the wires and leaves in place. Now I feel like it's just another thing to add to the list of potential problems down the road... I'm 12... Read more.

👍 Don Wigginton reacted to this

Richard Munson

Mine were pulled out and i agree with you on future problems. My theory is as little foreign objects in your body as possible. Maybe he was thinking of a jack to charge your i phone.

Marie Myers

The cardiologist visited me one day while in recovery on the step-down unit. He said that he would try to pull them out, but if there was any resistance in removing them, that he would simply cut the strings. He was able to remove them.

Don Wigginton posted an update

1 year ago (April 24, 2025)

Aortic replacement before 5.0 cm My background: I've been followed for the last 30 years (now in my 40's) for BAV. My aortic root is now 4.6 cm and ascending aorta 4.7 cm (CTA). The ascending has grown about 1 mm per year over the last five years. I have... Read more.

Michael Ponzio

I got mine done 4.8 about 5 weeks ago. Better to get it done sooner than later.

Valerie Allen

Does the severe aortic regurgitation not put you in the surgery column? Just a question, as I know severe stenosis does.

Don Wigginton

According to guidelines it does not since I have no symptoms and heart is still normal size and EF about 60%. It is indeed a grey area... Thanks for the insight Michael.

Don Wigginton

Michael, was the justification of your surgery the valve or the aorta at 4.8?

Michael Ponzio

The surgery was necessary because of the severe aortic stenosis.

Marie Myers

My surgery was driven by my 4.9 mm aneurysm size. I am a petite woman, and the ascending aneurysm was the driving force for my surgery. I also had an aortic root aneurysm and AVR (tissue )replaced at the same time. My echo showed regurgitation and the eccentric jet also.

Don Wigginton

Thanks Marie and Michael. Marie there is definitely some good info out there on patient heigh vs aorta size and the associated risk.

Susan Harris

i would ask each surgeon the pros/cons of now vs waiting, risks of both options. and see who you jive with more. or get a tie breaking consult.

Don Wigginton

Well I had my surgery this week, now 4 days post op. 42 year old male. Feeling pretty well and getting around some. Severe regurgitation without symptoms bicuspid aortic valve was replaced with On-x valve and conduit as well as part of my hemi arch. Overall very happy with everything... Read more.

Marie Myers

Welcome to the recovery side, Don!!

Don Wigginton

Thank you

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