Jan Findlay - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

8 days ago

Hi all
I'm curious if anyone else has had initial allograft/homograft aortic valve surgery with the same re-surgery, and how that has gone? And more... Read more

Hi all
I'm curious if anyone else has had initial allograft/homograft aortic valve surgery with the same re-surgery, and how that has gone? And more specifically if the aortic valve root was again replaced - as it seems that this gives the very best functional results.
Kind regards
Jazzy Jan from Brisbane

Cathleen Weed Hi Jan,
That procedure is seldom performed in the USA anymore due to the complexity of the operati ... Read more

Cathleen Weed Hi Jan,
That procedure is seldom performed in the USA anymore due to the complexity of the operation and the rapid failure of the aortic homograft itself. It's incredible yours has lasted so long. My homograft only lasted from 1991-1994. I had a Ross Procedure at the follow-up surgery (1994). Bioprosthetic tissue valves and the Ross Procedure are a more common re-operation for replacing homograft valves. Are they still suggesting the homograft again in Australia?

Jan Findlay Thanks for your feedback Cathleen. No they are not suggesting the homograft - I'm having some inves... Read more

Jan Findlay Thanks for your feedback Cathleen. No they are not suggesting the homograft - I'm having some investigations completed before a surgeon referral. I'll need surgery soon and am just doing as much research as possible to go in with relevant questions, options and knowing what I don't want. It's challenging to stay positive but I really want quality of life. I hope you're doing well now.

Cathleen Weed

I chose the bovine bioprosthetic for quality of life reasons and I've never once regretted it

. I'... Read more

Cathleen Weed

I chose the bovine bioprosthetic for quality of life reasons and I've never once regretted it

. I'll be looking forward to hearing what you decide

Jan Findlayposted a journal

10 days ago

Hi

I have a 24 year old aortic valve allograft that is finally wearing out. I'm having a few additional investigative tests completed and then I will be... Read more

Hi

I have a 24 year old aortic valve allograft that is finally wearing out. I'm having a few additional investigative tests completed and then I will be referred to a surgeon for my second replacement surgery. I guess I'm in early stages of heart failure, e.g. heart slightly enlarged as it is working a bit harder to make up for failing valve, and some fluid retention (a diuretic is helping with this symptom for now.

I'm still trying to make the most of every day, having just returned home last night from a week long (fly/drive) trip with some girl friends to Coober Pedy. It was really awesome. I was thinking of not going but I'm glad I did and had a great time. It just meant I didn't have too much alcohol to drink and wasn't as active as I would normally have been.

I'm concerned about going through another surgery but just want it over so my heart is healthy again.

Stay positive and having fun everyone.

Jazzy Jan from Brisbane

Jan Findlay Hi again all

I'm curious if anyone else has had initial allograft/homograft aortic valve surgery with... Read more

Jan Findlay Hi again all

I'm curious if anyone else has had initial allograft/homograft aortic valve surgery with the same re-surgery, and how that has gone? And more specifically if the aortic valve root was again replaced - as it seems that this gives the very best functional results.

Regards
Jazzy Jan from Brisbane