On Tuesday I had last test (angiogram) to determine whether I'm candidate for TAVR to replace severely stenotic aortic valve. The conclusion is I'm good candidate, ...Read more
On Tuesday I had last test (angiogram) to determine whether I'm candidate for TAVR to replace severely stenotic aortic valve. The conclusion is I'm good candidate, so TAVR is scheduled for next Friday, 15 July. The cardiac surgeon on team had suggested I might consider SAVR because at my age (70), I might need the valve replaced in 10-15 years (should I be fortunate to life that long) - at that point I won't be a candidate for SAVR surgery. The cardiologist noted that the size of by aortic annulus will permit a valve large enough that a future valve-in-valve TAVR would likely be possible. So, next Friday I should get a Medtronic Evolute Pro+ valve installed at Johns Hopkins.
I've never noticed symptoms from my stenosis; perhaps after the TAVR, I'll notice the absence of symptoms I've just chalked up to getting older.
Susan Lynn Great news, Johnathan! Glad you are eligible for TAVR and will be putting the procedure in the rear... Read more
Susan Lynn Great news, Johnathan! Glad you are eligible for TAVR and will be putting the procedure in the rear view mirror next Friday! We'll be here to welcome you to recovery!
Rose Madura Hi Jonathan. Glad you are able to get TAVR. I'm sure your recovery will be much quicker.
Marie Myers TAVR will be a much easier recovery for you. Let us know how it goes, and if you notice any differenc ... Read more
Marie Myers TAVR will be a much easier recovery for you. Let us know how it goes, and if you notice any difference after the Procedure. I had a friend get TAVR at age 98 . It relieved all her symptoms, and she went on to celebrate her 100th birthday.
I live in Maryland and have been referred to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore for an evaluation for aortic valve repair/replacement (severe stenosis, mostly asymptomatic). ...Read more
I live in Maryland and have been referred to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore for an evaluation for aortic valve repair/replacement (severe stenosis, mostly asymptomatic). I don’t see Johns Hopkins in list of hospitals on this site, although I know it’s a renowned medical center. Has anyone had experience with Johns Hopkins, or found how to evaluate a hospital for this procedure?
Mark Shaw In the Baltimore-Washington area, Hopkins would be my first choice for cardiac care. Hopkins has high ... Read more
Mark Shaw In the Baltimore-Washington area, Hopkins would be my first choice for cardiac care. Hopkins has high scores from STS (https://publicreporting.sts.org/) and a high cardiology ranking from US News. Numbers aside, I believe the best way to select a doctor and hospital is through recommendations by 'knowledgeable' experts. As for non-expert recommendations, a friend highly recommended Dr Resar who performed his heart surgery (not sure what procedure). I had excellent cardiac care at Hopkins, though not for valve surgery.
To further this goal, the Society has established the STS Public Reporting initiative, which allows participants in the STS National Database to voluntarily report their surgical outcomes to the public on the STS website.
Susan Lynn Jonathan - Johns Hopkins physicians are leaders in practically every area of cutting-edge medicine ... Read more
Susan Lynn Jonathan - Johns Hopkins physicians are leaders in practically every area of cutting-edge medicine - they also seem to be very specialized in their care. I have only heard exemplary stories from those who have used their services. You're also in short traveling distance to many great cardiac docs/hospitals in the northeast. Do your research and be confident in your choice. Best of luck to you!
Jonathan Kissane Many thanks for your comments. I’ve been scrubbing the internet and found the US News rating. I’m ... Read more
Jonathan Kissane Many thanks for your comments. I’ve been scrubbing the internet and found the US News rating. I’m fortunate to be so close to Johns Hopkins. I have my first consultation on Wednesday.
I've never noticed symptoms from my stenosis; perhaps after the TAVR, I'll notice the absence of symptoms I've just chalked up to getting older.