Jonathan's Journal

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.

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?