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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: July 1, 2018

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Judy S posted an update

5 months ago (April 16, 2026)

I just found out that my St. Jude Medical (now Abbot) bovine heart valve was recalled in 2023 due to issues with it failing within five years. I had my surgery in 2018 and mine is still working, but I wondered if anyone had heard of this recall or were... Read more.

🥰 Deena Z reacted to this

Richard Munson

5 months ago (April 17, 2026)

So when they recall it, do they take it out ?

Marie Myers

5 months ago (April 18, 2026)

I have heard of the Trifecta tissue valve recall, but not this one. Keep in mind they don't all fail early. Prayers to you for a long valve life!

Judy S

4 months ago (April 23, 2026)

Thanks Marie! They collect the unused valves and monitor those that have been used. I am fortunately well past the danger zone but it was such a bizarre thing to find out!

Judy S posted an update

9 months ago (December 22, 2025)

My sister just saw had a surgical consult today at Kaiser Santa Clara for a potential SAVR. (I had one in 2018.) Does anyone have any experience with this Kaiser and Dr. Soraya Voight?

Robert Miller

8 months ago (December 27, 2025)

We are very close to that Kaiser. My MIL used to go there and she was treated very well. I can't speak for Dr. Voight but I had my second surgery at Sequoia. I think they closed due to financial issues but Dr. Castro keeps practicing. He is an outstanding... Read more.

Judy S

8 months ago (January 7, 2026)

Thank you Robert. I also had Dr. Castro for my valve surgery because I am not part of Kaiser. I wish my sister could see him too! I think Sequoia is still operating, no pun intended, but Dr. Castro is now at Marin Health.

Judy S posted an update

7 years ago (March 16, 2019)

Interesting article today on the future of TAVR. Still a question for bicuspid valve patients, but the news is headed in the right direction for others! https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/16/health/aortic-valve-replacement-heart.html

Tens of Thousands of Heart Patients May Not Need Open-Heart Surgery

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/16/health/aortic-valve-replacement-heart.html

Replacement of the aortic valve with a minimally invasive procedure called TAVR proved effective in younger, healthier patients.

Debbie Kelly

7 years ago (March 16, 2019)

I am so thankful that I had my TAVR under a clinical trial program for low-risk patients. Thanks for sharing the article, Judy.

Diane Maher

7 years ago (March 17, 2019)

A very interesting perspective of the study that Vic posted above. Thanks for posting this one too, Judy❣️

Dan Vechiola

7 years ago (March 18, 2019)

I was holding out for a technology like TAVR for most of my life and I fell a little short lol

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