Hi, my husband is 55 and we were just told that he will need aortic valve replacement due to aortic stenosis. I understand there are two options, open procedure ...Read more
Hi, my husband is 55 and we were just told that he will need aortic valve replacement due to aortic stenosis. I understand there are two options, open procedure and TARV. His surgeon is pushing for open due to my husband’s age and chance of having to have a second surgery if TARV is done. Looking for anyone’s experience with either option and pros and cons.
Rose Madura Welcome to the site Karen. You have come to the right place for encouragement and support. I had a S ... Read more
Rose Madura Welcome to the site Karen. You have come to the right place for encouragement and support. I had a SAVR (full sternotomy) 5-1/2 years ago at age 59. I chose a tissue valve with the understanding that I may need a TAVR in the future. You should do plenty of research, write down questions for the cardiologist and surgeon. You should be comfortable with both. The surgeon should have plenty of experience with good outcomes and the facility should be top notch. I know that's a big pill to swallow. And I always recommend getting a second opinion. Let us know if you guys have any specific questions. God bless you on this journey.
Pamela Gregory Hi Karen, I am 55 years old and had open heart surgery for severe aortic stenosis of a bicuspid valve ... Read more
Pamela Gregory Hi Karen, I am 55 years old and had open heart surgery for severe aortic stenosis of a bicuspid valve. I had several opinions and they all said open instead of TAVR because I wanted a tissue valve which means it will need replacing again. Hopefully TAVR the second time. My understanding is there isn't enough data to know exactly how long having TAVR done at my age would last.
Leona Resch Hi Karen- I just had a surgical aortic valve replacement 9 days ago for a bicuspid aortic valve. All ... Read more
Leona Resch Hi Karen- I just had a surgical aortic valve replacement 9 days ago for a bicuspid aortic valve. All the surgeons I consulted with said because I was young (62) and healthy surgical route was the way to go because a bicuspid valve is a bit more oval and sometimes a tavr doesn’t quite fit well enough and can leak etc.. and then they’d have to go in fir surgery anyway. I think it makes a difference if the valve is bicuspid or normal anatomy(3 flaps). They put a valve big enough to accept a tavr when this one wears out in 15 years or so. So they basically plan out your lifespan valve wise!
Rita Savelis Your husband is young so he will need a repeat procedure. TAVR valves last 8 to 10 years or so as do ... Read more
Rita Savelis Your husband is young so he will need a repeat procedure. TAVR valves last 8 to 10 years or so as do tissue valves, especially in a younger patient. Your surgeon should be able to explain your husband's valve options and answer his questions. You need to be with a surgeon that you trust. Every patient's situation is singular, so others can tell you their stories but your husband's case is his and his alone. There are many options and none of of them are the only option. I feel for you because suddenly you have many decisions to make and it's all so new. Take care.
I am from: Fayetteville
