Melissa's Posts

I understand SAVR is the "gold standard," but I also know of many patients having TAVR in their 50s. TAVR in TAVR is happening now, and I'm fine with the fact that I will need more surgery in the future. I cannot do the downtime required with a SAVR. I know if TAVR wasn't a thing, then I'd have no option other than do the SAVR. But knowing TAVR is a safe alternative, that's what I'm trying to do. Unfortunately, everyone I know in their 50s had it at hospitals that are too far from me, so I'm looking for somewhere closer. I appreciate your feedback though.

I was told trans catheter replacement is the last resort for very old patients and for those that cannot have sternotomy for whatever reason, either too weak or already had too many in the past? I suggest getting second or third opinions from cardiologists, not just surgeons. J Alexander is right that cardiologists aren't always right, but surgeons tend to be very narrowly focused. It might be more helpful to ask what criteria they use to determine whether or not TVAR is the best procedure for a particular person? This is coming from a person that underwent a trans catheter procedure that went wrong, and had to get a sternotomy anyway.