Rich 's Journal

John Cook  I went from my initial diagnosis with moderate aortic regurgitation to severe regurgitation and a Ross Procedure in the space of about 14 months.  Some people get years between their diagnosis and their surgery.  It really depends on how fast your problem progresses. Generally, though, I think the protocol now is when people become “severe” even if they are asymptomatic.


I also scored well on the Bruce stress test. I went into surgery asymptomatic and still able to do 3 mile runs.  I’m 7 months post-surgery now and feeling like I’ve recovered 100% but still exercising around 85%.


For aortic valves, the general types of surgery are TAVR, Ross, SAVR (traditional open heart surgery), and Bentall.  Which one you have depends on your specific conditions, your age and general health, and where you have your surgery.


Not everywhere can do a Ross, it’s a specialized surgery.  Also, not everyone is a good candidate for it.


You probably won’t get a TVAR unless you are older. Also, you might not be a good candidate for it if you have too much dilation.

Rich Bransfield   Thanks John … I’m hearing SVAR, I’m 65 and in pretty good shape but definitely feel the effect. Out of breath easy, went swimming yesterday and was exhausted and out of breath .. that’s not my norm  

John Cook  At 65 you are on the younger side for TAVR and the older side for Ross.  However, both are possibilities worth talking to your surgeon about and getting a second opinion on.

TAVR will depend a lot on the dilation of your aortic root.  I was too young at 53 and had too much dilation.  But because they narrowed up my root during my Ross, it’s a possibility if I need another aortic valve in the future.

For Ross, they use age as a proxy for health and longevity expectations.  Since you scored well on your stress test, they could decide you are a good candidate.  The surgery is a little riskier and recovery a little longer because it is a two valve surgery.

Good luck.