Scott Buckiewicz - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1560 days ago

Jill Boroniec, Nancy W, Rose Madura and 2 others reacted to this

Here is a quick update. I had AVR surgery via mini-thoracotomy for stenotic BAV on 4/1 at CC. Dr. Johnston did the surgery. I am 54 and very active. After ...Read more

Here is a quick update. I had AVR surgery via mini-thoracotomy for stenotic BAV on 4/1 at CC. Dr. Johnston did the surgery. I am 54 and very active. After a lot of research and talking to various cardiologists I chose the Inspiris Resilia aortic valve. I was asymptomatic. I trained for this surgery like I was training for a race, even working out on the day before surgery. 8am surgery on Thursday, 4/1. Terrified. Surgery took about 2.5 hrs. Then CAICU and step down right after. All was very good aside from the catheter removal and then the prolonged drain tubes removal. I officially checked out late Sunday 4/4 (actually left very early Monday due to some admin snags). I walked out of the hospital to the hotel on only a baby aspirin and Tylenol if needed for pain. I walked 4-5 miles a day in Cleveland as I waited for the final checkout day two days later. Felt relatively amazing. The CC system is pretty incredible. From the surgeon to the nurses in step down. All work together seemlessly. All knowing what the other is doing or has done. Highly recommend. CC is a highly efficient machine. Flew home to CO Wednesday 4/7. Been walking/hiking 4-5 miles a day and recumbent bike for another 30min every day. Just had my first cardio rehab. He cleared me to go up to 130-149bpm. EKG good at all activity levels. BP very good. Final local cardiologist check on 5/5, echo, blood work, ekg. It's been a amazing whirlwind. I feel like I own so much to CC, Dr. Johnston and his team. Much thanks to my wife too. This site and the various forums I was in did help me through this too. Thanks to them also.

Jill Boroniec Wow! How fantastic and inspiring Scott! GREAT work!

Susan Lynn Scott - Thanks for sharing your great experience and inspiring those in the waiting room! I also had ... Read more

Susan Lynn Scott - Thanks for sharing your great experience and inspiring those in the waiting room! I also had the mini-t entry and was thrilled with the easy recovery! Wishing your continued success!

Scott Buckiewiczposted an update

1641 days ago

I was recently diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Valve with medium to severe stenosis. I'm asymptomatic. Run, hike, bike, ski, and lift weights daily. I'm 54. ...Read more

I was recently diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Valve with medium to severe stenosis. I'm asymptomatic. Run, hike, bike, ski, and lift weights daily. I'm 54. I'm scheduled for AVR surgery at Cleveland Clinic 4/1 with Dr. Johnston. Originally, I was set on On-X. Then learned and researched Inspiris Resilia and loved everything about it. Especially the expansion ring and anti-calcification tech. Today I started to read about the Trifecta GT. What direction are other active people going in? Torn between Resilia and Trifecta now. I'm sure Dr. Johnston will have more to say before the surgery on the valve choice, but I like to have as much info as possible before. This technology seems to be constantly changing.

Charles P Hello. Similar story. But mine is unicuspid and had enlarged ascending aorta at 5.4cm which was repla ... Read more

Charles P Hello. Similar story. But mine is unicuspid and had enlarged ascending aorta at 5.4cm which was replaced at the Cleveland Clinic when I was 52. They left my valve alone. Now it needs replaced 7.5 years later. I wish I had gone with the mechanical back then. I'm leaning towards the St. Jude Regent over the On-X right now. More data and supposed better hemodynamics. I was there last week and they also recommended the Resilia. No thanks. GUARANTEED repeat business. It might last 12 years and it could also fail in 4. No one knows. Specific to each person. I'm also very active with all you have mentioned and more. I do 200 mile bike rides, I ski and snowshoe at 12k ft., used to run 6 minute miles but no more, not good for the joints. Fast walking and elliptical now, and weights, kayak, camping, motorcycling, off-road ATV etc.. And I plan to continue when this is fixed. I expect better aerobic capacity too with increased AVA size. Good luck with your decision and let me know what you decide.

Scott Buckiewicz Hey Charles. I was with you there with the On-X originally. Then I started to learn more about the ... Read more

Scott Buckiewicz Hey Charles. I was with you there with the On-X originally. Then I started to learn more about the differences of the Resilia valve vs other bio's. How it's treated basically. Some of these animal tests and expectations are 2X the previous valves. That's 25-30 yrs before a outpatient TAVR through a expandable Resilia which would keep the diameter the same. No ticking, cumaden, or worrying about falling and cuts. I do a lot of that! I also like wine and all the high vitamin K they say not to have. So, I'm really leaning to the Resilia. I have not spoke to Dr Johnston for the finally call yet though. University of Maryland and this link really play up the Resilia. Tough call. https://www.rbhh-specialistcare.co.uk/news/aortic-valve-replacement-patients-benefit-new-inspiris-resilia-valve

Aortic valve replacement patients benefit from the new Inspiris Resilia valve | Royal Brompton & Harefield Specialist Care

https://www.rbhh-specialistcare.co.uk/news/aortic-valve-replacement-patients-benefit-new-inspiris-resilia-valve

Harefield Hospital, one of the first centres in the world to implant the Edwards Lifesciences® Inspiris Resilia tissue valve; estimated to last up to 30 years. This new valve is implanted in aortic valve disease patients using a keyhole technique, an approach that remains unique to Harefield Hospital as other UK centres use a more invasive approach.

Charles P It does sound promising. It was launched in Europe in 2017 and the US in 2018. For my skeptical mind, ... Read more

Charles P It does sound promising. It was launched in Europe in 2017 and the US in 2018. For my skeptical mind, that is not enough actual use time to accurately extrapolate out to 30 years. So, I would put alot of emphasis on the words "Up to" 30 years. I also saw that they did a study of 689 people and confirmed no wear after 2 years. Not enough study time for me personally.
I also like red wine and understand that you can still drink 1 or 2 glasses /day without issue, when on Coumadin.
I agree, very tough decision!!