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Subject: Re: Aortic Valve Replacement Options I have been in contact with a lady from Portugal who was diagnosed with Cogan's Syndrome about 11 years ago. I also had CS and had an Aortic valve replacement in 1981. I have a Bjork-Shiley CC valve. The lady with whom I am corresponding has a progressive Aortic insufficiency, probably caused by CS. I am trying to help her find out what options she has available to her in Portugal. Do you know of any resources that could help me or do you have any information about the medical scene in Portugal? I am particularly interested in what types of mechanical valves are currently recommended and what other options she may have depending on her medical specifics. Thank you very much in advance, both for the information and the great resource you have here. Dear Jon Aortic valve surgery has changed a great deal since your surgery. Now the surgery can be done with a smaller incision - minimally invasive surgery. Sometimes the valve can be repaired instead of replaced. And even with replacements, homografts (tissue from a cadaver) can be used instead of mechanical valves. All these techniques require special expertise. I am not aware of any hospital in Portugal that fits this description. Also, have you been evaluated by a cardiologist recently? The Bjork-Shiley valves have a risk of strut fracture - your valve needs to be checked out by a cardiologist to see if it needs to be replaced. I hope this is useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
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