aortic valve replacement/aneurysm repair surgery

[sisters003]

My sister had a aortic valve replacement surgery 4 years ago, she ended up with a pacemaker and had a long recovery.  We found out that she now needs aortic valve replacement/ascending aneurysm repair surgery.  does anyone know the risks involved?  

[skydnsr]

No problem.  I had to have my first AVR re-done after only one year.  My re-op surgeon was Dr. Joseph Coselli, and I recommend him.  If it hadn't been for him and also for Dr. Sharo Raissi, who referred me to Dr. Coselli, I wouldn't be here today.  Those are two great surgeons, both world-renowned, but there are other great surgeons out there.  I hope your sister gets to be treated by one of the great ones.  

A good source for more information about aortic valve replacement and aortic surgery is the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation.  They have a website.  

Good luck to your sister.  With the right care, she will do well.  She is already lucky to have someone who loves her as you do.

[sisters003]

Thanks so much for your advice

[skydnsr]

Re-operations are generally thought to be higher-risk than first-time operations, but some of the top centers (on the order of Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, Texas Heart, Mass General, etc.) are showing re-op mortality and morbidity stats that are very similar to first-time stats.  The skill of the surgeon plays a huge, huge role.  Your daughter needs an expert surgeon.  In my opinion, she should try to go to a major heart center for this operation, even if she has to travel.  I can't quantify the risk for you, because (a) I'm not a doctor and (b) it depends on her individual situation.  But I can tell you two  things:  she will be better off with an aortic specialist surgeon than she will be with a "generalist" heart surgeon who only does this type of operation every once in a while, and she will certainly be better off having competent surgery than if she does nothing.  Aortic valve re-ops are for the very top surgeons, especially when an aneurysm repair is needed.