Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Posted By Robert on December 05, 1998 at 17:28:32:







I am a 46 year old male with bicuspid aortic valve disease.  This has been monitored with echo for many years.  I have only moderate stenosis and continue to be active with sports and outdoor activites.  Calcification is worsening, particularly on one side of the valve.  Regurgitation is considered moderate/severe with the regurgitated jet impacting one of the mitral valve leaflets causing it to "balloon".  There is no jet lesion.  Heart size and function are within the normal ranges.  I recently received a TEE for a clearer picture and have been put on an ACE inhibitor though my BP was normal.  I have been told to return for an echo in 6 months.  I am beginning to evaluate surgical options.  With so many recent advances in surgery, I'm trying to optimize timing against the potential for doing long-lasting damage to my heart.  I'm interested in minimally-invasive procedures, and am also interested in advances in tissue valve replacement - lifelong coumadin looks like something to be avoided.  Thanks for your help.  What a great service to the public.