Calcified vessel preventing valve replacement

Posted By Linda Michaelsen on March 12, 1999 at 22:52:58:







My father is 75 years old and underwent bypass surgery in late December.  They were to do a valve replacement at the same time but the aorta was calcified per the surgeon "to far up to clamp it".  They have been attempting to manage the valve replacement issue with medication but his doctor believes his prognosis is not good (i.e. giving him an 18 month life expectancy).  
Are there new techniques for valve replacement that could work around the calcified vessel??  Our surgeon mentioned that doing this procedure would carry a high stroke risk.  Are there other methodologies that minimize this??
We just want to give him every opportunity to live well.
Thanx for your help
Linda (Daddy's oldest of four girls)