Dissected Aorta

[melis11577]

Doctor,

On September 10, 2002 I was operated on for an AAA a Saint Jude's Valve was placed in, also with a graft.
While recuperating on December 27, 2002 I collapsed and was rushed to the Hospital and was diagnosed with a complete dissected aorta.My team of doctor came to the conclusion that I should not be operated on at this time and treated me with a array of medicines to control my blood pressure and heart rate which they for the most part have done. the med's. are 7.5 mg four days a week and 5 mg 3 days a week of Coumadin for the heart valve , Ativan 1.0 mg twice a day , Bumex 2 mg one in the morning,Minioxidil 2.5 mg twice a day, Vasotec 20 mg. twice a day, Lopressor 200 mg. twice a day, Catepres 0.2 twice a day, Norvasc 5 mg. 1 time in the morning, Diovan 320 also 1 time in the morning and Kel 20 me. twice a day. I have been undergoing M.R.I.S. every six months for the last for years with minimal growth until one piece of my aorta before my arch and in my chest near the esophagus measured 7.0. I have heard of stints other than grafts to repair this though I know the whole aorta must be replace in parts eventually  I just have heard from my Cardiologist and waiting for a appointment with my vascular surgeon who in previous appointments said that the Cleveland Clinic was where he would send me. I was just hoping that you could answer some of the questions on what the operation would entail pros and cons. Also I am 53 years old.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hello,

I am sorry to hear you are struggling with this medical condition.  I do not have enough information to say that you definitely need an aortic replacement, but a dramatic change in aortic size is certainly reason for further evaluation.

The decision as to when an open aortic replacement versus as stent graft is appropriate is made by the surgeons.  When the decision is made that the procedure is indicated, this means that your risk of having a major complication from the procedure is less than the risk of not repairing the aorta.  The pros to repairing the aorta is that if the procedure is successful, your risk of future events like dissection, rupture, or even death is decreased.  The cons to the procedure is that it is a high risk operation.  There can be risks of death, paralysis, stroke, damage to kidneys or other internal organs, heart attacks, etc.  The exact risk can only be estimated after a preoperative physical exam.

I hope this answers your questions.  Good luck and thanks for posting.

[suzzie1]

Hi there, sorry to see what you are going through...I hope you get sorted out soon.  I just thought I would give you the address of a wonderful site for anyone with valve problems(like myself)...if you go on there you will get answers to any and all questions you might have. They are a great bunch of people, without whom I would be lost.  Valvereplacement.com    Best Wishes.

[save]

I am so sorry to hear what happened to you.  I had my aortic valve replaced 4 months ago.  I also had bypasses done at the same time.  I know you must be upset to have to deal with something else.  I am not sure what happened to you because I do not have enough medical knowledge, but I think you are doing a smart thing going to the Cleveland Clinic.  I had mine done at the Mayo Clinic and I had very good treatment.  If I can help in anyway, let me know.

[mr. doug rumberger]

hello, my son was born with truncus arterious in november of 94. childrens hospital of pittsburgh repaired his heart with a patch and conduit. 12 years later with no complaints the repair needs to be done again which we were made aware of way back when. he never has had to take any meds. or has had any limits to his activities as a child but now is slowing down and knew that this time was coming for the repair to be done. janet weis/gensinger hospital of danville,pa is where we intend on having this done the second time around and a heart cath. along with a throat scope was done. they confirmed that the conduit has narrowed over the years but also the left ventrical valve is leaking severely and recommended a saint judes valve. because of the valve replacement he will be on blood thinners for the rest of his life which broke my heart for him to be on medication but thats ok he is still with us. i guess my question is about the saint judes valve i have heard there has been great success with this device. can you tell me anything including complications that may arise in the future for my child.