Mechanical Valves

[Robert]

I am wondering what experience the Cleveland Clinic has with some of the newer mechanical heart valves.  Do your surgeons and cardiologists have an opinion on the On-X (reportedly better hemodynamics) or the ATS valves as compared to the Saint Judes?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I do not think there are any huge differences in hemodynamics that are clinically apparent.

[Robert]

So does CCF use any of them?  Or only the Saint Jude?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

We primarily use the St. Jude.

[Mario]

HI ROBERT I HAVE HAD MY AORTIC VALVE REPLACED WITH A HOMOGRAFT MAY 99 AND ALL IS WELL. I ALSO HAVE HEARD FROM 2 SURGEONS ABOUT THE ON-X AND ATS VALVES. THE ON-X VALVE IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BETTER HYMODYNAMICS AND IS SUPPOSED TO BE A QUIETER VALVE BECAUSE OF THE NEW CARBON THEY USE. ALSO ATS(ADVANCING THE STANDARD) HAS A PATENTED PIVOT SYSTEM THAT WASHES OUT ENTIRELY AFTER EVERY CONTRACTION. EACH HOSPITAL MORE OR LESS HAVE THEIR OWN PREFERENCES ON WHICH VALVES THEY USE SO DO NOT BE SURPRISED IF THE SURGEON OR CARDIO PUSH THEIR OWN VALVES. IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE ADDRESSES TO CONTACT THESE REPECTIVE COMPANIES LET ME KNOW.....MARIO

[Robert]

Thanks Mario.  Those are the things I have read as well.  I will probably opt for the homograft like you did.  I realize I may need surgery again (I'm 47), but it seems like homografts are being used more and more.  On the other hand, a quieter, less thrombolitic mechanical valve would have a lot going for it.

[Hank Eyring]

Hello There Robert,

I am writing you to let you know about a list that myself and several other Valve Replacement patients have created.

I am a 33 year old male who had aortic valve replacement surgery in April of 1999.  I often had questions about stuff like what do other people’s spouses think about their valves clicking, to how do the kids deal with Dad having major surgery.  Also issues about what is involved in approaching surgery, going through surgery and recovering from surgery. We also discuss the use of coumadin since most of us have to take it for the rest of our lives.

If you would like to join a mailing list along with folks who have been through this kind of stuff before and are facing it in the future, just go to the following URL and sign up.

http://frontpage.inficad.com/~hanky/heart.htm

You will find much help with this list and we all learn from each other.

Hope you can join us,

Hank Eyring

[Nan Hermus]

Hank, would you please add me to your Mailing list?  I tried to get to your site but could not do so.  My address is: ***@****

Thanks