Re: Aortic Valve Replacement

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on August 18, 1998 at 18:55:00:

In Reply to: Aortic Valve Replacement posted by Charles Raines on August 18, 1998 at 11:51:20:






Echo and cath tests confirm that I have aorta valve stenosis, approximately
80% restriction, and replacement has been recommended.
I have had two coronary by-pass operations, the last in 1990, and a recent
cath test shows no significant problems with any coronary arteries.
A surgeon I conferred with said that because of possible scar tissue from
the previous surgeries the chance of mortality from a third heart surgery
would be as high as 20%.
I would like mortality statistics on 2nd and 3rd heart surgeries if such
data are available.  Also, what risk is involved if I decide to postpone
the valve replacement indefinitely.  To date, I have not experienced any
fainting nor dizzy spells, but do experience shortness of breath on any
exertion.
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Dear Charles
The figure quoted to you sounds reasonable. A third open heart procedure does carry elevated risk. You should definitely go to a center that has experience in redo surgery (community hospitals rarely have this sort of experience).
The level of risk of the surgery depends also on your age, other medical conditions, and how strong your heart is. These factors also affect your prognosis if you decide against surgery. The fact that you have significant shortness of breath from your aortic valve is a bad sign and suggests that you will not do well over the long term without surgery. You should really discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your cardiologist, so that he can advise you of your personal level of risk of either the surgery or just using medicines.
I hope this is useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our cardiologists here at the Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your physician(s).