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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Re: Tricuspid Valve Replacement
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Re: Tricuspid Valve Replacement
by CCF Cardio MD-SGM, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF Cardio MD-SGM on February 02, 1998 at 21:39:00:
In Reply to: Tricuspid Valve Replacement posted by Michelle Dalluge on January 24, 1998 at 21:42:40:
: Dear Sirs:
My name is Michelle Dalluge and I am 30 years old. In 1982, I had tricuspid valve replacement surgery to correct congenital heart disease condition. My replacement porcine (pig) valve is 16 years old. My original surgeon & cardiologist from Children's Hospital (Columbus, OH) have since retired. At this time, I do have a cardiologist & thoracic surgeon whose opinions vary and over the past year, I have talked with different personnel in this field at various hospitals and tend to believe that replacing my valve for a second time is a rare & complicated surgery. I have had a difficult time finding information or people with a condition like mine, and am searching for people with experience & knowledge in this area. I have two sisters, both RN's, who have also spoken with surgeons in this field and the majority of opinions I am receiving have convinced me that I need to find someone that has performed surgery that has replaced this valve a second time in patients. How can I find people like me or surgeons who fit this criteria?
I am not asking for a second opinion, I know that this valve has to be replaced. My thoracic surgeon suggested, since I am a young mother, that I need to find the best care and he advised that I perhaps seek treatment at the Cleveland Clinic or the Mayo Clinic. He was honest enough to tell me he prefers NOT to perform this surgery.
Thank you for any information that you can provide me.
Sincerely,
Michelle Dalluge
_____
Dear Michelle,
Any cardiac surgical procedure carrier a risk of serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, or death. However, a second surgical procedure approximately doubles this risk due to scarring, increased risk of bleeding, and therefore a more complicated operative challenge. I think you're on the right track, looking for a center that has expertise in this area. I highly recommend that you receive a second opinion from both an experienced cardiologist as well as an expert cardiothoracic surgeon. This will ensure that you have the best chance for a good outcome. You may be reassured to know that the cardiologists and cardiac surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic are particularly experienced in treating the more complex cases of heart disorders. Second or third cardiac surgeries are far from unusual at this institution... in fact, they are becoming commonplace.
You haven't told me about the original diagnosis, your current symptoms, or any details about your cardiac anatomy and function, so I really can't comment on whether replacing the prosthetic valve is necessary. It seems, however, that your physicians feel this should be done in the near future. This being the case, you might want to seek a consultation from a cardiologist/surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. You may contact an expert in valve disease, such as Dr. William Stewart, or Dr. Brian Griffin, at 1 800 CCF CARE, at desk F15, and make an appointment. Best of luck.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only. Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.
In Reply to: Tricuspid Valve Replacement posted by Michelle Dalluge on January 24, 1998 at 21:42:40:
: Dear Sirs:
My name is Michelle Dalluge and I am 30 years old. In 1982, I had tricuspid valve replacement surgery to correct congenital heart disease condition. My replacement porcine (pig) valve is 16 years old. My original surgeon & cardiologist from Children's Hospital (Columbus, OH) have since retired. At this time, I do have a cardiologist & thoracic surgeon whose opinions vary and over the past year, I have talked with different personnel in this field at various hospitals and tend to believe that replacing my valve for a second time is a rare & complicated surgery. I have had a difficult time finding information or people with a condition like mine, and am searching for people with experience & knowledge in this area. I have two sisters, both RN's, who have also spoken with surgeons in this field and the majority of opinions I am receiving have convinced me that I need to find someone that has performed surgery that has replaced this valve a second time in patients. How can I find people like me or surgeons who fit this criteria?
I am not asking for a second opinion, I know that this valve has to be replaced. My thoracic surgeon suggested, since I am a young mother, that I need to find the best care and he advised that I perhaps seek treatment at the Cleveland Clinic or the Mayo Clinic. He was honest enough to tell me he prefers NOT to perform this surgery.
Thank you for any information that you can provide me.
Sincerely,
Michelle Dalluge
_____
Dear Michelle,
Any cardiac surgical procedure carrier a risk of serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, or death. However, a second surgical procedure approximately doubles this risk due to scarring, increased risk of bleeding, and therefore a more complicated operative challenge. I think you're on the right track, looking for a center that has expertise in this area. I highly recommend that you receive a second opinion from both an experienced cardiologist as well as an expert cardiothoracic surgeon. This will ensure that you have the best chance for a good outcome. You may be reassured to know that the cardiologists and cardiac surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic are particularly experienced in treating the more complex cases of heart disorders. Second or third cardiac surgeries are far from unusual at this institution... in fact, they are becoming commonplace.
You haven't told me about the original diagnosis, your current symptoms, or any details about your cardiac anatomy and function, so I really can't comment on whether replacing the prosthetic valve is necessary. It seems, however, that your physicians feel this should be done in the near future. This being the case, you might want to seek a consultation from a cardiologist/surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. You may contact an expert in valve disease, such as Dr. William Stewart, or Dr. Brian Griffin, at 1 800 CCF CARE, at desk F15, and make an appointment. Best of luck.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only. Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.
