Re: Valve replacement options

Posted By Susan on February 02, 1999 at 20:24:40:

In Reply to: Valve replacement options posted by Kara on February 02, 1999 at 15:37:18:






My husband is 30 years old, very active and has congenital aortic stenosis.  We live in Central Iowa and he needs to have his valve replaced.  We are getting several conflicting recommendations on how and where to proceed.  We don't want to replace with Mechanical because of the blood thinner option.   And yet we are concerned with the Tissue option because of the repeat surgeries.  For someone of this age and activity level what would be best?  We have heard about the Ross procedure, but why mess with 2 valves when only one is broken?  Also the invasive surgery for Aortic replacement, what valve is used for this type of surgery?  Any guidance you could give would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Hi!  I also have congenital aortic stenosis and am scheduled to have my valve replaced in 2 weeks (!).  I am a very young  51 years old, so am going with the mechanical valve because I don't want to think about replacing it either any time soon or when I am 70+ (although by then it may be a snap and I might do it anyway for some other reason!).  However, if I were only 30 and in otherwise good health, I would choose the homograph (human donor).  Minimally invasive aortic valve replacements are experimental today, but might not be so in the future in the event of a repeat.  But just for kicks, another writer at this sight, a young woman, had a tissue valve 2 years ago and she just had to have it replaced this week, but chose mechanical this time.  So you never know.  I figure we make our best choices given our lifestyle, etc., and the rest is in God's hands.  Good luck and God Bless!