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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Re: facing surgery soon, unsure which way to go
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Re: facing surgery soon, unsure which way to go
by CCF CARDIO MD DLB, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on March 30, 1999 at 19:14:52:
In Reply to: facing surgery soon, unsure which way to go posted by Michael on March 30, 1999 at 15:48:50:
Hello. I am 31 years old and have had aortic stenosis since birth. I have been told that I will need surgery within the next few months. I am unsure which valve I will choose, as both the pig valve and the St Jude valve have thier drawbacks. I am leaning towards a pig valve becaue I lead a very active lifestyle and do not wish to take coumadin for the rest of my life. I know I will need another surgery if I choose the pig valve, but in ten or fifteen years technology may have advanced to a point where there is a new option. Also I am told the the Cleveland Center specializes in minmally invasive surgery. I am curious to know if I am eligible for this type of urgery, because my aorta has calcification on it and probably need to be replaced as well. Can this be one with minimally invasive surgery? And seeing how I am at the middle point (31) is the pig valve the smartest choice? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Dear Michael
There is no "right" answer to your question. As you rightly point out, both types of valves have their drawbacks. If you are very active, the need for blood thinners would be a major problem for you with the mechanical valve. I think it is sensible for you to get a tissue valve. However, another possibility is an aortic valve homograft from a cadaver - I think you should explore this possibility.
I would favor the minimally invasive approach to aortic valve replacement. Whether you are eligible would depend on just what shape your aorta is in.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
In Reply to: facing surgery soon, unsure which way to go posted by Michael on March 30, 1999 at 15:48:50:
Hello. I am 31 years old and have had aortic stenosis since birth. I have been told that I will need surgery within the next few months. I am unsure which valve I will choose, as both the pig valve and the St Jude valve have thier drawbacks. I am leaning towards a pig valve becaue I lead a very active lifestyle and do not wish to take coumadin for the rest of my life. I know I will need another surgery if I choose the pig valve, but in ten or fifteen years technology may have advanced to a point where there is a new option. Also I am told the the Cleveland Center specializes in minmally invasive surgery. I am curious to know if I am eligible for this type of urgery, because my aorta has calcification on it and probably need to be replaced as well. Can this be one with minimally invasive surgery? And seeing how I am at the middle point (31) is the pig valve the smartest choice? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Dear Michael
There is no "right" answer to your question. As you rightly point out, both types of valves have their drawbacks. If you are very active, the need for blood thinners would be a major problem for you with the mechanical valve. I think it is sensible for you to get a tissue valve. However, another possibility is an aortic valve homograft from a cadaver - I think you should explore this possibility.
I would favor the minimally invasive approach to aortic valve replacement. Whether you are eligible would depend on just what shape your aorta is in.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
