Tissue Valve Types

Posted by Gene on May 01, 1999 at 12:34:57
I am 64, scheduled to replace a defective aortic valve in a few months, and am seeking alternatives to the mechanical valve and its complications. How does the stentless porcine valve compare to traditional bovine and porcine replacements? Does the bovine last longer? Do you expect that valve surgery will be much different 10 or 15 years from now, when the current tissue valve has to be replaced?
Also, I live in northeast Maine. Can you recommend a surgeon in Bangor, Portland or Boston?
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD-APS on May 05, 1999 at 11:37:45
Dear Gene,
The stentless valve has not been out long enough for me to give you an opinion.  Your surgeon is the doctor that will best help you make the decision as to which valve is best for you, especially given that the one he is most experienced with is the one you should go with.  At centers like this one (Cleveland Clinic) where valves are done A LOT, there are cardiologists that specialize specifically in valvular pathology and the imaging of valves before, during, and after surgery and thus would provide you a good opinion.  Not an opinion however on the stentless however since it is so new, there are likely many and conflicting opnions as yet.
I will (this week) seek the opinion of our cardiothoracic surgeons the hospital in the towns you have named that is most experienced at valve surgery and get back to you with the name as I know of no specific surgeon in those areas to suggest.
As for the advancement of valve surgery over the next 10-15 years, that is a complete unknown; although science and medicince have made tremendous advances in the treatment of valvular disease over the past 10 years, that doesn't make it any easier to say there will be advances.  BUT I will say it looks promising, and it is smart of you to consider this for when your tissue valve wears out.
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general
purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to
write back with additional questions. Good luck.
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.
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD-APS on May 07, 1999 at 11:30:34
Dear Gene,
Boston is the city you want to go to, but first call Massachusetts General Hospital or the Brigham Women's Hospital Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery for an appointment with any of their surgeons.