Valve replacement and scar tissue

[sudbury]

I am researching procedures for patients who are considered 'inoperable' for open heart valve replacement due to scarring from bypass surgery.  The patient is 53 years old, physically fit and underwent successful quintuple bypass 7 years ago.  At the time he was told that valve replacement would be required at some point in the future.  This year he was informed that without valve replacement, he would likely not last beyond the next 3 years. A four and a half hour procedure was completed unsuccessfully last week by one surgeon in his hometown.  What are his options now?

[skydnsr]

DarleneW, I'm sorry to hear this.  The situation is uncommon, but unfortunately it's not unheard of.  What you have is called pannus.  Yes, the only solution is to replace the valve.  Yes, a tissue valve is generally used as the replacement, since another mechanical valve is likely to grow pannus again.  It's an unusual complication, and there would have been no way to predict it ahead of time.  Most people who get mechanical valves never need to have that valve replaced again.  You just had bad luck.  What you want now is for your surgeon to implant the longest-lasting tissue valve he can give you.  I'm wishing for you to have the best possible surgical outcome and for you to enjoy a very long time with your next valve.  

[jstpeachi]

So sorry for your complications but grateful to have found your comments. My husband had a tissue valve put in 3 years ago. He is 67 years old. When they did the surgery they found so much scar tissue from his bypass surgery 12 years previous that the aortic valve replacement took 11 hours. Now here we go again they say the valve will need to be replaced he is already having chest pressure. Is this going to happen every 3 years???is it the fault of the surgeon? Hoping you are feeling fine it is frustrating.
Lynn, Eagle Wi

[DarleneW]

I just found this site. I had a aortic valve (stainless steel) placed in 3 years ago. Now since shortness of breath they are saying I have scar tissue that is closing the valve 57%. This is crazy! What I am reading is they will have to replace this one and put in a pig valve!!! Have you heard of this?
Darlene

[DottyCece]

Definitely gto to a place like Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and help one of their very best surgeons do it.  I have had the same valve replaced twice and would hate to thing they couldn't do it a third time if necessary.

[mary2]

This is somewhat unusual. I know of many people that had two or even more open heart surgeries. Each surgery makes it more difficult for have another one but a good surgeon should be able to do it. Especially at such a young age.
I suggest he/she looks another surgeon's opinion.

[Momto3]

Please check out www.valvereplacement.com.  It is a wonderful site for "valvers" and their families and friends. Best wishes