Valve replacement surgery

[Gary]

I am a 51 year old male who may be having aortic valve surgery this winter. My cardiologist tells me that if my valve is replaced it will be replaced by a metal one.

I am a serious body builder and am not looking forward to the 10-12 week lay off from the gym, not to mention the scarring from a "full incision."

My cardiologist tells me that some surgeons use "keyhole" surgery to perform the replacement but did not go into detail. What can you tell me about this type of surgery ? Is it any more risky than standard surgery ? Is it common ?

I'm a very active man and I wish to minimize my recovery period.

Thanks

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Gary,
There are a number of new "minimally invasive" surgical techniques for valve surgery that decrease the size of the incision and recovery time.  The "keyhole" technique is one of the types.  Not all surgeries can be performed using these techniques and the patient must be prepared for the possibility that a full incision will be needed.    The surgery is not anymore risky and is used more and more.  In general the recovery times are 5-6 days in the hospital and then several weeks at home.  However, I'm not sure that the surgeon will want you going back to weight lifting any sooner.  This is something you will have to discuss with him/her.

[garyr]

Am 57, had my AV replaced at CCF in April with a Bovine pericardial valve, via a "ministernotomy"- 3-4" skin incision in the middle of the chest combined with a J- cut from the sternal notch to the middle of the sternum. Very stable.

If you wish to know my experience you can e-mail me for information. Weight lifting of heavy weights will be forbidden for a good year, and thoroughly discouraged afterwards.

***@****

[JEAN SISCO]

Gary,
I am an AV replacement survivor also since 1-21-00 at the Cleveland Clinic with a homograft replacement.  I also had the mini incision...maybe 3 inches long.  If you are interested in details you can get in touch with me through email also.
Jean

[Thump]

Jean

I'd like some more information. What is your email addy ?
I'm at - [e-mail]

Thank you

[Todd W]

I don't think your recovery will be alot faster with the min. invasive - they still have to saw through a couple of ribs - these take 6-8 weeks to heal jsut like the regular open heart - the min invasive does not mean minimal pain either.  I had an aortic aneurysm and valve repair done 2 years ago (at age 33)- I waited about 8 weeks to start doing some weights and running.  by 12 weeks I was back playing hockey.  I believe that if you rush it you could prolong the bones healing. Good luck with the min invasive - it does leave a 3" scar instead of the 9" one I have.  I would be more concerned about your choice of valve mechanical, pig, cow or human (cadaver or homograft) each has pros and cons - have your surgeon explain in detail the risks and lifestyle changes with each option.  I would also recommend seeing more than one surgeon and choosing a surgeon with a proven track record.  Good Luck - life after surgery is great for me and will be for you too.

[garyr]

Ribs are not 'sawn thru' in ministernotomies. I thought this was the case too, and my surgeon corrected me. The sternum itself is cut from the sternal notch down to about the 4th intercostal space between the ribs and a  turn is made there, to the right looking down. The incision on the sternum looks exactly like a rough letter "J".

[jean]

Re: sawing ribs.  Maybe not sawn, but they do break some occassionally as they pull them back to do their work.  I had had a lot of pain - not bad just niggling -- away from the sternum over towards my shoulder.  At 12 weeks I had a check up bone scan for my oncologist and the technician mentioned that two of my ribs were broken and one was cracked.  It was neat they could even see my wires.

[Veronica]

MY HUSBAND IS 27 YEARS OLD AND MIGHT BE NEEDING AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.  I AM REALLY WORRIED ABOUT HIM.  ALL OF THIS REALLY SCARES ME, ESPECIALLY HAVING TO MAKE THE CHOICE ABOUT WHAT KIND OF VALVE TO HAVE IT REPLACED WITH.  CAN YOU GUYS TELL ME WHAT KIND YOU CHOSE AND WHY.  HE IS SO YOUNG, AND BEING ON COUMADINE SCARES HIM.  IF YOU CAN PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH YOUR ANSWERS I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT.  ***@****

[steve]

I am 46 years old and had a coarctation of the aorta repaired in 1963. I am now looking at probable aortic valve replacement in 3 - 4 months.

Naturally, I am worried. I am beginning to hear stories about others who have gone through this. It would greatly appreciated if any of you could share your experiences with me. As I said, I am apprehensive and some reassurance from others who have gone through this would help me greatly.

My email address is ***@****.

Thanks,

Steve

[Mark]

Steve, I had a coarc repaired in 1970 and my bicuspid aortic valve is beginning to leak moderate to severe according to the latest echo. I will soon have to face what you are and am also pretty apprehensive about the whole thing. I have been doing a lot of research but still have not settled on a surgeon or type of valve etc. Good luck. If you like send me back a reply although I have not had it yet and so cannot give you much info on the decisions you will be making.  ***@****