seeking advise on heart surgery

[khaldoun]

Hi, my name is Khaldoun Al habib and i am 32 years old I would like your advise on a heart surgery that i will undertake on Novermber 2010. In 1999 i had a correction to a coarctation with a 20mm Dacron interposition and in October 2000 i excised a bicuspid aortic valve, replaced with a 24mm cryopreserved aortic homograft. A couple of weeks ago i was admitted to hospital with left heart failure, pulmonary oedema and orthopnea. My surgent said that the valve replaced ten years ago is leaking and must be replaced however, he gave me two options which consist of the two types of valves i can choose one from. I am need of an aortic valve and root. The first option was to have a metal valve which they  say lasts longer. The second option was replacing the present leaking valve with one that is the same. So i would be grateful if you can advise me which of the two you would recommend for me. I would also appreciate it if you could tell me the chances of the operation succeeding and how far technology will get in case of a further operation within the next ten years. If you would like any further information just contact me via email. I would be grateful if you can respond back to me as soon as possible.
Thank you
Khaldoun Al habib

[khaldoun]

Thank you for your reply. I have not been told by my doctor the risks of both types of valves. However, the surgeon advised that the metal valve was longer lasting but it requires me to take tablets throughout my life to prevent valve clots. Whereas the biological valve does not require taking any tablets but it does wear out quicker. I would be grateful if you could advise me further as to which type will be more suitable or the one you recommend.
Thanks

[remar]

Technology is always moving fast. Did your Dr say have much longer the metal one will last? Are there more risks to having the metal one compared to the one you have now?   Remar