Percutaneous Valve Replacement

[kate1963]

I was wondering if anyone has had or knows someone who has had this non-surgical valve replacement. I am looking at undergoing this procedure in the near future and wanted to speak with someone about their quality of life after the procedure. I am a full time working mom and I'm afraid to do anything that may cause me to be unable to care for my children. I suffer from shortness of breath with exertion, but manage to do quite well. I am told if you wait too long to have the procedure that your chances of improvement are less promising.This is a relatively new procedure so I am nervous.

[ed34]

which valve?

[kate1963]

Thank you for your help. It is new in the US. I have many questions aboout the benefits and recovery. I live near the Houston Texas Medical Center and referred to a physician there. I am hopeful that my exercise tolerance will increase. I am still quite young with lots to do. Let me know if you see a good website for info.

[ed34]

I haven't had the procedure done, but I do have to correct you on something. The procedure is not really new, it has been performed in Europe since 2002. The USA basically watched the progress with anticipation before adopting it, and after trials in 2010 with over 300 patients, they found there was a 20% improvement after 1 year over surgery. I suppose the procedure could be called new in the USA, but the people doing it would have had very good training.