valve replacement options

[vinc]

hello all

i am vin and undergoing aortic valve replacement soonish

i am trying to work which is my best option for valve replacement

Mechanical or tissue as i am just under 50, Mechanical may be the best longterm option however the thought of being on warfarin

has any one heard of longterm bio valve?

[DavidSimpson]

Hi Vin, I had a valve change aged 62 11 years ago and opted for the mechanical option as I didn't fancy another op 10 years down the line. No regrets, warfarin just becomes a way of life, I believe there are many more valve options than when I had mine replaced.

[vinc in reply to DavidSimpson]

thanks its all a bit scarey at the moment

[Fredders]

Hi Vin

I had my first AVR when I was 52 and had a tissue valve as I didn’t want to be on warfarin. I was told the valve would last 10-15 years, sadly it lasted 6 and last November I had my second AVR. This time I had a mechanical valve as I didn’t want to risk having another op, particularly as I had to have a splenectomy two years ago. Warfarin hasn’t been as big a problem as I was expecting. I have managed to get my INR levels steady very quickly and now only have to test every four weeks, in addition I have my own machine to test at home, meaning no time off work for clinics.

Have you talked to your cardiologist about it? I discussed the pros and cons with my surgeon before going with the mechanical one.

I’m pretty sure somebody did post on here about a new bio valve, but can’t remember whether it was an aortic or mitral valve one. I’m sure someone will reply with details.

Wendy

[vinc in reply to Fredders]

thanks wendy it is good to hear from someone who has had both, i have a few discussion with condiologist about pro and cons, it was my surgeon that mentioned the new long term bio option but not found any other info on the subject

thanks again

[Nettyanne]

Hi Vin, I think you may be referring to the Edwards Inspira Resillia valve. I believe this is an option to replace the aortic valve. I am sure at least one person who posts on here has had one fitted so hopefully they will see your post and reply.

I am "pencilled in " for mitral valve replacement on 17th April and I have opted for a mechanical valve. This is my second heart surgery as my original valve repair has failed and I don't want to go through it again so together with my surgeon we decided the mechanical valve was the best option for me. I already take Warfarin for AF and do not find it a problem especially as I self test so no more trips to the hospital.

As Wendy says you need to have a good talk with your surgeon about the options you have and then you will be able to make the right choice for you.

Best wishes

[vinc in reply to Nettyanne]

thanks for the reply i hope all goes well for your surgery

vin

[Marco_]

I am pencilled in to have one fitted too in the near future, but currently no symptoms or heart function impairment despite a severe leak on both my mitral and aortic valve 🙄

User KRod1 on this forum had one fitted recently.

I'm in my late forties so similar dilemma.

I ruled out mechanical valves mainly because of the audible clicking they make, but also didn't want warfarin for rest of my life.

I researched and found this new anti calcification tissue valve that should last >20years.

However no live data to back that up. As far as I understand the main issue is that the blood constituents of a younger patient will cause the valve to calcify more readily than a patient who is over 55.

Here's the product link:

edwards.com/devices/heart-v...

Also link with newspaper article

dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

Hope this helps and good luck.

[IanGordon in reply to Marco_]

I believe that the Edwards aortic bio valve has been used at Basildon, Glenfield, Kings College, Guys, St Thomas 's Royal Brompton and Harefield. This info was from another forum so I cannot confirm it's accuracy. A long life, non-ticking warfarin free option has to be good news for aortic stenosis sufferers though. Only wish I had this information earlier and could have pursued this option.

[vinc in reply to IanGordon]

thank you so much for the info

vin

[vinc in reply to Marco_]

thank you so much for the info and good luck with your procedure

vin

[vinc in reply to Marco_]

thank you so much for the info and good luck with your procedure

vin

[Lisa4]

Hi Vin

I had the new 25 year Edwards Inspira Resilia in Nov 17, after a few minor hiccups. I am back at work full time feeling well and only taking aspirin and a losartan daily. I previously took Losartan so only gained the aspirin. I’ve been discharged for annual checks only and feeling very positive. As this is a relatively new product there is very little evidence to back up how good it is. Time will tell I guess. Feel free to drop me a line if you need any further information I wish you well on your journey.

Take care

Lisa

[vinc in reply to Lisa4]

hi lisa

thanks for the reply that sounds great, where did you have the procedure done?

what was the reason for your choice?

best wishes

vin

[Lisa4 in reply to vinc]

Hi Vin

I had it done at Glenfield Hospital Leicester. I opted for this one as I didn’t fancy being on Warfarin or having another operation within ten years. My husbands friend had this type of valve fitted in July last year and highly rated and recommended it.

Lisa

[vinc in reply to Lisa4]

hello lisa hope things are still going well with you

as i mentioned before i am hope to get an Edwards Inspira Resilia did you have to argue for that option or was it straight forward i have heard funding my be an issue

so any info you could pass on would be welcome

many thanks vin

[Lisa4]

Hi Vin

I was a private patient so that might have been why I didn't have to argue for that option.

Take care

Lisa

[vinc in reply to Lisa4]

thanks lisa

hope your recovery is going well still

i don't have that option unfortunately, it does appear that the harefield & bromptom trust don't use the edwards inspira , i have consultant meeting in july where i hope to fight my corner.

was your surgery minimally invasive rather that open heart surgery?

many thanks