Leaky Valve

[ericrw]

6 weeks ago, I had my Pacemaker fitted and I`m feeling physically fine and I`ve just celebrated my 87th birthday. However, I have still got a leaky valve, operation may take place as long as I`m progressing well ! What does an operation for a leaky valve entail ?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome! You need to ask some questions: which valve, can it be treated by keyhole surgery, are there options? When is your next appointment?

[ericrw in reply to MichaelJH]

My leaking valve is the main one Aortic valve. What happens to the blood that is leaking ??

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to ericrw]

It means a percentage of the blood is leaking back into the heart not that it is going elsewhere in the body. A small percentage will cause no symptoms apart from a heart murmur. As it increases symptoms will develop. At some stage unless other issues preclude this surgery will take place to repair/replace the valve.

[ericrw in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for your quick response ! I was told approx. a month ago by my cardiologist that open heart surgery was needed but because of my age,87 yrs, he doubted as to any Surgeon would willing to operate.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to ericrw]

I think you need to discuss with your GP/cardiologist if it is possible to have a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This is far less invasive that OHS and has been carried out successfully on a 98 y.o man in the UK and a 102 y.o. woman in the US. You are a youngster by comparison! Obviously there may be reasons why it might be unsuitable for you but ask the question.

[ericrw in reply to ericrw]

That is good news !! Can you give me more details of the UK patient ?

[gal4God]

Repair or replacement of valve. I’ve had a leaky valve often.

[Fredders]

My valve leaked for years (36+ years) before I had to have surgery. Like the others have said it depends on whether it is a repair or replace, which valve it is, whether is can be done keyhole or whether it will entail open heart surgery.

Wendy