Inspiris Resilia Aortic Valve.....anyone have this?

[ecmas]

Hi, i'm due in for surgery 5th Feb to get my BAV replaced, hopefully with the new-generation Inspiris Resilia valve? Has anyone had this valve implanted, or know someone who has, and can maybe share your experiences and valve performance to date (results of post-op echos etc...). Any info greatly appreciated

[Ticktock61]

Hi

I had it done st st Thomas hospital on 5.9.18 and had the new Inspiris valve I documented my experience on the BHF forum both prior to the op and post op so you will be able to follow my journey by looking at all my posts it was a warts and all posting of everything I’ve been through and I am just coming to the end of my rehab sessions and feel fantastic good luck you’ll soon be joining us on the other side

Pete x

[ecmas in reply to Ticktock61]

Many thanks for the reply Pete, I will be sure to take a look at your journey through the AVR process, and good news that you are now feeling fantastic. I'm 38 years old but decided to go with bioprosthesis due to job and active lifestyle, hopefully this relatively new valve will live up to the hype in terms of longevity! Take care, hope you continue to recover strongly.

Cheers, Marc.

[Ticktock61 in reply to ecmas]

Hi Marc

I think you’ve made the right choice as no warfarin so you can lead a normal life you still have some meds to take but they are limited and I haven’t found them a problem at all although some people do talk of side effects I think I’ve been lucky on that score

Good luck pal and if you have any questions at any time you can always private message me using the chat icon and I’ll help as much as I can

Pete 😀

[ecmas in reply to Ticktock61]

Thanks again Pete, i've just started looking at your first few posts and it looks like it's going to be a really useful resource for me! I'll be sure to private message you if I have any specific questions (which i'm sure i will!). Onwards and upwards........👍

[Nic25]

Hi Ecmas. Good luck! Like Pete I've had an Inspiris at St Thomas's, in my case just before Christmas so I've not yet had my follow-up appointment (due next month). But it seems great so far! It's so new there's very little in the way of clinical data associated with it but is apparently coated in a special anti-calcification film which, the theory is, should help give it its longer life. But we'll find out I guess!

Although I'm early days I'm already noticing a positive difference in terms of heart function etc. Six weeks on I'm now walking a couple of miles most days and sure that at your young age (I'm 50) you'll bounce back pretty quickly. First few days aren't fun but hopefully, all being well, you'll be out in about a week. After that it's mostly I've found just been a case of slowly healing and building stamina back up (and sleeping a lot!). Due also to be starting cardiac rehabilitation in a week or so.

Sure it'll all go well for and we'll all be keeping our fingers crossed!

Nic x

[DenHump]

Hi there,

Yes I had this valve on 28th November just started Cardio Rehab and not doing too badly so far if you have any questions feel free to ask me anything.

Denise

[Zabrallo]

Hello,

I am 33yo and I also had Resilia Inspiris valve fitted in February last year at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. I decided to go for it because I wanted to avoid blood thinners and clicking as I have quite fragile sleep. Also, I`ve been told by professor Giovanni Mariscalco that in the future it might be possible to replace it without open heart surgery if the valve diameter is more than 25mm.

Anyway, so far so good. However, I must admit that sometimes I regret especially when I hear that occasionally bioprosthetic valves fail after 6-7-8 years. My anxiety kicked in big time after watching BBC Panorama about medical implants which get to the market before being properly tested. There is another documentary on Netflix about the same issue.

bbc.co.uk/news/health-46318445

You have to do your own research. I suggest to put all the advantages and disadvantages on the paper, it is easier to think that way. Then put it away and revisit after a couple of days.

Good luck.

Andy.

[ecmas]

Hi all, and many thanks for your comments and best wishes. I understand that there is no long-term empirical data regarding Inspiris Resilia valve durability in humans seeing as it has only just started being implanted, however animal testing has given good results in terms of anti-calcification, and also the possibility of valve-in-valve later down the line is a bonus. I compete in triathlon and have a manual job using power tools, angle-grinders, etc., so the issue of taking blood thinner for rest of life is the main thing steering me away from mechanical valve. I have just had a call from the surgeon asking me why I want this particular valve, apparently he has to defend my case in front of hospital top-brass in an attempt to secure funding! Looking forward to getting on with it now, I have severe regurgitation which is making me feel knackered all the time, and any exercise I do which creeps above light-intensity gives me weird sensations, including what I think might be angina pains? Again, many thanks for your comments, I will keep you posted.

Cheers, Marc.

[Allie-d]

I am 55 years old and had this valve fitted at Leicester Glenfield. All has gone pretty well and my fitness level is slowly coming back. I do a lot of horse riding and couldn't take the chance with Warfarin - thought I would be less confident if worrying about bumps etc. My only problem has been in the follow-up. The cardiologist at my local NHS hospital was quite negative about me having a tissue valve. So much so that I'm making use of my private insurance to see a cardiologist for my follow-ups. However he also does not seem familiar with the longer life of this valve and seemed a bit negative. Also he wasn't sure on the recommended medications and was going back to the surgeon at Glenfield to confirm. For me, even if it is 10 years instead of 20, that is good enough if I can continue to do the things I enjoy without worry.

[ecmas in reply to Allie-d]

I agree Allied-d, I'd rather have a good quality of life in my 4th & 5th decades while I'm still fit enough to do the things I want to do, rather than a life where I probably won't require re-op but will have restrictions. Hope you're recovery continues to go well, and have confidence in your valve choice decision, negativity only breeds defeat.

Many thanks, Marc.

[IanGordon]

I'm with you on the quality of life perspective. I went bioprosthetic end of April though not the new longlife version. My view was 10 good active years was preferable to warfarin dependency. Studies have shown valve life beyond 15 years and at this week's baseline echo cardiogram my clinician said she reviews 20 + year valves, which is good news. I stuck doggedly to my self-imposed cardio rehab regime and began to reap the benefits by the time I reached the 12 week post-op milestone.

Surgery has probably turned the clock back at least 5 years, if not more.

Life is just fine and I wish you similar good fortune.