New Valve - Cow tissue or mechnical ?

[kentishbunny1]

Hello, I am fresh from an appt at hospital and been told I need to decide on whether I have a tissue valve or a mechanical one. I have a fibroelastoma (tumour) on my aortic valve and they are going to try and slice it off but they may need to replace the valve. I am 55 years old and has have 2 previous cardiac events possible takotsubo cardiomyopathy and a heart attack or a broken piece from this tumour caused the problems. I don't fancy the idea of warfarin or the clicking sound but also dont fancy another replacement valve in 15-20 years time. I have been offered the new valve from a cow. Anyone any ideas pro/cons and any advice. Thank you

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! This issue was discussed in detail a couple of days ago:- healthunlocked.com/bhf/post... and may clarify things for you.

[kentishbunny1 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you

[Nic25 in reply to kentishbunny1]

Hi Kentishbunny1, good luck! As Michael says, coincidentally we all waded into a post asking much the same question the other day, so hopefully that thread will be useful. Essentially there are pros and cons to each option and, at the end of the day, it's going to be a very personal decision. Those of us who have gone for tissue swear by them, those of us who have gone for mechanical equally the same! As you'll be able to see from my (rather long) post on that thread I after much toing and froing went for tissue - the Edwards Inspiris (which is what Ian is referring to) - though I realise I wrote "anti-coagulation" when I meant "anti-calcification" which is quite different! But yes do use this site for help and advice; it is what we're here for. Nic

[IanGordon]

I went bovine valve at 65. Surprised at the popular misconception that the cow is the donor of a complete valve rather than it being fabricated from bovine pericardium.

I was not happy with the prospect of lifetime warfarin and being tied to my not always dependable GP. So bioprostheitic gave me 'fit and forget'. - well for maybe 15 years, possibly longer, if I get lucky. Then there's a relatively new Edwards bio valve that claims 25 years and increasingly available but no experience of actual longevity. Some new kind of chemical treatment that helps shrug off calcification and prolongs its life. - and yours.

There's a sound clip on the internet which will give you an insight into the ticking although those that have a mechanical valve claim its tolerable and even comforting. As a light sleeper Ifelt it was a no no for me.

Just as an aside, my bovine valve does not have the same flexibility as the original tissue so the heartbeat sounds slightly more pronounced.

Oh and 15 years down the line there's always the femoral artery route for a TAVI, thereby avoiding the trauma of the parting of the sternum or whatever medical science creates in the interim. Which ever route you choose , it will be life saving and to a great degree, restorative, in terms of life expectancy.

Good luck with whatever choice you make

[kentishbunny1 in reply to IanGordon]

Thank you for such a comprehensive reply, I am keen to do as much research and chatting to people as i can whilst I come to my decision, it is all still new news to me and a bit scary ! Thank you and stay well

[IanGordon in reply to kentishbunny1]

My perspective was that the more I knew, the better equipped I'd be to cope with this major life event - or routine operation, as health professionals call it. Knowledge is empowering and it worked for me.

[OttoK]

Hi,

I am waiting to have a new carbon fibre aortic valve. I know that one can have a TAVI but my surgeon seems to think that a full open heart surgery with a carbon fibre valve is better. I am 74 so I want it to last me out. As for warfarin, not much choice although there does seem to be a lot of development in blood thinners.

Good luck,

Otto

[Fortepiano in reply to OttoK]

Unfortunately none of the new blood thinners can be used with mechanical valves.

Tissue valves last longer in older people, so it's likely a bovine valve would also last you out also.

Good luck with your op and recovery!