Inspiris resilia at 29?

[Chea_]

Thoughts on the new inspiris resilia at 29 years old.

I think it's the right choice for me but concerned I might get some push back from my doctors.

[Fredders]

Hi, I’m sure there will be several people along to comment on the valve itself as I know some of them have had that one. The valve itself is relatively new but I think most surgeons are open to using them.

I had a mechanical valve because it was a re-do for a failed tissue valve but the main reason being the infection risk of a further op as I have also had a splenectomy.

I think the inspires would be a good choice for you given your age, it is supposed to last longer than the current tissue valves.

Wendy

[Chea_ in reply to Fredders]

Thanks Wendy!

Naturally I want to make the most informed decision with my doctors, but you know what it can be like when you spend many many hours researching and reading and taking views on things.

Patrick

[Nic25]

I went for it Chea_ (or rather it was the tissue one my surgeon recommended). Personally very pleased with the choice but then it is only six months. I guess the test will be to ask me again in 20 years' time! You do now by the way have some say in being able to choose your preferred surgeon/hospital on the NHS so that may be worth knowing if you do get "push back". Basically as I understand it with the Inspiris it's coated in an anti-calcificant that should allow it to last longer. But it is so new that there is little if any clinical data on it. So it is a very personal choice. I'd personally agree with Wendy's advice re your age however. But good luck with whatever you go for! And feel free to DM me if you want to discuss in more detail. Nic x

[Chea_ in reply to Nic25]

Thanks Nic! I spoke to the surgeon who said he understood why I'd want that particular valve. So he is open to it. He did mention he'd have to put forward some sort of business case to have it done on the NHS but that it shouldn't cause too many problems (he said he is yet to have one turned down). I didn't delve too deep into at that point to be honest. Just a relief to know it is an option.

[Nic25 in reply to Chea_]

That's great news Patrick, good luck. Yes my surgeon said "I go for the most expensive one I can get away with!". They're not cheap, I think about 40k a pop but hopefully it'll be (and should be) a decision based on need rather than cost? But fingers crossed and hope you get the decision you want.

Nic x

[headorheart]

I had this valve put in 9 weeks ago. I’m 48 and I did get push back from my surgeon. and cardiologist. They wanted me to have mechanical and also couldn’t advocate Inspiris with little clinical data. There is no right or wrong choice and you have to go with your heart on this - ha ha. The worst part of the whole process was making the decision. The actual surgery was a breeze in comparison. I personally feel ‘at peace’ with my decision - if it only lasts 5 years so be it- and strangely at a follow up my cardiologist said he felt it was the right choice for me despite his previous opinion. My surgeon also said he wouldn’t have used it (it was first time he’d used it) if he had concerns it was a bad choice. Since then he told me everyone he sees who wants tissue wants this valve. You have the right to choose what you want so if you are clear in your mind be strong.

[Chea_ in reply to headorheart]

Hi Headorheart I'm glad you feel at peace with your decision - it's what I want after whatever decision I make. I guess it's what everyone wants. Im having a cardiac MRI done tomorrow which should give me a bit more of an indication on timing (always secretly hoping they say I can hold out for a few more months/years haha but chances of that!)

[MikeHitc]

hiya I'm going in for my second heart operation 5th July (first was a aortic valve repair at 33) now 38 as the repair got infected and deteriorated!

I've asked my surgeon about this valve with the view if it fails in 10 years time I could have a TAVI and when that fails have another TAVI. With the hope somewhere in the intervening years TAVI and heart technology would have some advancements/ last longer........... still debating a mechinical valve but I don't think I could live with the chance of it ticking or the warfin dependency for 35 years plus ............ I'll keep you posted with the decision!

[Chea_]

Hey Mike - thanks for the reply. Let us know which you finally opt for?! And good luck for the 5.

I have a similar mindset that if it lasts me for 10 years then that would be an ok result with the hope of TAVI after that or maybe a mechanical thereafter.

I've always wondered about valve repair - which I know can only occur for a few select patients. My doctors have never mentioned it. I think I'll ask about it next time I see them. It might be that I'm not eligible and that's why no one has mentioned it. I've also heard that not many surgeons are able to do repair and have often wondered if that influences a doctors recommendations on treatment.

[Hanibil]

Hi there I had a mechanical aortic valve in 2005 at age 48, my surgeon said who wants to face the prospect of another operation to have a tissue valve replaced in the future. I have to say I am delighted with the choice i made yes I have to take Warfarin but it’s so easy to manage especially if you buy a home monitor. I read on one of these forums recently that one persons tissue valve was failing after I think it was 15 months, I can’t remember but am pretty sure it was a Resilia.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Hanibil]

I remember it as I replied to the poster. The link is:

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

At 29 I would tend to recommend a tissue valve but have to admit this post raises concerns. Only time will tell if the Resilia does have a longer lifespan than standard.

[verysmallnosies in reply to MichaelJH]

Why would you recommend a tissue valve on a young 29yo man? I'd understand a 29yo woman who might want to have children, which (as I understand it) is harder on warfarin. Wouldn't a 29yo man be recommended a mech valve? as they last 'forever'? (I'm just curious. I'm a 49yo woman choosing which valve myself!)

[Chea_]

Thanks both - I just read the thread. So unfortunate that it has begun to fail after 1.5 years. Mmmm giving pause for thought here.

[MikeHitc]

Hi all just an update it's been 1.5 years since I opted for the Inspiris resilia valve...... just had my check up and it's still going strong!

[Pefki in reply to MikeHitc]

Hi, as I am 26 and am 4 weeks post mechanical aortic valve, just wanted to know how you are going. The choice was pretty much made for me after much debating within my surgical team. I had asked for a Ross and the night before surgery, I was informed that the team decided against it. The warfarin, constant blood tests and watching what I eat, will require discipline which I am not known for. Just got to get on with it and hope I can keep the INR at a good level and eventually have home testing but so far the prick tests are not working for me, results completely different to the blood tests.