Hello, I’m new here and waiting for aortic valve replacement

[Supernanu]

I am feeling inundated with info and hoped someone might be able to explain.

After many tests it has been decided that only aortic valve needs replacement. And it will be minimal access. But I am confused about different types of valve. Surgeon suggests tissue valve either sutureless or a Resilia.

Any body know what this means?

Thanks.

[Gjkas]

Im not quite sure, but I think that they use the tissue ones if you are quite elderly. They don't last quite as long as the other types. .

I need an Aortic Valve Replacement, also a Mitral Valve Replacement.

But they can't find a Surgeon that would do the operation because I have so many other Health problems, including my Lungs. I think the Surgeon meant that they won't have to open up your chest area. ?

Especially if he said, MINIMAL.

Have a good chat with him before you go ahead with the procedure.

Because none of us on here are medically qualified to give you this kind of information. .

You Take Care and Good Luck with your operation. 👍x Gjkas.

[Supernanu in reply to Gjkas]

Thanks for your good wishes. I appreciate you are not medics, and my surgeon explained most things. It was really the type of valves that confused me.

Sorry to hear you are having problems. Hope you can find some help to make you feel better.

Supernanu x

[Gjkas in reply to Supernanu]

Thankyou .

I hope you don't have to wait too long for your operation, I know it's nerve wracking and rather scary for you.

BUT HEY, you'll be just fine. 👍..

All the best. x

[Nic25]

Hi Supernanu. The 'Resilia' is the Edwards Inspiris Resilia tissue valve (I had it in my AVR last December). It's a new generation tissue valve from the US that is coated in a special anti-calcification coating that should mean it lasts 20-25 years before needing replacing rather than 10-15 years for a more standard tissue one. However I can only say "should" because it is so new there is (or was when I was considering it) little clinical data available, especially (and self-evidently I guess) on its actual longevity.

But I was willing to take the gamble personally and see how technology has developed in that time (or even 10, 15, 20 years for that matter). Hope that helps! No idea about sutureless however, sorry!

Good luck either way. The emotional build-up to the operation is big and scary (and I found almost worse than the op itself) but be reassured, while a big deal for us, valve replacement is these days a very standard, even straightforward, operation for surgical teams most of the time. So sure you'll be in good hands. But do ask any questions if you want, as that's what us "hearties" are here for.

Nic x

[Supernanu in reply to Nic25]

Thank you Nic. That’s very helpful. Glad you are doing well. I’m just at the stage of looking forward to having major surgery!! Not a usual state of affairs but I’m fed up with feeling so tired all the time....

Hope your recovery continues well.

Nanu x

[Nic25]

Also Supernanu. Just in response to Gjkas' comment on age, I was 50 when I had my AVR and had aasumed at my age I would have no option but to go for a mechanical valve. So I was pleasantly surprised to be given a choice! It's not quite as clear-cut as "young mechanical/old tissue" especially with the new valves. But clearly this is something you need to talk through with your surgeon and cardiologist as well as think through carefully yourself.

Good luck again!

Nic x

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

If you follow this link there is a downloadable booklet published by the BHF. It mentions sutureless valves about half way through:

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Supernanu in reply to MichaelJH]

Michael, thank you for the suggestion. I have the booklet and read it again after your comments. Very helpful ...

[Hanibil]

Good morning

I had a mechanical aortic valve in 2005 at age 48 surgeon said I was too young for a tissue valve as they only last around ten years, and who would want to face another operation to have it replaced. Best decision I’ve made it’s been brilliant, was a bit concerned at the time about having to take blood thinners, but that fear has proved unfounded. I did read somewhere that a chap had had a Resillia and it was failing after something like 18 months.

[JulianM in reply to Hanibil]

I'm very glad your mechanical valve is working well for you, and hope that continues to go smoothly. I am hoping I never need a replacement valve; I'd be worried about blood thinners because I have arthritis and at some time will probably need a knee or hip operation.

I read that same report. It seems like the person may have had an underlying condition that wasn't picked up, let alone treated, that messed up both his original valve and the replacement.

I work in the fitness industry, and we're told that the customer who has a bad experience always tells about 10 times as many people as the one who has a good experience. We don't hear so much about positive results - unless, of course, the patient happens to be Mick Jagger or someone like that.

My cardiologist happens to be an expert on TAVRs and says they're now big business: a lot of people are getting them and the medical professionals should be fully aware of the data and able to advise properly on the risks.

[Hanibil]

I see what you mean I had a recent operation, I was advised to stop my blood thinner for 3 days before I did with no bad affects

[Hidden]

I know I have to have a AVR, it is interesting reading on here about the 'choices of replacement valve' available. I would do some research on the matter, but I haven't had a time, date or place confirmed yet - so i'll wait until then to do so.

I wish you well with your operaiton and hope all goes without a hitch.