Hello again everyone,
Just a quick ask. How many of you were treated at Kings College Hospital and how did you find the care and treatment there. I'm heading there for Aortic Valve Replacement in Feb/March next year. I'd also like to know if they give you a choice with regard to mechanical or tissue valve.
Many thanks.
Hi tony here I had a triple bypass and aortic valve replacement the treatment and staff is first class I wish well and dont worry you are in the best cardio hospital .tony
Ps. You can ask about replacement valves I had non mechanical valve no problems with it tony
Oh Tony thanks so much for your reply. Did they give you a choice valve wise tissue or mechanical. My Cardiologist in Kent thinks mechanical as I am "young" 🤣. 52 to be exact. But I'm not sure on the warfarin front at all. There is a part of me that would prefer tissue due to all the faff of Warfarin. Jane
Hi Jane. I don't know anything about KCH as I was in St Thomas's but it's any help for your decision making I had my AVR at age 50 two years ago, so younger than you are now.
I had assumed I would have no choice but to go mechanical because of my age but was pleasantly surprised to be given the choice, and so went tissue, the Edwards Inspiris Resilia. Very happy to give you chapter and verse on the thought process I went through if any use?
But good luck; like St Thomas's KCH is a big teaching hospital and so I'm sure you'll be in excellent hands. I couldn't sing the praises high enough of the care I got at GSTT and I'm sure it will be the same. Cheers Nic x
Thanks so much Nic. That valve you've had sounds pretty good.
It's supposed to last 20-25 years compared to 10-15 for a conventional one Jane. So definitely worth discussing with the surgeon if you're leaning towards tissue. I've been very happy with it so far.
Nic x
Yes, I will do that. As you know I'm very active Nic and that has to be taken into account.
Hello, I'm due for mitral valve replacement at Hammersmith hospital, aged 51. I'm also leaning towards tissue valve because I also don't like the sound of warfarin and my surgeon sounded fairly confident about any subsequent surgery (repair?) being easier. I'd be interested to know how your activity levels affect your choice? Thank you very much.
Well, I look after a flock of sheep and in that Motley crew is a 17 stone Ram. He's a big lad, well a monster to be honest. He's pretty good really but when he scratches himself on you lets say you're crushed. Quite literally. That's why I'm leaning towards tissue really. I've been trampled, trodden on, bashed against stable walls and dragged along nearby fences via nettles. Not a good mixture with Warfarin.
Ah, I see, makes sense!
Hello, I'm due for mitral valve replacement at Hammersmith hospital. I'm 51 and have been offered the choice of tissue or mechanical. I'm leaning towards tissue as I also don't like the sound of warfarin. I haven't heard of the Edwards Inspira Resilia but it sounds like it's only available as an aortic valve and not mitral? Is there a website that gives more information about it? Thank you.
Hi Jocastina. And good luck! I'm no expert but as far as I know the Edwards Inspiris Resilia is just an aortic valve. Obviously very much worth asking if there is a Mitral version I guess? What's different about it is that it's coated in an anti calcificant that apparently should mean it calcifies more slowly and hence meaning a longer time before replacement. But whether there is a similar option available for MVR I'm afraid I have no idea. Edwards, which a huge US company, does have a website so it may be worth looking at that, but it's not aimed at patients especially if I recall. Sorry can't be more help but hope that's still useful and very best of luck.
Nic x
Where in Kent are you? Do the surgeons not operate in Kent I’m in Canterbury
No you have to go to a London hospital for that level of op if you live in Kent.
Thank you
Are you in Kent too? They will do all the tests at you local hospital but actual op London.
Yes l live in Canterbury
Hi Tony again tissue valve no problem for me but I have to take aspirin as for my opp at kings no pain during or after recovery good no expert on heart conditions but I can only speak for myself ten months on doing well but fittness takes a while to return hope this helps Tony
It all helps Tony. Thanks again.
At the age of 46 I had a mitral valve replacement. I was advised to have a mechanical as opposed to pig valve for the simple reason that a tissue valve would need replacing generally after 15 years. I am now 71 and the prosthetic valve works perfectly, I would strongly advise you to get a CoaguChek machine, learn the foibles of warfarin from the beginning and you will have no problems with managing the warfarin yourself. It gives you the freedom of not having to go to clinics whether at home, travelling abroad or on holiday. A biannual check with a warfarin clinic or your GPs nurse is a sensible safety net. I would rather use warfarin everyday than have to replace a tissue valve - that is for me, the bottom line. Very best wishes with whatever decision you make.
At 55 I felt the same way as Annelizabeth. Having had my OHS in June I am so glad that I chose a mechanical valve because I want to avoid going through all of that again.
Hi
I also had a bypass at Kings. I received excellent care by some brilliant staff. Covid has made it difficult for hospitals everywhere as we know so delays have ensued in appointments etc this year but generally they are one of the leading hospitals in the country and do a fantastic job! You are in good hands.
I've been a patient at King's and also (now) at St Thomas's. I'd say it is 'horses for courses'. My own condition (ascending aortic aneurysm without evidence of valve damage) is better managed at St Thomas's, but for anyone with an aortic valve problem I'd recommend King's without hesitation. They're world class in that sub-sub-discipline. Also, one of the reasons I first went to King's was because I think my late father had first rate care and treatment for his heart attack from the team there. Very best of luck!
Thanks so much Julian.
I am totally biased when it come to KCH. I worked there for 20 years and loved every moment. Good luck my friend, you are in very safe hands. x
My mum had a quad bypass at Kings in 1996. She's still with us at the age of 92! (I'm under St George's 5 miles away).
Hi I have had all my heart ablations and pacemaker and recently AVNode ablation done at Kings and I live in Gravesend and have had 1st class treatment obviously it’s all been a wait with the coronavirus I hope all goes well for you with you’re operation
Overwhelmed!
Date for surgery
Aortic valve replacement
Meeting the surgeon 
