Aortic valve replacement

[Juan]

I am going to have a mechanical heart valve replacement for a blocked aortic valve.

Should I choose ope heart surgery or TAVI

[10gingercats]

It is not always your choice.It may depend on the surgeon and with regard to your health. I was told even if I opted for a TAVI it may be as they were operating and if things started to to go wrong they would then go into open heart surgery mode. Do check with the surgeon as to whether you have a choice. and have confirmed or denied what I was told. Mine would have been for a sole tricuspid valve op. but I understand the options are the same.

[Juan in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you so much for your helpful reply, my appointment to see the surgeon is on Monday and I shall certainly ask him if I have a choice and mention what you have told me.

[leach234]

How old are you?

[Juan in reply to leach234]

Hi, I am 78

[leach234 in reply to Juan]

My mom had the TAVR done around your age. She just turned 85 and is doing great. She had it done at Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles. Was up and at em the next day. Surgeon did tell us the day before that the procedure can go really great or be a total disaster. The surgeon who pioneered the procedure did her surgery. If you go that route make sure you do your research and pick a surgeon who's speciality is TAVR procedures and has done lots of them! Fly somewhere if you have to!

[Juan in reply to leach234]

Thank you, another helpful reply

[Maninblack]

My husband had a TAVI but had already had open heart surgery a few years earlier. It’s obviously a better option as it’s far less invasive with a much shorter recovery time. However you are often not given a choice.

[Hidden]

Hi Juan

I would do all my research into both but would be surprised if the choice was yours to make. The surgeon has the last word on what’s best for you so I would definitely go with the surgeon’s choice.

Go into your consultation with an open mind not a made up mind!

I’m a year on from open heart surgery for AVR and feel well and as back to normal as I can for a 68 year old. It is a long journey to recovery but as long as you follow the rules of recovery, which are very simple, you can get there.

Simple meaning , take the medication and pain relief and no lifting your arms above your shoulders until the sternum healing is under way.

TAVI was never mentioned in my consultation and honestly, I didn’t even know about it until I came onto this site. Mick Jagger has had it for AVR and was back on stage within a few weeks. But then, that’s Jagger!!

All the best and let us know how the consultation goes.

Regards

Maisie

[Juan in reply to Hidden]

This is so helpful, thank you.

[CyclingPops]

It might be worth asking if Mininal Invasive Surgery is an option for you. This is open heart but only a few ribs are broken, not all. It’s a much shorter scar, rib cage remains intact and this all helps recovery. I had MIS for mechanical AVR in 2018 and have led a normal life since - I garden, long walks, cycle 30km and work part time in a retail for up to 8hr shifts. So as normal as it gets for a 61y old. Ask your surgeon what your best option is for you. I don’t know about TAVI, but post surgery with a mechanical valve you will have to take Warfarin tablets and regularly visit an INR clinic to monitor your blood clotting. So might be worth asking about post surgery and lifestyle. All the Best for your operation.

[Juan in reply to CyclingPops]

How can I thank you all for your messages, thank you especially Cycling Pops, your extremely positive and helpful message and your good wishes.

[AdamJames157 in reply to CyclingPops]

Hope you're still doing well. I wanted to ask what your experience was with Minimal Invasive Surgery? I need an operation to replace very severe leak on bicuspid aortic valve and have been told MIS might be a possibility but at another hospital not close.

Wanted to get your advice and experience if possible and what was your diagnosis, treatment and recovery like? All the best.

[Cyprus12]

I had OHS for my mechanical valve and new sleeve, and was under for 9 hours. I felt more secure, just in case there was a problem! I'd rather they sort it out there and then.

[Juan in reply to Cyprus12]

Will bear this in mind at my appointment, thank you.

[John4047]

I have just had the Op and there was no discussion it was open heart surgery. However you have to remember this is everyday working for the consultants and they are at the top of their game

[Juan in reply to John4047]

Thank you John, all these positive messages have helped me so much

[Blackcatsooty]

At your tender years are you sure you are best suited to a mechanical rather than tissue such as Edwards Resilia ?

I asked my surgeons for their opinion, as it was them who would be doing the op. They both said tissue rather than mechanical (I am 74) and both were strongly in favour of Open Heart surgery as opposed to TAVi.

A recent option is now to have a tissue valve with a slot to allow a future TAVi. I also believe that valves now have a useful life longer than previously thought.

I am two years post op and pleased that I do not have the need for warfarin nor an annual service. However, this is all trivial alongside the wonderful outcome of a new valve.

Good luck

Colin

[Juan in reply to Blackcatsooty]

Another great reply, glad to hear everything has gone so well for you. One of the questions I will ask is about a mechanical versus tissue valve. I now have a really good list of questions. Thanks for your good wishes

[Juan]

Hi everyone, who kindly sent such positive posts. At my appointment on the 14th it was decided I would have open heart surgery and a tissue valve. It should be in the next 4 weeks. Thank you.

[GardeningFlowers]

Hi just read your post and wanted to ask you how you are. Sending love to you x