Help with choosing heart valve

[Gizmo74]

Hi everyone,

I’am 47 years old and due to have my ascending aorta and aorta valve replaced soon.(hopefully)

I’m struggling to make a decision on which valve to go for- mechanical or tissue!

I’ve made lists of pro’s and con’s which both end up the same amount of good points versus bad points.

I’m wondering if anybody can give their advice or experience of the valve they went for? I’m hoping this can help me in making this decision as I’m starting to worry about it now and I don’t know what to do.

So any help with be great fully received

Thank you

[Ageingfast]

Dear Gizmo

I listened to my surgeon, he was going to be the guy who would be working on my heart.

He opted for a tissue valve, which should see me through my lifetime. Improvements to the valves are being made every year.

My guess is that you are too young for a tissue valve, but maybe the latest tissue valves, with the facility to add a TAVi later, will be your surgeons preference.

So do listen to your surgeons advice.

I am very happy with my Edwards Resilia tissue valve. Two years post op and no problems.

Best wishes

[Gizmo74 in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you for your experience. My surgeon was hinting more towards a tissue valve as he was saying by the time it would need replacing there should be big advancements in replacing the valves. He did mention about TAVI to me for in the future.

[Ageingfast in reply to Gizmo74]

Medical science is advancing at a fast pace. Two years ago it would have been a mechanical one for you. What I did learn was that the doctors want several years of trials/experience before going live on a patient. Its great that you can have the tissue valve. One other point.....the surgeon may have to change his intentions during the op. You will be so deeply asleep you wont know, but the surgeon will no doubt mention the leeway that he needs. Either way, it is a massive op but so well rehearsed, the medical teams are just unbelievably good. My op was observed and the observers were raving with admiration and joy at what the surgeons do.

[Bdhoagie]

I had an aortic valve replacement, along with a triple bypass, dilated aorta replacement and one other procedure, to do with the sinus of the ventricle, when I was 52 years old. My Cardio Thoracic surgeon told me he would be replacing the valve with a mechanical one. The reasons for outweighed the reasons against. Yes I would be on warfarin for life, but he explained, a tissue valve has a life expectancy of around 15 years, which would make me 67 years old when I would have to have more open heart surgery, he admitted my chest inside would be a bit of a mess, it was at this point I found out they don't actually take the old stuff out! I wouldn't really want to have any more open heart surgery, I didn't know what to expect first time round, I do now! Let your surgeon decide, ask questions, but don't forget, he/she really does know best! Good luck.

[Gizmo74 in reply to Bdhoagie]

Thank you for your advice Bdhoagie. I didn’t realise they left the old stuff inside you!!! I guess that would make the surgery to replace a tissue valve more difficult?

[EasygoingJoe]

I would recommend Edwards resillia valve, and surgeons re-do these operations all the time so no need to worry 😉 they do it all day everyday

[Still_Breathing]

Hi,

I had the same procedure done in Aug 21. I went for the mechanical valve for the longevity, I am 56.

The op is massive and the recovery is long, I personally wouldn't want to go through that again.

Good luck.

[Hermanm]

Hi,I was in the same boat as you when I was 57 , seven years ago.

Mechanical or tissue,

I had been born with a regurgitating aortic valve,

(which never got picked up on any medical over the years,)

I'd always been fit , was a tree surgeon for a living ,

did a lot of scuba diving,hill walking ,

cycling,

Anyway long story short

I was given the same choice,

The best bit of advice my cardiologist gave me was,

"You're still relatively young ,

so you will probably outlive a tissue valve,

go for the mechanical, you won't need a second OP,

and believe me,

you dont want to go through this operation twice!"

So I had the,

On-X , carbon mechanical valve fitted,

Was back to work within 3 months ,

Pros, hopefully no second op,

Cons , 4mg of Warfarin a day,

Makes a very quite click now and then,

Nobody's ever noticed it , apart from my partner when we are in bed,

Quite reassuring really.

That's my advice for what it's worth!.

Hope all goes well for you,

Cheers

[Gemini1966]

Hi same experience last April had 2 valves replaced age 55 was quite a shock as no mention of heart problems throughout my life!I was advised by my magnificent surgeon that metal valves would be better as my age and also do not wish to go through the procedure again!yes on warfarin for the rest of my life but feel so much better now thanks to a fabulous team of surgeons,all the very best whichever way you decide. Good Luck

[Leonardo1]

Hi I had a tissue valve in December last year - my surgeon recommended the Edwards inspira resilla - I was very anaemic so not suitable for a mechanical - I was concerned about longevity but was reassured that they know they last 15-20 years but as yet they don’t know - I’ll be one of the answers in the future !!

The op is big and the first week post op is a car crash but by 6 weeks post op I felt amazing - 3 months on back at work and I feel incredible !!

It’s been an adventure but worth it !!! the improvements to my life far outweigh the cons !!! Do exactly what the staff tell you - they are incredible people who know their business and you won’t look back !! Good luck !!

CH

[Annaelizabeth]

Obviously you will be guided by your surgeon. I had a prosthetic mitral valve fitted 25 years ago, for the reason many have mentioned, that I was deemed too young for a tissue replacement as they do have a sell by date. Warfarin, not a problem, CoaguChek machine means you can monitor your levels yourself.

[Hanibil]

Had a mechanical aortic valve at age 48 in 2005 fantastic

[Gizmo74]

Just wanted to say thank you for all the replies and advice you have given me it’s invaluable.

It’s definitely given me some thing to think about.

[diasy]

Hi there! Did you get the surgery done? My father is going in for this surgery this week and I was wondering how long your operation lasted.....Im worried sick, but if I had a rough idea the operation is x amount of hrs I might be able to get through the day! thanks for posting , these commensts are very helpful.