I said I would update the community with the outcome of my surgery which I had on April 20. A reminder that I was diagnosed with a 4.9 cm ascending aortic aneurysm in sept 2021 along with a bicuspid aortic valve . Both were found as incidental findings. I was 61 at the time.
Was monitored by echo every 6 months. I was put on BP lowering meds and diuretic and due to one bout of 12 days AF I was on apixiban.
I did lots and lots of reading in order to be able to understand as best i could about the defects.
When tests confirmed that it was 5.0 -5.2 I was referred to a surgeon for consultation . My reading of recent evidence , especially the American Heart Association 2022 guidelines gives ‘ hinge points’ in diameter above which risks rise. The other thing I learnt was that 60 per cent of dissections occur at diameter levels below the normal diameter thresholds for intervention.
So surgery was agreed and this happened on April 20. The aneurysm was removed abd Dacron gear inserted. I had decided pre opp for Edwards Resillia if valve tonne changed but although biscupid , it wasn’t changed as large opening and no stenosis. It was felt that my own valve could well outlive a new tissue valve.
My left atrial appendage was clipped to reduce the chances of a stroke while in AF.
I had the op on the morning of April 20 and left on Monday April 24. In little general pain but sleeping very very difficult as have to sleep on back and not on front!