Ross vs Mechincal valve

[chrismothersole]

My son is going to be 21 in January and is on the list for his 4th open heart surgery. His last one was in 2013 where they performed the BROM. He has to decide between Ross or Mechincal. Both have pros and cons but and are higher risk as this will be his 4th but does he want to go Ross(15 to 20% risk) and touch a fully functional pulmonary valve but have no warfarin or does he want to go Mechincal (5 to 10% risk) but medication for the rest of his life.. anyone got experience of the Ross as we think that’s his preference at the age of 20.. massive decision for a 20 year old that he has to live with the decision….

[Blackcatsooty]

dear mum

Regret to say I can’t share relevant experience.

Committing to a metal valve and warfarin for life is a long, long commitment. I hope your son does opt for Ross.

Cardiology is improving rapidly. So the future is good for your son.

Best wishes

Sooty

[LadyZ13]

Hi there,

I don't have first hand experience of this, but there is a Facebook group which has been set up by a group of valve replacement surgery people which I'm part of as they have lots of advice and support for those of us facing / having had OHS. There are many and frequent discussions on valve choices and relatives of patients are also members. You can find it here: facebook.com/groups/1864350... Hope that helps!

Zoë

[Rosie1066]

Hi, I had an aortic heart valve replacement almost fourteen years ago and I choose a mechanical valve as I didn’t want to have open heart surgery again when I was older and have absolutely no regrets. Yes it means I am on Warfarin for the rest of my life but that is no big deal. I have just had heart valve looked at and everything is still fine with my valve. The tissue type don’t last as long and need replacing whereas a mechanical one can go on indefinitely.

[Blackcatsooty in reply to Rosie1066]

Rosie

FYi current non metal valves have the ability to take a later TAVi.

Not an option for mine. But current valve replacement has this.

Things are progressing nicely.

Sooty

[Rhinos67]

I had a mechanical valve 18 months ago. More my surgeons choice than mine to be honest.I'm on Warfarin, but it really isn't a big issue.. I eat what I like and although I don't drink alcohol I know plenty of others who do.

If he/you are able to join UK Aortic and Heart Defects Pre and Post surgery Facebook group then definitely do. We have monthly zoom chats and offer so much support and reassurance 🙂

Joanne

[Hanibil]

Hi I totally agree with Rosie 1066 i had a mechanical valve in 2005 at age 48 on the advice of my doctor cardiologist and surgeon, they all said mechanical as it would easily last my life time. So I went with there advice haven’t regretted it for one second. I ski mountain bike and basically do what ever I want . But possibly more important than that I know I will never have to go through that operation again. The Ross can wear out and does, the mechanical should last his lifetime.

[chrismothersole]

many thanks for replies.. I think the issue is his age, he is 20 and has both options available… they also aren't saying what to do, that’s for us to decide once we have all the information..

[Hidden]

Hi, I could write a fair bit on the pros and cons of Tissue and Mechanical Valves, having had my first AVR at 33years old and further surgeries in my 50's. However, that's not what your son is interested in or the point of your question.

You may already have come across the attached from Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, which gives a good write-up on the Ross Procedure. There is a case study on a patient who I believe is a member on this forum. Its a shame he hasn't seen your post as he probably has much to offer.

rbhh-specialistcare.co.uk/n...

For what it's worth, I can relate to your son's preference for the Ross, at 20 years old, it's a long time on Warfarin. Personally, I avoided Mech valves until my 2nd time around and then I was reluctant.

I hope it goes well for him.

[Noodlesalad]

Massive decision for such a brave young man and his mum.Hope whatever he decides it goes well for him. Xx

[Tickertalker]

I was told that if you're under 65 go mechanical, over 65 it's biological. I was 65 when I had to make the decision, so it was a difficult call. I went mechanical and I'm glad I did. Heart surgery is a risky old game and I wouldn't go through it again for anything. Having just returned from trekking across Borneo, I thought I was in good shape. That didn't stop me from having a stroke mid-surgery. There's no get out of jail free options. Someone said to me, it's like the school bully asking if you'd rather be punched on the nose or kicked in the nuts. Still, Warfarin is a small price to pay when you consider the alternative of more surgery.

[Holywellbay]

No experience I had aortic valve replacement in 2017 not mechanical been fine since .Hope all goes well

[Holywellbay]

No experience I had aortic valve replacement in 2017 not mechanical been fine since .Hope all goes well

[DodgyRog]

I am 76 and had Aortic replacement 10 years ago. I chose Animal based and did not want Warfarin. It changed my life. I felt 20 years younger was back in the game in no time. My Consultant said that by the time it needs replacing it will be keyhole surgery. It’s definitely worth going the non mechanical route and it’ll probably last 20 plus years before a switch of valves. Mechanical for me would be a no. Good luck

[Bethany_]

Hello,

I had a homograph “natural/donor” valve fitted in 2003, this was supposed to last 10 to 15 years. Unfortunately, it only last 3 years and calcified very quickly. I must note this is an unusual case and I’ve had a stormy cardiac history.

I required further surgery and had a mechanical valve fitted in 2007. I am on Warfrain for life and luckily I don’t have any issues, it’s fairly stable and I’m on a low dose (4mg). My health has been excellent since the mechanical value, note the mechanical valve has a clicking noise which sounds like a clock, it’s totally unnoticeable over time and you learn to live with it.

I hope this helps and best wishes with your decision.

[Maxbar]

just hope someone can give you the correct guidance ,and wish him nothing but good luck for the rest of his life,thinking of you both.❤️❤️❤️👍

[1961J]

I am ohs post op 5 months Aortic Valve and Root

A lot depends on age and life style I’m 62 and decided on Bovine, it may be the mechanical would be better for a younger person in their twenties but a lot does depends on lifestyle, for example sports or type of job with a high percentage chance of causing injury you might be better off with a Bovine valve

Difficult decision but wish your son all the best

[cappachina]

Hi Chris I suggest you join UK aortic and heart defects pre and post surgery on Facebook Great group Several people have had the Ross procedure and some are having to make the same decision at the moment