I had an A-type Aortic dissection in 2017 - emergency open heart surgery followed, with a replacement tissue aortic valve as well. I was told the valve would need replacing in 10 to 15 years. I'm 7 years in now, and my question is how will I know when the valve needs replacing? What symptoms will I have? Plus how do they replace it as not done with open heart surgery I've been told?
Thank you.
Denise
My husband had an aortic valve replaced three years ago by the TAVI procedure. The valve was inserted via an artery in the groin. Reg had a small wound in his groin that healed quickly.
He had the op in the afternoon, stayed in hospital overnight and came home the next day.
I'm guessing that if the valve deteriorates, he will experience an exaccerbation of symptoms similar to those that led him to have the replacement in the first place. He does have a pacemaker as well.
Xx Moy
Like MoyB's husband, I had a TAVI just over a year ago. Initially it was a success, but I can't say that I was impressed when the surgeon proudly told me the valve would last just five years; I'm hoping he was being cautious. My op was a private one and I'm meant to have an annual review with the surgeon at a cost of £700 and 30 miles away. I gather that this consists of an ECG, a stethoscope check and general chat. Recently I had my records transferred to my local hospital, which indicated it was agreeable to doing an annual check-up through the NHS. The records are now with the visiting consultant.
Thank you for your reply. Frightening how much private practice costs!X
I had the Ross procedure at 60 which was 20 years ago, apparently they often need replacing at this time but I still feel fine so am not worrying.
Symptoms of a valve problem could include a heart murmur, light-headedness, feeling dizzy etc, especially during exercise. However, many people with valve problems don't experience symptoms. If you've been discharged by cardiology, after 7 years I'd be pressing for an echocardiogram which will give a good reassurance on the condition of all valves. If any early problems are detected (e.g., regurgitation, stenosis) further deterioration normally progresses fairly gradually, so they should then schedule you for more regular checks. I had an AVR in 2022 & have had annual cardiologist reviews & echocardiograms since then. At my most recent review (June) everything still seems absolutely fine, so my cardiologist says that I don't need another echocardiogram for a further 5 years (to be requested by GP then). I believe that may be in line with current NHS guidelines, so after 7 years I would have thought you should be a strong candidate for a repeat echocardiogram request
I had mine through OHS in 2022. Upon diagnosis five months earlier I was told it would last 10-12 years. Then on the waiting list they said 12-15. Immediately after the op they said 15-18 but they have to be cautious and suggest 15 although they would have realistic hopes of 18. Three months or so after the op the surgeon said 18-20 because I am healthy, exercise, run etc BUT the running *may* burn it out a little quicker.
Basically... who knows!!!
Thank you for replying
My first replacement aortic valve (tissue) lasted 9 years as it developed a tear (apparently the type used proved not to be as robust as they had hoped). I had it replaced via a 2nd open heart surgery last year, this time with the Edwards Resilia which is predicted to be much longer lasting. The regurgitation caused by the tear was picked up via my annual check up with the cardiologist as he heard the murmur, and confirmed with an echocardiogram. I hadn't had any symptoms up to then but gradually got more tired as I waited (about a year) for surgery - if I's had significant symptoms I am sure they would have done the operation sooner. I've been told that I will continue having annual check ups and another echo after 5 years. Good that you are having the echo to check it. To be honest, I recovered more quickly from the 2nd OHS than the first (and both were relatively quick recoveries), although it is a slightly more complicated operation due to the scar tissue- not that I noticed! So be reassured that its fixable 2nd time around and very probably not as bad as it might seem.
Thanks for your reply. I really do hope mine wouldn't be OHS. Cardiac Consultant said it wouldn't be OHS when replacing it next time. Fingers crossed.Best wishes
Denise
I was told (before the 1st OHS) that TAVI was an option for any 2nd op but the surgeon this time was keen to do OHS as he said he could do a much better job (and I was well enough). I got the feeling that I could have pushed for a TAVI but, at 69, I wanted to have the best chance of not needing a 3rd and am glad I made the OHS choice as recovery has not been too bad for me at all. TAVI next time maybe, if it doesn't last! I'd try and get an annual check to listen for any murmur and an echo every few years or so but then try to not worry as the valves can last quite a long time and the monitoring is reassuring.
I had a valve replacement last year a Edwards one was told it should last 20 years .and could be replaced via TAVI again and that seems to be the same for all heart patients now replacement done by TAVI
Yes thank you, I know the hospital consultant told me they do it via that method. Don't fancy OHS again to be honest so fingers crossed thats true.
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