Which option for surgery

[ManateeMad]

My dad has been waiting for open heart surgery for a valve replacement for 2 years. He is now faced with a second option, TAVI, rather than open heart. Does anyone have any experience or helpful advice? We are researching for him so that he can make an informed decision. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[cappachina]

I am 76 had TAVI last year It is much less invasive so a faster recovery It still takes time but no chest cut open no being on a bypass machine no anaesthetic it was a no trainer to me.Valve lasts the same length of time They sedate you so you are awake but you feel nothing but a slight prodding and tapping so nothing to worry about there small wound in groin to heal against a large wound in chest I don't regret going for it

[ManateeMad in reply to cappachina]

Thank you so much, good to know the valve lasts the same time. Were you adcised it can it be redone if needed at a later date? Thanks so much for your response it's really helpful

[cappachina in reply to ManateeMad]

Yes can be replaced if needed by TAVI again but was told it should last 15 to 20 years which I hope will see me out My surgeon has been operating doing TAVIs for 10 years and hasn't list a patient yet and a lot of his ops have been on very elderly people in their 80 and 90s or people with other health problems Last year they began to open up TAVI for slightly younger people He should only been in hospital for 2 days if all is straight forward

[ManateeMad in reply to cappachina]

That's great, thank you! He is 80 so I think that will be the best option for him. Thanks so much again