Hi there, new poster here, so be kind if I wander over any lines. I'm in my early 50's and have just been diagnosed with severe Aortic Stenosis and coronary heart disease. I will be having a valve replacement and bypass in the New Year. I have to make a choice between mechanical and bioprosthetic (INSPIRIS RESILIA). I seem to be getting conflicting advice, there's the stock response, mechanical under 60/65, tissue over. However when asked my surgeon (who's the same age as me said he'd go for tissue) it seems like the new generation of tissue valves have a longer life expectancy (circa 20 years?) and then you can have a TAVI when that fails or a redo. The idea of a ticking heart, taking warfarin forever (and the constant medical monitoring) with the associated risks is a worry, the alternative obviously has it's own drawbacks... Any experiences or thoughts would be appreciated?
Aortic Valve choice: Hi there, new poster... - Heart Valve Voice
Aortic Valve choice
hi, I’m 58 and had aortic valve and root replacement earlier this year. I opted for the mechanical valve as I really have no guarantees that medical science would have got to a point in 15 years time or so where I would not need the full open heart surgery again. I weighed up that if I were to have this same op again in my mid to late 70s my health may not be in the same place it was in my 50s. It’s a deeply personal choice and as you say, there is lots of conflicting opinion. The warfarin really isn’t an issue for me as it’s just a daily tablet and I bought the home testing INR machine (£300) and that means I do a simple finger prick test every few weeks and send it in by email to the clinic for them to determine if they need to adjust the dose and it means I don’t need to constantly visit clinic. The ticking heart is just a timely reminder that all is functioning as it should and it’s something you get used to. If it helps to read my story of surgery and recovery I’ve listed the link below and wish you all the best with your own journey and recovery m. Any questions just let me know
Hi, I had a bicuspid valve with severe aortic stenosis. I was born with it but was unaware of it all my life. I was advised mechanical but I chose the inspiris resilia as I didn't want to be in warfarin. Its a personal choice and one I'm glad I made. I had my surgery in August 2024. I'm 58.
Hi, I'm in same position as you, 54 recently found out I have bicuspid valve and moderate Aortic stenosis. Was your surgery open heart? Whatcwas recovery time ?any tips ?Thanks
Hi, yes, my surgery was open heart. To be honest you might stay moderate for years. Hopefully u do. In my case it was straight to the severe. The hardest part of the whole journey was The Waiting Game for me and when told about the condition first and then knowing you have to have surgery. The anxiety and stress you go through, for me, was the hardest part all the while still having symptoms, dizziness, chest pains etc. The idea of surgery is scary but it was the easiest part for me as it was out of my hands either way. Its amazing that they have u up and walking along corridors in a matter of days. Its not easy but its not all that bad either. Day by day you'll get stronger and will look back and be so proud at how far u have come. If u have a good home environment to help you that would be an added bonus. Hopefully you will stay moderate for years and maybe will never need surgery.
Thanks for responding. How has your recovery been?
Everyone's recovery is different. You will cross that bridge.
Husband had tissue replacement in August and recovering well - surgeon decided - ticking heart would have driven him nuts!
Thank you how old is your husband?
71 - recovery is slow but steady
i had a mecanical valve fitted in 2003 age 53 at the moment i am visiting my gp for every 2 weeks for INR not a problem i have goone as long as 12 weeks it is like everything it as its ups and down the big thing for me i was told a tissue valve would only last 8 years and the thought of more ops was out of the question , i have no regrets what so ever.
It’s not a problem for me having a mechanical valve. I barely ever hear it now unless I listen, and even then usually only when I’ve got my head on a pillow and all else is quiet. It reminds me I’m alive! I still ski, off piste, and cycle. I bought a Coagchek machine from Williams Medical Supplies (no VAT if for personal use) and test my blood myself and the local hospital pharmacist support me via email with dosing, though the processes for this vary across the country. I wouldn’t want to risk having a sternotomy or, frankly, any heart surgery again.
Here’s my pre-op blog. I still have to finish my post op one! It was 16 months ago.
Hi, I had an aortic valve replacement in June, I'm 63, and I had a great chat with my surgeon. It was a shared decision between mechanical and tissue. The mechanical required lifelong wayfaring, I went for the tissue valve which just needs daily aspirin and can be replaced via tavi.
I'm really pleased with my choice and am recovering very well. Hope this helps a little.
Jacqueline
Aortic valve surgery
Replacement Aortic Heart Valve - Anything You Wish You’d Known
new aortic valve stenosis help
mechanical or organic?
