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Aortic and Mitral Valve replacement together?
I am 74. I was diagnosed in August with severe aortic stenosis, regurgitation and calicfication AND severe mitral valve stenosis, regurgitation and calicfication, plus they want to do a aorta bypass even though it is only 60%. Can only be done open heart from the initial conversation. I started having symptoms in August 2025. The day of all the testing they wanted to do the surgery ASAP which originally I agreed. Then that night I thought about it, did some research and decided I was not ready for it. Baffles me that it was so important to do ASAP until I put the brakes on to catch my breath. Now here I sit waiting for the appointment the 14th.
In the meantime I have done a lot of research, watched a lot of videos and have a better understanding of what is going on. Until I get the date and find out what they will do - a TAVR aka just the aortic valve or open heart since the mitral is so bad can only be done that way - I have planned as much as I can. I did find with both the aortic and mitral in such severe condition, surgery needs to be done sooner rather than later. I have read some online that doing 2-3 procedures at the same time is not wise but I want it done.
I live alone, have no one to help, live in an RV which was not in a condition to be left the day before to sit for a few weeks. They did tell me because I live alone I would go to rehab after I left the hospital, which is fine.
After I hear them out on the 14th, I may seek out a second opinion if I am not feeling good about them. This will be in Phoenix which is 150 miles from me.
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Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @charlotteeb. You have certainly learned a lot in a short amount of time. It sounds like taking some time to catch your breath and do your own research helped you work through a lot of information and come to the conclusion that surgery needs to happen sooner rather than later.
You’re especially hoping to hear from others who have had more than one valve addressed during the same open-heart surgery, what their experience was like, and what recovery involved.
@nksneuro had both the mitral and aortic valves replaced and the tricuspid valve repaired during the same surgery, and @inali has been through triple valve surgery. @nksneuro and @inali, what might you share from your experiences that could be helpful for @charlotteeb as she prepares?
I’d also like to introduce you to @bradycardia, who is currently preparing for surgery to repair his mitral valve, replace his aortic valve, and possibly address his tricuspid valve at the same time. @bradycardia, you and @charlotteeb may find it helpful to compare the questions you’re asking as you both prepare for surgery.
@charlotteeb, what would be most helpful for you to know right now?
Hi, a great resource is the website: http://www.heartvalvesurgery.com It was started by Adam Pick who had open heart surgery in 2006. This website is invaluable. It has input from people who have valve issues, educational videos, recommendations for medical centers, interventional cardiologists, etc. You can post your condition and usually you will see posts from people who have had similar issues; plus recommendations for excellent medical centers and doctors. Hope this information helps in some way.
I have moderate aortic stenosis, mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. I’m 83. When I need a medical procedure, I’m hoping to get the least invasive: TAVR. However, I don’t know if I’m a candidate for this procedure. Best of luck to you!
@joyster15 I already am on that site. My problem is majority have aortic valve surgeries not both.
@charlotteeb Hi, perhaps you can email Adam@heartvalvesurgery.com He does reply to emails. I emailed him about interventional cardiologists near Naples, Florida. He was very responsive to my request. Perhaps he knows of others who have more than one severe valve issues whom you can email for information or support. I would also get a second or third opinion. That is important. Wishing you the best!
Hi, Adam can also recommend cardiac or interventional cardiologist in your area. He is extremely knowledgeable. Just wondering if you have considered going to another state to have surgery or getting in touch with interventional cardiologist for a video chat from a well known medical center like Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. You would only have to pay the copay from Medicare for an office visit. ( but it would be tele-health). Dr. Raj Makkar has excellent reviews.
@joyster15 I have but I can't afford to travel. I did watch a video of a doctor in the LA area who seems to do the extensive repair/replacement work via robotic but no way can I afford to travel.
Hi, then find the best doctor in your area. I would still recommend getting in touch with Adam. Perhaps he can recommend a doctor in the Phoenix area. Adam is very knowledgeable. Also getting a second opinion might be helpful. Wishing you the best!
@joyster15 I did send him an email.
how serious is a split aorta
does a split aorta require surgery