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Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: May 21 3:32am | Replies (261)Comment receiving replies
Hello All
I am 31/M
I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced 8 years back with ATS Mechanical 22 Mm valve.
Now I am diagnosed with ascending aorta size of 5.2 and aortic root of 4.4.
I talked to 2 surgeons in diff hospital.
One surgeon says that no need to replace well functioning mechanical valve and will cut root just before the valve and cover the little rim and existing valve with graft.he gives reason if a mechnical valve passes 1 year successfully it typical remain forever and should not be changed. His recommendations is not to touch the place where valve is sewn to root.
Other surgeon is of opinion that when we will open we will be able to see the condition of root and if it need to be replaced we will put new composite graft already fitted with a new St.Jude valve.
He also believe my current valve is 100 percent functioning but as per him existing valve should have some tissues deposited and replacing a new is always better.
What to choose. Both surgeon are top notch surgeon in diff hospitals
Replies to "Hello All I am 31/M I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced 8 years back with..."
Guys please anyone had my situation?
Hi @dixitworld,
I can imagine your stress and worry about making the right decision! I'm tagging two of our stalwart Mentors, @hopeful33250 and @predictable as they will perhaps be able to provide some thoughts that might help you.
I would first like to welcome you to Mayo Connect and to thank you for posting about your health concern regarding an aortic valve problem.
I understand your concerns, I have an aortic valve (with aortic insufficiency) that some doctors think need replacing, but not all. I could only wish for a concise decision from two doctors so that I could have some confidence on making an informed decision and going forward.
In thinking about your situation I'm wondering how this change in your EF (which you state is now 50) is affecting your symptoms. How are you feeling? What type of symptoms are you having? Has your energy level, ability to exercise, changed since your EF has dropped to 50?
I have one cardiologist who says "we treat the patient, not the report." Which basically refers to treating the symptoms the patient is having (in my case I have a hard time exercising without a lot of fatigue, however, my EF is still at 60). While I have a leakage of the aortic valve, I also have some loss of functioning with the heart muscle which results in more fatigue, especially upon exercise.
Perhaps thinking about your symptoms can help you move forward. Also, a third opinion in a matter like this would certainly not be inappropriate, especially if you seek out a good heart center with an excellent reputation. I'm not sure what geographical area you live in but Mayo has 3 facilities in the U.S. (Minnesota, Florida and Arizona).
I look forward to hearing from you again.
Teresa
Hi @dixitworld. I am glad to make your acquaintance and to follow along with you as your heart valve issues are resolved. I won't be able to offer any vital information about your heart valve, because I haven't encountered that. My son-in-law did 20 years ago, and his surgery fixed his problems; he is in good health and hardy enough to enjoy hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities.
My experience has been with enlargement of the left ventricle and thickening of its wall, which has reduced my EF somewhat in the last 8 years. I also contracted atrial fibrillation in the left atrium about 4 years ago. Even so, the combination of the two conditions has not greatly hindered my lung or heart functions, although my endurance has fallen off somewhat, and I have given up bicycle racing as a result.
We have the good fortune to be helped in this case by a real trooper, Teresa (@hopeful33250), who has had an experience like yours. She also has given good advice, I think, in suggesting a third opinion -- and especially from doctors at a Mayo Clinic, or at a nationally recognized cardiac center. Another possibility that occurs to me, since you spotlighted the expertise of the two cardiac surgeons you have dealt with: Could they be persuaded to coordinate their recommendations for valve surgery and agree on a course of action? This would relieve you of the burden of being a referee between competing surgeons with differing treatment plans. Perhaps the three of you could get together and develop a strategy that you'd feel comfortable with. Whaddayathink?
Martin
My current surgeon are Craig Miller at Stanford and Dr Svensson at Cleveland Clinic. What I understand is more surgeon in diff hospital I talk more diff opinion comes up resulting in more tension and headache. I was looking for any patient similar in condition like me who can tell what was done in his or her case
Connect
Hello and welcome to Connect, @dixitworld,
I’d like to introduce you to a few members who’ve written about aortic valve repair or replacement, and mechanical valves; please meet @dlruff @ronbee @redhawk @eugeneo @lyndamm @robaz @crhp194 @morningglory @ch246cf10 @tazzy @colleen00 @marnie10 @shakuni11 @judytru.
Connect member @jimmorris900 has written about his experiences with the David procedure (valve-sparing aortic root replacement ), and may have more insights for you.
You may also wish to go through these discussions on Connect:
– Aortic Valve Replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-valve-replacment/
– Aortic Stenosis & Valve Replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-valve-calcification/
– Congenital Heart Disease – What Patients Need to Know https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/webinar-topic-challenges-in-adult-congenital-heart-disease-what-the-patient-needs/ In this Video Q&A Mayo Clinic cardiologists address many questions about valve surgery.
@dixitworld, you mentioned having aortic valve replacement when you were twenty three? Wow! May I ask what symptoms or condition led to having this procedure done? What are your thoughts about the decision of replacing the valve again?