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AAA surgery, possibility of bicuspid valve getting damaged

Posted by kamvenk @kamvenk, Dec 9, 2025

My son-in-law, an extremely healthy/active 50 yro, was diagnosed incidentally with a AAA (root-4.9 cm) back in July. He has a seemingly healthy bicuspid valve. He is due for surgery on Monday, 12/15/25 at Stanford. What are the chances of saving his valve if it’s not compromised? I’m worried sick. I lost my husband(54) three decades back from the dissection of the aorta(possibly an undetected AAA.) what are the implications of not being to save the valve? Any experiences to relate…thanks!

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houston13 | @houston13 | Dec 9, 2025

I had a 5.2 ascending aortic aneurysm with a bicuspid valve, my aneurysm was repaired 5 years ago. Before the surgery my surgeon told me that he would look at the valve if it was highly functional he would leave it as my natural and working bicuspid valve was better than any artificial valve he could use, he would have a pig valve ready just in case.

He left the valve, my cardiologist who is an aortic disease specialist, monitors it every year with an Echo and measures the degree of stenosis. 5 years later it is still in good shape. Eventually when it needs replacement it can be done endovascularly since the aneurysm is repaired, they would not do it if the aneurysm was there (risk of rupture)

That procedure is relatively simple, my mother got it done last year at 88yo without any issues.

I was (still am) very active and in great shape, taking care of your body pays dividends, my surgeon gave me almost 100% chance of no issues during surgery and that was the case, it went very smoothly and I was back to work in 3 weeks. Exercise also slows down the deterioration of the valve.

Your son in law will be fine!!

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kamvenk | @kamvenk | Dec 9, 2025
In reply to @houston13 "I had a 5.2 ascending aortic aneurysm with a bicuspid valve, my aneurysm was repaired 5..." + (show)
Profile picture for houston13 @houston13

I had a 5.2 ascending aortic aneurysm with a bicuspid valve, my aneurysm was repaired 5 years ago. Before the surgery my surgeon told me that he would look at the valve if it was highly functional he would leave it as my natural and working bicuspid valve was better than any artificial valve he could use, he would have a pig valve ready just in case.

He left the valve, my cardiologist who is an aortic disease specialist, monitors it every year with an Echo and measures the degree of stenosis. 5 years later it is still in good shape. Eventually when it needs replacement it can be done endovascularly since the aneurysm is repaired, they would not do it if the aneurysm was there (risk of rupture)

That procedure is relatively simple, my mother got it done last year at 88yo without any issues.

I was (still am) very active and in great shape, taking care of your body pays dividends, my surgeon gave me almost 100% chance of no issues during surgery and that was the case, it went very smoothly and I was back to work in 3 weeks. Exercise also slows down the deterioration of the valve.

Your son in law will be fine!!

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@houston13 thank you so very much! It’s very reassuring to hear your experience. I just pray that a.) his valve is healthy(I think the cardiologist said it was,) and b.) it’s not in any way damaged during the repair of the root of the aortic aneurysm. My son-in-laws parents lived(mom still healthy at almost 90, dad was 88 and died of other causes,) so he does have longevity. Please say a prayer for him.

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