Surgery for valve replacement

Posted by scollins1971 @scollins1971, May 8 11:17am

So after a meeting with the surgeon last week it has been decide I’m to go for surgery at the end of July.
With my AR being around 4.8 and having a BAV with mild to severe stenosis they have decided the best method would be the Ross procedure also know as the pulmonary valve procedure, this is were they take my pulmonary valve and use it to replace my aortic valve and then replace my pulmonary with a donor valve also repairing AR whilst they are there. Has anyone else had or heard of this procedure as it sounds very complicated but apparently gives the best chance of longevity and I should be able to live a normal life with the same life expectancy of the general population my age with minimal medication. I’m male 53 relatively fit non smoker.
As the operation is not until July it has given me plenty of time to dwell upon and I have relived every possible outcome in my head and it’s driving me crazy. As this is elected surgery I’m positive that’s it’s the best decision as leaving it will almost lead to aneurysm dissection.
Any advice would be appreciated

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rlhix | @rlhix | May 9 8:17am

8 months ago I had a Bentall procedure with a 2.7 cm Edwards bovine valve and conduit. I was 60 at the time. That is next to the largest size they make. I don't have to be on blood thinners other than 81mg asprin and metoprolol. My root was 4.8cm at the time and valve seemed good. That was on the list of possibilities that day but I had 3 other major procedures going on with and estimated time of 8 hours and 6 minutes in the OR and we decided to only do the root if it was necessary. In imaging the valve looked fine. However, the root was fragile and the valve friable and it became an emergent situation after the other 3 procedures completed. The procedure you described would have been a disaster for me even if that was the only thing being done.

The bioprosthetic valve I have is quiet. Since it is large, it will last a long time and can be repaired by catheter procedure down the road up to at least 2 or 3 times.

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