Katie Cascia - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

64 days ago

Does anyone have experience or know if surgeons will replace/repair the ascending aorta in conjunction with a Ross procedure? I have been told that I will need ...Read more

Does anyone have experience or know if surgeons will replace/repair the ascending aorta in conjunction with a Ross procedure? I have been told that I will need two heart surgeries; first to replace my ascending aorta and later in life to replace my BAV. I'm 36 years old and the surgeon wants to wait until I'm older and the valve itself starts to cause other issues. I know different surgeons have different philosophies, but I'm of the mindset that if we know I have a problem and we're already in there, why wait?

Ben Whitener I have the same issues you have. I'm in the "wait and see" mode but plan to get at-least 2-3 opinions ... Read more

Ben Whitener I have the same issues you have. I'm in the "wait and see" mode but plan to get at-least 2-3 opinions when its surgery time for me. It won't hurt to ask other surgeons their take. Makes sense to knock it all out at once.

Larry Peterson Hi Katie - I would get a second opinion. There are various thresholds that need to be met for replac ... Read more

Larry Peterson Hi Katie - I would get a second opinion. There are various thresholds that need to be met for replacing a valve, but if you are undergoing an open sternotomy, you should investigate all the possibilities. A mechanical valve would last a lifetime, but you would need to be on a blood thinner.

Trisha Gross Hi Katie! My diagnosis was aortic aneurism and critical stenosis of bicuspid valve and leaky tricuspi ... Read more

Trisha Gross Hi Katie! My diagnosis was aortic aneurism and critical stenosis of bicuspid valve and leaky tricuspid valve . I received the Ross procedure Aug. 22nd.They fixed 3 issues with one open heart surgery. I got three opinions and the Cleveland Clinic was the most detailed and identifies all three issues and wanted to fix all at one time. The BAV was the urgent issue the others they repaired at the same time prevent another ohs.

Grace Mason Yes they can. Dr El-Hamamsy at Mt Sinai in NYC, one of the best Ross surgeons, performed my Ross proc ... Read more

Grace Mason Yes they can. Dr El-Hamamsy at Mt Sinai in NYC, one of the best Ross surgeons, performed my Ross procedure along with replacement of an aneurysm on my ascending aorta last year. I would highly recommend a consult with him as you move forward.(which his office can arrange by zoom fairly quickly I found)