TRACEY's Journal

J Alexander Lassally  Hi there. Welcome. Just quick comments passing - without knowing any details of  your case.
Brigham has lots of new doctors, so there is no "special" reputation there like at storied other hospitals on the east coast or midwest. So I don't know anything about Sabe... 
Secondly, ministerontomy is more marketing than anything. The healing is approximately the same and the bypass time may actually be more due to reduced access (This was published) . Every nurse/dr I spoke to said the same story (Sinai, Hopkins, Cleveland, Washington) when I collected consultations last summer.  Now, granted, the scar is less, so if that is a big deal, then it is an attribute.  Some docs ( I believe some in NYC favor this for their own reasons. Which is fine. It may be that your case only requires this, but it is not a special surgeon attribute). 
The only famous hospital I know that truly has a special technique is Dr Adams and Mt Sinai with their "mini sternotomy". There, they use special equipment. 
Feel free to ask away as questions pop up. 

Jim Rizzo  Hi Tracey.  I opted for the On-X valve to replace a bicuspid aortic valve.  I had my surgery about 11 weeks ago (in Buffalo, NY), with a right anterior mini-thoracotomy incision over my 3rd rib.  My recovery has gone well so far, walking 4-5 miles a day and, recently, swinging a golf club.  Currently on warfarin.  Feel good.

J Alexander Lassally  Tracey - I just looked up bio.  You might run your case by Sundt if you are in Boston only.  I like seasoned surgeons !!!!!! 

Rose Madura  Tracy, I tend to be nervous whenever you are only offered one solution. You might want to seek a second opinion. Boston has some great hospitals.  

Trisha Gross  Tracy I was offered three solutions. But the hospital would only perform two of the three. If you can seek second opinion, do it. 

Richard Munson  Had mine at mass general and they have an impressive array of cardiologists and surgeons. Not to mention a terrific cardiac wing. Tough to get to however like everything in boston. 

Lance Melton  Hi Tracey, I am 60 years old. I had a MRSA infection from surgery that attacked my mitral heart valve in 2019. I opted for mechanical over tissue based on my age (55 at the time) and the recommendation of my surgeon that mechanical was the better option in that it would likely last me the rest of my life whereas a tissue valve would likely need to be replaced in 10-15 years. I did not have access to the On-X.  They implanted a St. Jude Mechanical valve.  

My target INR is 2-5-3.5, which has never been a problem for me. The only downside for me is that I can definitely hear my heart most times. I got used to it.  Also, because of the warfarin, I cannot take Advil for pain. Limited to Tylenol only.  All in all, I am glad I went with a mechanical valve. One thing to think of is that you won't be able to take advantage of future innovations in non-invasive replacements. If the valve fails, though unlikely, you will have to have another open heart procedure. 

Good luck!

Mark Craven  Hi Tracey. I was in a similar situation as yourself. I was 47 and my surgeon said I would need another operation (possibly 2 more) if I went with a tissue value. I opted for the On-X mechanical valve because of how active I am and I didn't want to wear out a tissue valve so quickly. I only hear the clicking when I'm stressed out. Otherwise, it doesn't bother me. Taking blood thinners is kind of annoying, but only because I'm outside a lot and work with my hands so I get cuts regularly. I test my INR at home every 2 weeks and that only takes 5 minutes. Then my anit-coag doctors call me to confirm values and any changes I may need. I'm also in the gym 5-6 days a week. I don't know if I am the exception, but I feel great and my cardiologist says I am a success story.

Ed Eller  Hi Tracy. I had an On-X valve installed 1.5 years ago at age 68 as part of a Bentall procedure since I had bicuspid aortic valve stenosis plus an aortic aneurysm. All went well. I feel great and neither managing Warfarin nor clicking sound have been issues. 
Best of luck with your decision and procedure.  

Gareth Reihill  Hi Tracey; just had my aortic valve replaced on Tuesday morning. All pretty good so far; a little increased resting heart rate that’s currently be treated with a Betablocker. I choose an On-x on the advice of my surgeon Mr Asmed. I have just turned 51 years old & interestingly I have prescribed a combination of 75mg Aspirin & Warfarin. 
My Warfarin INR target is 1.5. Wishing you all the best for your upcoming surgery!

Michele Miller  Hi Tracey, I decided to get the Edwards Inspiris Resilia by mini-sternotomy in Oct. 2023, I was 54 years old and I had aortic valve regurgitation, no aneurysm.  It was a close call as my dad got a mechanical valve about 24 years ago and he is doing well. I may regret not going for the mechanical valve, but I hope "Val" as I call her lasts a long time and that I can get valve in valve by TAVI when the time comes.  I am very grateful to have had options to choose from. I hope that you can make a decision that you are comfortable with and that everything goes well for you  

Colette Crotty  I have yet to have my aortic valve replaced. Long story but at 64 my Dr who is head of transplant at a top Sydney hospital said he would not have offered me a mechanical valve when I said I was not at all keen on it due to lifelong use of warfarin . He is going to use a cow valve, the biggest possible , 25 or 27mm and may even use Dr Yang’s Y incision technique to even make it bigger.Reason for this is that when the valve comes to its use by date , it will be very easy to have the TAVI procedure and there will be a lot more data in say 10 years time in regards to how the TAVI valves are performing. Technology will inevitably have advanced by then too.  I am big on taking natural supplements too and many of these can’t be taken if you are on warfarin. Lots to consider. Good luck with your choice🥰

Dan Fouratt  I am like Colette, at 63 I had a 27 mm Edwards valve inserted.  Doc says 15 years but there is accelerated testing showing 25 years.  My doc frowns when I say this.  Regardless in 15 or so years TAVI will have continued to develop and improve. Good luck on you decision journey.

Dennis Shaffer  On-x looks like a fantastic option. The technology looks great for both types. Tissue vs mech was a most difficult decision. After consulting my doctor, I made the decision that I felt like I would stick to and not have second guesses about. I had a Edwards Inspiris Resilia placed on Nov. 14 2023 and I feel great. With today’s tech, I believe you can’t really go wrong with either and you should pick (with your Doc’s input)  what’s best for you and your needs. Good luck!