What is Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease is heart disease in the newborn, and includes congenital heart defects, congenital arrythmias, cardiomyopathies, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Con...
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Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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Hello every one-
I've not been on here that much, as I have kind of been in denial about my condition. Today, I had my regular echo and it showed mild leakage in my Aortic valve. I've known about this for a few years now and so far, I am not on meds, nor is my Dr. talking about replacement....yet. I'm 38 by the way. But it got me to thinking...when the time comes, what type of valve do I want? I know the mechanical valve tics and I think that would drive me nuts as I already hate it when I can hear my own heart beating when I try and sleep. The thought of a pig valve is kind of weird...to have animal parts in me??? And a cadaver valve...that just weirds me out completely. I am a donor myself and I hope that some of my parts can go on to help others, but I never thought about ME being a recipient of a part?? Any one out there had a valve replacement, as an adult, and what valve did you get and why? I just want to learn more about what I will face down the line. Thanks every one in advance and Peace and be well all. Posted on 06/23/09, 04:06 pm |
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They've been working with pig valves for a long time and they work well. The mechanical valve I think is quieter now than it was and they have a new surgical technique to replace them starting this fall. They can be replaced by cardiac catheterization instead of open chest, this should be the preferred operation in a year or so.
Bottom line though, research has come so far in the past thirty years. They can do things now that they couldn't five years ago. Hopefully, if a time comes when you must have your valve replaced, maybe they can grow you a new one, or have improved the design further of the mechanicals. I have been a nurse for thirty years and they are doing things now that I would never have dreamed of 5 years ago. Good luck and Blessings, Diane 
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