More From Cleveland on Valve Surgery Recommendations and Choices

[ladyofthelake]

http://www.ccjm.org/pdffiles/Thamilarasan902.pdf

[RCB]

http://www.ccjm.org/pdffiles/Thamilarasan902.pdf
Although it is over three years old and doesn't mention the On-X mech. or
CEPM tissue valves it certainly brings them up to speed. Good work, Lady!

[ladyofthelake]

RCB

I don't think my thought on this post was for newbees as I am newly told I will be having a valve replacement. I thought it could be used as reference (not in the new advancements) to help people understand the reasons for their surgeon's choices between repair or replacement. I was not concerned that it did not list the newest prosthetics on the market since the newest prosthetics do not solve any of the problems with prosthetics.
On-X is being used with coumadin, does not have a reduced noise and does not give a guarantee of reduced reop risk. The CEPM may be an improvement in tissue but is expected to require a reop.

Lisa

[Marty]

Thank you Lisa for the excellent Cleveland Clinic update. Also note in "valve selection" next to last on page 2 my surgeon Ed Lefrak's comment on the ON-X.

[ladyofthelake]

Marty,

You are quite welcome. While this article was printed in the Cleveland Journal in 2002. I thought it may provide answers for some. Of course it doesn't clear up anything for me and my oddities, it was still good for me to see more detailed info published for public use. I did check your post on the wise comment of Ed Lefrak and appreciate hearing an educated realistic opinion on the On-X promise. I do wish technology would advance for the tissue valve but am grateful that there is any technology to extend lifespans for people with heart valve disease.

Blessings,
Lisa