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Heart Disease Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to angina, angioplasty, arrhythmia, bypass surgery, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, defibrillator, heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure, mitral valve, pacemaker, PAD, stenosis, and stress tests.
Aorta Replacement Surgery
by Kikodad, Dec 04, 2007 11:19PM
I am a 45 year old male. I suffered a Type ll Aortic Dissection in June 05. Luckily I was admitted to an ER immediately and was treated medically with beta blockers and such. I was told recently after a regularly scheduled MRA that the tear is getting larger and I need to have surgery to replace most of my decending Aorta with a man made Aorta. I have not had my consult with the surgeon yet, so these questions may sound silly.
Is this a relatively safe procedure? Is it fairly common, or should I prepare for the worst?
Is the incision small or will the chest cavity need to be opened as in open heart surgery?
How long is re-couperation?
Will I still be on beta blockers after the surgery, as I am now?
What are the long term prognosis?
Any helpful suggestions or information appreciated.
Is this a relatively safe procedure? Is it fairly common, or should I prepare for the worst?
Is the incision small or will the chest cavity need to be opened as in open heart surgery?
How long is re-couperation?
Will I still be on beta blockers after the surgery, as I am now?
What are the long term prognosis?
Any helpful suggestions or information appreciated.
Member Comments
by msaima, Dec 05, 2007 12:58AM
I have had open heart surgery 2X times for aortic valve. First surgery was in 1988. I m 100% fit and people around me can't observe that I m heart patient. I have metalic valve. Consult your cardiologist and act upon as advised.
by pearse713, Dec 05, 2007 08:18PM
I just had aortic valve replcement on Oct 12th. Your 45, don't smoke? In good shape, you should do fine. my scar is about 8 inches, Yes, they do open you up. you will be on blood thinners the rest of your life if you go with a machanical valve. I'm what, 7 weeks after, and I feel OK.
by Kikodad, Dec 05, 2007 10:49PM
To: msaima and pearse713
It's good know both of you are doing well. However, in my situation, the valve is not the issue. In my case, a large portion of the aorta is being removed and replaced by an artifical aorta.
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