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TAVR with Ascending Aortic Aneurysm?!

  • 1.  TAVR with Ascending Aortic Aneurysm?!

    Posted 08-01-2021 16:16

    Hi, fellow "Hearties"! 
    I'm in the watchful waiting period for Aortic Valve Replacement. This will be a re-surgery of my stenotic bio -prosthetic bovine valve ( replacement) done in 2011 via open-heart. (along with MAZE procedure to prevent future Afib)  The Valve is currently considered moderately stenotic.

    In the meantime, I learned a couple years ago that I also have an Ascending Aortic Aneurysm which is now stable at 4.2 cm ( is it mm or cm? 🤷🏻‍♀️) for 2 1/2 years.  Anyway, my surgeon informed me that he can do the aortic valve replacement via the much less invasive TAVR  this time. I'm 65 yo, 5' 3" and slim, active, and otherwise healthy-Iish ( some recent gut issues ) …never smoked, don't drink alcohol, healthy cholesterol, clear arteries. 

    I'm elated that I don't have to go through the cracked-chest situation again, but I feel a little nervous that my Aorta is dilated… With a catheter going up through it. It is also " "friable and tortuous." 😱

    Both my surgeon and cardiologist are telling me there is no need to consider repairing the aorta at this point; it may remain stable for many years and we will cross that bridge when we get to it. My mom's descending Aorta dissected in 2008., when she was early 70's. She wasn't aware that she had the aneurysm, and had to be rushed/ air transported to Stanford ER, then ICU. They could not do surgery because she was on blood thinners for a different condition. She survived and is doing okay-ish. I'm being told that my aortic aneurysm it was likely not familial/ genetic. Rather,  I was probably born with a bicuspid valve ( but surgeon couldn't confirm when they did surgery because it was so dilapidated.)  

    I'm currently living life to the fullest, without being foolish… I remain positive…but I do think about the upcoming surgery often, of course! 

    Any thoughts about TAVR with existing aneurysm/dilation? 



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    Debi Ries
    San Diego, Ca
    AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
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