Valve Replace Support Group?
Does anyone know if there is a Valve Replacement Support Group? I am particularly interested in Aortic Valve Replacement, trade offs between Mechanical and Tissue Valves, especially Bovine Pericardial Valves, and real life experiences of long term Coumadin Anti-coagulent therapy. Further, does anyone have any experience or knowledge of the benefits of "Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery" (either valve or bypass) vs. conventional full open chest surgery? Bottom line: Is it worth flying across country to receive minimally invasive heart surgery vs. staying home and having open chest surgery at a local hospital with a GOOD track record? AL
MIDCAB (minimally invasive) and off pump may be better for the cognitive side effects, at least. The question, is, are you a candidate for that type of surgery AT the place you might be flying to to get it? H
In a message dated 5/8/01 7:32:03 PM Canada Central Standard Time, HaroldCNJ@... writes: << MIDCAB (minimally invasive) and off pump may be better for the cognitive side effects, at least. The question, is, are you a candidate for that type of surgery AT the place you might be flying to to get it? H Thanks Harold. The Cleveland Clinic reported that 60% of their Aortic Valve Replacements were preformed using minimally invasive surgery in 1998. Unfortunately, "off pump" is NOT an option for valve replacement for obvious reasons :-( 'AL'