Tricuspid Valve repair/replacement

Hi Tony

by Lavender - 2024-03-08 08:40:16

My son is named Tony too 😄

I wish I could help but I have no experience in this. I see that you have asked a few times about it.  Your consultation with surgeons should answer your questions. With you getting three opinions from professionals, you should be able to allay any concerns.  May God guide you along the way. ☘️🇮🇹

answers

by new to pace.... - 2024-03-08 08:44:10

you might put your question in the search box and see if any answers there.

new to pace

Hope the following list of questions helps

by Gemita - 2024-03-08 11:11:30

Tony, hello and thank you for your post.

It is difficult to know what questions to ask since it will very much depend on the condition of your tricuspid valve, what your symptoms are, whether you have other health conditions.  Let us suppose that you definitely have a need for a tricuspid valve repair or replacement because of your worsening symptoms, in your shoes what questions would I want to ask?  Perhaps one or more of the following:-

I would want to know the success rate of either procedure (repair as opposed to replacement of the Tricuspid valve?)

I would want to know the risks/benefits of each procedure?

I would also want to know how long the recovery takes?

I would want to know how many triscupid procedures your doctor has carried out?

I would want to know if leaving alone and waiting is an option, since a valve can be minimal, moderate or severe in leakiness.  So ask the degree of your leakiness and its “likely” course of progression, whether it would be better to treat now before worsening symptoms occur for example?

I would want to know how long a repaired or replacement valve will last?  Does it last a lifetime for example?

How long will the procedure last and how long will you need to stay in hospital?  You should ask also for an explanation of how the procedure will be carried out?

Will you have to take any long term medication following valve replacement?

I hope your appointments help you to decide on the best surgeon for the job and on the specific treatment you will need.  Good luck

Re-Route Lead Wire

by Figallegro - 2024-03-10 19:18:07

Thank you for your suggested questions. I met with two surgeons and knowledge after the fact is very enlightening. Apparently, the majority of lead insertions are done by running a lead through the tricuspid valve. Over time, tissue grows aroiund the lead and damage to the valve can occur on removal. Another disadvantage is the lead can interfere with normal valve function. However, this process seems to be the accepable standard of care.  In retrospect, I would have wanted the lead attached to the outside of the heart muscle OR a new wireless Pacemaker installed, but wireless may not have been an option in 2016.

FDA just approved as trranscatheter vslve replacement Feb 2024 and has not been rolled out commercially. We live near one of the research clinics for the new valve and I could have it done there, but it is still considered trial. I am opting for minimal invasive valve replacement through the side rib as repair may not be feasible. They will either run a new leads outside heart muscle wall or use a wireless. They cannot put a new valve in over the existing lead as it could pinch it and not work. So I am comfortable with the replacement option. Wish I knew about outside hear muscle when the lead was first installed. 

Hope this information may be of help to others.