HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

How Long Does Artificial Aortic Valve Work?

Posted on Fri, 11 Apr 2014

Question: I have an artificial aotic vave which has a pannus formation on it. How long can I go without replacing the vavle.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Surgery indicated when aortic obstruction occurs Detailed Answer: Hi Ma'am, Thanks for posting your query on this forum. Firstly, it is of vital importance to evaluate whether it is purely pannus or, has blood clots associated with it; whether the pannus is intact or torn/ruptured; and, whether it is causing any significant obstruction to the blood flow (clinically manifested by progressive breathlessness on exertion). A pure and intact pannus is less likely for a piece to dislodge from the main pannus and cause obstruction in a brain artery with resultant stroke. So, if you do not have any symptoms suggestive of obstruction, you can afford to wait till the obstruction occurs and becomes significant enough to cause symptoms. Further, in the absence of symptoms, if blood clots are found attached on the pannus, you would require regular drugs to dissolve the blood clots. In a nutshell, you can wait for surgical removal of pannus/valve replacement as long as there are not clinical features of a significant obstruction of the aortic valve. It would therefore be advisable to get a regular ECHO test done for assessment of the severity of obstruction (if any) and its progression. Hope I have addressed your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (45 minutes later)

I have had two strokes within 3 months, my INR is so hard to control and some times gets low. Both times my INR was . 1.7.and 1.8. This is when they discovered the pannus formation. They did a TEE Test and also a flouroscopy test. It showed the one leaflet is not working right but he said not to orr about it for now. Does that mean the at some point it may need to be replaced? Please let me know.'' I have had progressive breatlessness on exetion and cannot walk to fat=r, less than a block and am so tired all the time. should say exhausted and have to take a three hour now when up for 2 hours. Thank you, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Early surgery is the best course of action Detailed Answer: Hi Mrs. XXXXXXX Since * you have two strokes within last three months * have features of critical obstruction to outflow of blood with associated failing heart, and * have great difficulty in controlling INR MY SINCERE ADVISE IS TO GO IN FOR SURGERY (EITHER, PANNUS REMOVAL OR VALVE REPLACEMENT- depending on the surgeon's clinical judgment) AT THE EARLIEST, before you have a debilitating/fatal stroke or severe heart failure. It is ALWAYS wiser to have a healthy, self-dependent life than a bed-ridden paralytic !! Hope I have made my point abundantly clear.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar