I need an aortic valve replacement (not urgent,but better done soon), already confirmed by an angiogram. done thorugh my wirst artery. I need also a stent too (not critical) and may have an old stent in bad shape (Taxus Express 2, paciltaxel eluting coronary stent system, from Boston Scientific) from 2004. I still haven't had a meeting with my dr. to discuss the new valve. He mentioned a valve places through the femoral artery, that may last +- 7 years. He also mentioned a valve replacement through open heart surgery. I have PPO/Medicare and use one of the best hospitals, Cedars Sinai Medical Center. My questions to this respectable group: Any experiences with metal/femoral artery placed valves? How bad is open chest surgery and it's recovery? (I am 73, and so far of sound mind) Thanks to all!!View Thread
Optimistic still, why all these problems with the lungs? Was yours a top surgeon and hospital? Was it an HMO and you had to take what they gave you? (surgeon wise)? I need an aortic valve replacement and 1 stent for sure and a second one perhaps... Thank youView Thread