Thank you for this informative video and it gave me comfort knowing how it all works. I've had a st Jude's mechanical aortic valve for 16 years. I've been on Coumadin therapy since implant.

You are a very good educator. Thank you for the information!!

You are a legendary doctor.....👍👍👍👍

I was 49, when it was discovered that I needed an aortic valve replacement. I had no symptoms, other then feeling little tired. I was born with a bicuspid valve, and it needed to be replaced as soon as possible. At my young age, I figured a mechanical valve would be best for me. But after discussing with my doctor, my lifestyle and career, I went with a bio-prostheses. I had a minimally invasive procedure, leaving only a small scar on my upper chest. I am glad to be alive, and thankful of the major advances in open heart surgery today. Thank You for explaining this subject extensively. I am now sure I made the right choice, especially with my career as a machinist.

I've had my Mitral Valve replaced twice (first time with biovalve, second with a St. Jude mechanical valve). Now I will have to have my Aortic Valve replaced. I plan on a mechanical valve for it. I've been on Warfarin so that won't change. I was born with congenital heart defects. I've had three heart surgeries, countless tests and procedures, and cardiac rehab. This video is really good! Thank you!

Thank you for the information, Dr Gaudiani. I'll be having AVR and CABG together soon, so this was very useful. I don't like the idea of having to take warfarin for life, but I'd prefer that to having another operation.

Thanks so much for the information Dr. Gaudiani. I had a porcine aortic valve replacement back in 2004 when I was 37 and now I'm looking at another valve replacement. Was very lucky the first valve survived 19 years so now comes the decision of what valve to choose at this stage of my life.

It is now January 2020 and long ago (2012)the FDA said that Predaxa should NOT be used for anti-coagulation therapy in patients with mechanical heart valves. A clinical trial in Europe was halted because it was found that patients with mechanical heart valves taking it were more likely to experience strokes, heart attack, and other thromboembolic events.

Extremely helpful. Thank you.

Excellent information

Thank you sir !! This information was really very helpful

Great Topic, great video...

My turn is February 22 2022 aortic valve replacement and reducing heart muscle thickness. 68 years old I’ve decided to get the tissue valve because I had a nephew and friend both die from blood clots

Good video Doc

Thank you

Thank you, doctor, I wish all doctors believed in educating their parents like you do. I am 71 and had bovine aortic valve replacement w/double bypass 6 months ago. I am doing great but with the blood thinners they insist that I take I bleed unknowingly almost constantly. I am going to to seek to reduce this in light of what I have learned here.

Had a pig valve in for 4 .5 years, its narrowing think I might go metal next

very good information and very helpful.

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