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Is laparoscopic aortic valve replacement a reliable alternative to open-heart surgery?
I am helping my father, who is 89, make a decision. He is otherwise in excellent health. But I am worried the trauma of open-heart surgery will too much for him. Is laparoscopic aortic valve replacement a reliable alternative to open-heart surgery? I am helping my father, who is 89, make a decision. He is otherwise in excellent health. But I am worried the trauma of open-heart surgery will be too much for him. Can anyone recommend good resources to help prepare for this decision before we meet the surgeon?
Public Comments
- Honestly--talk to your doctor and ask him for his serious medical opinion. Which will be more beneficial in the long-run. This is not a decision that could be reversed. It will literally stay with your father throughout his lifetime. Like I just said. Talk to the surgeon, talk to the experts. They know a heck of a lot more than the random people on here like myself.
- I don't know much about reliability, But it is a lot less invasive than open heart surgery where the chest would have to be completely opened and leave a big scar on your father for the rest of his life.
- Its not a question of reliability its whether or not its suitable for your dad...robotic aortic valve surgery is pretty darn good. Have a look on this website and search for info on the robotic surgery...some of the members there had it done that way. I had mine the old fashioned way...sternotomy but at 41 I was a few years younger than your dear dad. There is a ton of useful info for you both on there and a whole heap of lovely people who have had the surgery. I'm sure you will get the advice and suuport you want there. http://www.valvereplacement.com/
