Medical Breakthrough: Epic Plus Valve for Lifelong Management of Heart Valve Disease with Dr. Fang

www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - The Epic Plus Valve is a new, FDA-Approved heart valve replacement that provides patients and surgeons many cardiac innovations for the lifelong management of heart valve disease.
In this video, Dr. Kenith Fang, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, provides you special insights about the new technologies in the Epic Plus tissue valve replacement including radiopaque markers, anti-calcification tissue treatments, and valve fracturing. Dr. Fang also addresses how the Epic Plus tissue valve replacement offers patients opportunities for minimally-invasive surgery and non-invasive valve-in-valve procedures without the use of blood thinners.
Key questions answered by Dr. Kenith Fang in this video include:
1. Why do patients need to have their heart valves replaced? What are the common symptoms of heart valve diseases including aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation?
2. What are the health risks if a patient does not get treatment (quality of life, heart failure, death)?
3. What types of heart valve replacements are available to patients (e.g. mechanical and tissue)?
4. What is unique about the new Epic Plus heart valve replacement that just received FDA approval? Can the Epic Plus be used in the aortic and/or mitral valve position? What tissue is the Epic Plus Valve made from (pig or cow)?
5. Can the Epic Plus valve be used during minimally-invasive heart valve replacement operations?
6. What is the durability of the Epic Plus valve? Is there clinical research that demonstrates the durability of the Epic Plus heart valve over 10 years?
7. What should patients know about "Valve-in-Valve" procedures? How are Valve-in-Valve procedures changing the management and treatment of heart valve disease?
8. What are radiopaque markers on heart valve replacement devices? How are radiopaque markers used during non-invasive Valve-in-Valve procedures using transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR)?
9. What is "fracturing" of heart valve replacements?
10. How are new chemical treatments (e.g. calcification) enhancing the durability of tissue heart valve replacements?
11. Why should patients and their doctors take the time to think about the long-term management of heart valve disease that may include multiple procedures?
12. What is Dr. Fang's number one piece of advice for patients needing an aortic or mitral valve replacement?
To learn more about the Epic Plus heart valve replacement, please visit www.EpicPlusValve.com.

[@christinesullivan3367]

Had a clip for mitral valve was only 75 per cent success now developing symptoms again very worried waiting to see consultant again

[@kymfrancis4612]

I’ve just been discharged from hospital after having mitral & tricuspid valve repair. Every cardiologist that I’ve seen during the diagnostic process told me that I’d need valve replacement. My surgeon is one of the leading valve surgeons in the Southern Hemisphere, advised me to have my valves repaired. I didn’t have stenosis.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Kym, Great to hear you have been discharged from the hospital after your mitral and tricuspid valve surgery!!! Congratulations and thanks for the update!!!

[@arbolitos]

Great news!!

[@GDog00187-]

I had open heart surgery a month ago at the U of M cardiac unit. I had a bicusbid aortic valve with stenosis, also had an aortic aneurysm in my artery after that valve. So I had the main valve replaced with a cow valve, and my artery replaced where the aneurysm was. I am 48 years old, never smoked, a little over weight, and did not do any drugs. So why so lucky. Genetics. My symptom that put me on the path to valve replacment was a pinching pain with my heart beat. So if you notice any weird symptoms, get checked.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Thanks for sharing your story with us. Glad to know you got help when you did. Go Blue!

[@sgt5939]

Just back home from a successful repair of both my aortic and mitral valve. A 6 hour operation by Prof Yan in Sydney. He is an expert and achieved the best outcome possible. Your website was invaluable in helping me to understand the process and options available if repairs were not viable. Thank you again for providing this service and helping patients better understand the options available and importantly how to prepare for the future directions of replacements.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

SGT, Congrats on your successful aortic valve and mitral valve surgery. That is wonderful!!! We are so happy to hear that Professor Yan took care of you. Also... Thanks so much for the kind words about HeartValveSurgery.com. It is great to hear that we were able to help educate and empower you specific to learning about your heart valve disease and your treatment options. Again, thanks!!! Keep on tickin! Adam

[@raypersaud8389]

I thought the Edward Resillia valve already had the tissue treated in such a way to prolong life of the valve and calcium build-up. The manufacture says up to 25 years longevity. My surgeon how ever has said I might get 10 years out of my valve and then a TAVR can be done. I really hope technology gets better and there will eventually be a tissue type valve with no medication that will last a life time. Stem Cell maybe may develop?

[@ZonaJim]

I was diagnosed with mild aortic regurgitation in 2019, and again in 2020. As time is creeping forward, the AR is getting worse and it looks like surgery may be required in the future. I really appreciate the work you put into these videos Mr. Pick. And since I live in Arizona, I will sure try to consult with Dr. Fang for the surgery.

[@arbolitos]

Best wishes!

[@dennislurvey3235]

they won't fix a valve with mild regurgitation, you aren't suffering enough to get it fixed. I have a leaking mitral and tricuspid and symptoms that are killing my quality of life. But they would rather tell me my symptoms are coming from sleep apnea, which I don't have, then tell you they won't help you till you can no longer walk.

[@angelamiller302]

Dr. Fang does amazing work! Im blessed to work with him and see good patient outcomes. He is very detailed and patient centered with great results.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hey Angela, Great to hear that you work with Dr. Fang and that together you and Dr. Fang are helping so many heart valve patients achieve great outcomes. Fyi, I really enjoyed interviewing Dr. Fang for this interview. Keep on tickin! Adam

[@dennislurvey3235]

I'm a veterans with complete healthcare and I live right up the street in Phoenix. I have two leaking valves, both mild, shortness of breath and all of it. Yet I have been turned down because mild leaks is not enough suffering for your industry. Now that you have transcatheter why won't you put me back together? You have my records at banner.

[@dennislurvey3235]

I live in phoenix and want to see him. how can I contact him?

[@dennislurvey3235]

I'm not finding him in the Banner health site, is he still with Banner?

[@dennislurvey3235]

I went to Banner yesterday and they never heard of him? I found his clinic on 32nd, is that where you work?

[@angelakimber3255]

Oh Wow My surgeon Dr. Fang . He saved my life 4 years ago with OHS on my Mitral Valve . Now this month August 2023. Dr. Fang with Dr. Eng and their team will do the VIV or TMVR procedure. This is exactly what he explained in our appointment. I am so confident in my heart team . I have had CHF and this procedure will improve my quality of life . Adam I bought you book with I had my first OHS. On my aortic valve. I have referred your book to many friends

[@Buddyman1225]

Great job Adam ! I have valve in valve procedure done. First surgery was open heart for tissue valve aortic position at 54 and three bypasses. Second one ten years later had heart attack and had TVAR done with stints in bypass's at 64. Worked great EF is 45 - 50 and feeling good . Hope it lasts !

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Thanks for the kind words Jeffrey! Glad you enjoyed the educational video with Dr. Fang. Great to hear that your aortic valve-in-valve procedure was a success! That's wonderful!

[@ARDESLAM]

Maybe if we do newer studies about mitral valve homograft we can avoid his calcification. It's very important, thank's for doing your best.

[@alokepramanik7124]

Plz discussed about VSD AR.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Aloke, Thanks for this request! Is there anything specific you would like to know about VS and AR? Thanks!

[@pauladooley5530]

I am seeing you in October I feel I am very capable kind hands this my second surgery first valve pig at that was performed in 2005 ❤

[@ilianadiaz8039]

Thank you so much for your video.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Iliana, Great to hear you enjoyed the video about the Epic Plus tissue valve replacement with Dr. Fang. If you need anything, please let us know. We are here to help!

[@euge963]

Great interview! I know pulmonic valve replacement is not as common as aortic and that eventually aortic valve designs are approved or adapted for pulmonary positions. Please consider touching on the subject for patients like me with ToF. Thanks again for your work!

[@nacari0]

i noticed dr fang said mechanical valve can last 50 yrs, or even till ur 130". I just had the on x aortic valve n my surgeon said it would last 300 yrs

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Nacario, Yes, we've heard many different timelines for the potential durability of mechanical heart valve replacements 50 years, 100 years, 300 years, forever. I think the point that that most physicians are trying to make is that mechanical heart valve replacements are designed to last longer than tissue valves. However, mechanical valves do require the patients to be on warfarin (anti-coagulant) to prevent blood clots. Hope that helps!

[@deepaksinghsisodiya5690]

Is any innovation taking place in next future that mechnical valve patient does not require any cogulant or warfrin???I have BAV with mild regurgitation.doctor says need surgery in future....if it will happen thinking about Ross just because of two problem that associated with mechanical valve one is lifetime cogulant and second one is tik tik...plese reply

[@arbolitos]

Great video, Thank you!

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Glad you liked it!

[@josievalencia]

Thanks doc, for information

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Josie, Great to hear you enjoyed the video with Dr. Fang about the lifetime management of heart valve disease and the new innovations and technologies in the Epic Plus tissue valve!!!

[@sugarray29]

Amazing and thanks on a great video post Adam 💯👍🏽🙏🏽

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hey Sugar Ray, Great to hear you enjoyed the video about the new Epic Plus valve with Dr. Fang. If you need anything, please let us know. We're here to help!!!

[@adrianakowalska1388]

Is moderate dementia a risk factor for TAVR in an 85 year old patient with critical aortic stenosis?

[@garyjene9146]

The death timeline is rather short. I had an incident in August 2017 where I passed out while riding a bike. Then a year later I was diagnosed with AS. Come August 2022 will mark 5 yrs and I am still walking. I am not keen on the mechanical but leaning towards the Edwards Resilia Inspiris, but the surgeon mentioned Ross Procedure. But I am worried what the persistent cough will do to the sutures during the 1st week after surgery. Probably will have to have the surgery before the end of the year, no doubt sooner. The other problem I have is that I have not been able to sleep on my back for the last 46 yrs so that will cause problems for the first 2 months after surgery.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Gary, You're spot on... For patients with severe aortic stenosis that have symptoms, 50% die within just two years without treatment. Thanks for raising this point to all the patients in our channel. If you like, you can read more in our article titled, "Aortic Stenosis: The Danger Zone" at this link - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2019/03/04/aortic-stenosis-mortality-incidence/. Key point: Get regular check-ups if you have been diagnosed with heart valve disease. It is very treatable with many different options for heart access and valve type, as Gary references above. Keep on tickin!

[@garyjene9146]

@@HeartValveSurgery My parents were in their mid to late 60's when they died and my grandparents died in their late 70's, so that is why I am not keen on the mechanical. From the different videos found here on KZbin, and at my current age and life style, a bio prostethic thro a tavr is more of an option over open heart surgery. But I can see the surgeon's point of view in regards to the Ross procedure being better than either prostethic valve. But the way I sleep will make the healing process inconvenient. I have tried many times to sleep on my back over the years and never could and ended up going back to the way I have been doing for years. Right now I am glad I can get away with it because of the pandemic and the frontline workers in hospitals doing their best to keep up with everything. The info I found on the Edwards Resilia Inspiris lasting up to 20 yrs even without the data being available keeps it on the back burner for me.

[@garyjene9146]

Just found out from a Pulmonary function test that my lungs are operating at just under half capacity. I also developed water retention within the last couple of weeks. Now I have to get meds to deal with the water retention and currently using a puffer for the cough. Will be getting an ecg to help determine when surgery might take place. The results from the pulmonary function test and the ecg and the water retention may put the Ross procedure on hold. If that is the case I will suggest a bio prosthetic by TAVR as a temporary measure. With the breathing problems slowing me down with work and leisure, I still try and keep active.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

@@garyjene9146 Our thoughts are with you Gary!!!

[@brettparker7010]

Thankyou for the video, i had bioprostetic tricuspid valve open heart surgery 5 years ago,surgeon said would last 15 years ,I'm 42 ,and now have severe TR and 2 leaflets are stuck together, I was very physically active upto 7 months ago, now getting alot of symptoms from failing bio pro tricuspid valve, my sternum and chest still hurts alot from my first operation although I go gym twice a week, my cardiologist has put me down for a replacement tricuspid valve via the groin ? It's all very unclear, I don't know what type they will use, said it would last 10 years, so I'm going to say 3 years, I can't have a mechanical valve because of the low pressure of the right side of heart, feeling like my life is going to be one operation after another, I'm dreading it, such a dilemma, I feel like running away ,im living in fear and being compromised by a failing valve, because eventually il need open heart surgery again when I'm even older, I think I'm having a bad day 🙈😫🙏❤️

[@nickrodnooriafshar8599]

How are you now Brett checking in hope all is well

[@dennislurvey3235]

They used to tell us they won't repair a mild valve leaking, even if it's two valves leaking and we have shortness of breath and life. They made excuses but some of it was the insurance companies didn't pay enough. They said they didn't know how to repair a mild leak so we had to suffer till it got to be a severe leak and we could barely walk. Some of it was because they used to have to open the chest every time and not everyone could live thru that. But now what is there excuse, since the do transcatheter and we are out the next day? I have two leaking valves and I could die any minute, but still I'm not sick enough to get their attention? And I live in Phoenix, relief is just up the street, but out of reach for me, I'm not suffering enough for them. Can you tell I'm angry?

[@nickrodnooriafshar8599]

Money my friend Oh say Can you see by the dawns early medical light 🎶 that all you need is deep enough pockets to advance and extend your life

[@cindyvang9800]

Im unsure of your medical history/health complications. Im guessing your doctor probably feel, the risk outweighs the good in your condition.

[@dennislurvey3235]

@@cindyvang9800 I'm probably the most fit 75 year old you have ever seen. I leg press 600 lbs and at the gym several days a week. Apparently you haven't heard your industry is dirty. Dr's get paid $10,000 commission for selling a pacemaker. Doctors lie to ins companies and to patients. Blood thinners pay the highest kickback of any drug. I was rejected because they couldn't monetize me.

[@pauladooley5530]

I'll see you Oct 18 looking forward to meeting you heard you are simply the best ism notably scared I had triple AAA in 2005

[@cjmaso]

Dr. Fang, thank you for such good information. I'm having open heart surgery 3/31 at Kaiser in San Francisco ... mitral valve stenosis with calcification (11 mean gradient is the measurement??). I believe my surgeon is using the Epic Plus Mitral because he said he was inserting something at the same time for minimal invasive if it failed later. When I asked how to avoid calcification he said there was nothing medical at this point. Is the anti calcification valve not approved yet for the Epic Plus?

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi CjMaso, Great question. Not sure you heard Dr. Fang say in the video, "For enhanced durability, the Epic Plus valve also utilizes anti-calcification treatments on the valve tissue to reduce calcium build-up. “We can prolong the longevity of these valves, “ states Dr. Fang, “Maybe 10 to 15 years or maybe beyond that, based on some of these new technologies.” Here's a webpage all about the Epic Plus. There is some good information there to help you learn more about this valve - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/epic-plus-fda-approval/. Hope that helps!

[@tuleberdiev]

How did it go? Hope you are well!

[@clinthibler1576]

My heart dr said about a month or so ago that he was looking for the FDA to approve a procedure that will be able to go through the groin to replace a bicuspid aortic valve are you saying it is approved now or not

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Clint, Really good question. From what we know, there has yet to be an FDA-approved transcatheter valve solely for the treatment of bicuspid aortic valves. That said, we do know that TAVR devices have been used for the treatment of bicuspid valves. You can learn more about this in a video we filmed with Dr. Christopher Metha of Northwestern Medicine at www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/bicuspid-savr-tavr/. We hope that helps!!!

[@cgsix3031]

I need to have aortic valve replacement. I'm afraid I wont wake up. I'm stressed thinking about it. I cant talk to my family because they are scared for me. I cant talk to my Dr cuz she wants to put my on antidepressants. The internal struggle iui s real

[@HeartValveSurgery]

CG, I completely understand. As a patient, I can relate to so much what you write above. Here a couple thoughts to consider. At the following link, you will see some data I prepared to help patients dispel the fear of heart surgery. I hope the information on that page helps you - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/valve-mortality-surgery-repair-replacement.php. At the Patient Community at HeartValveSurgery.com, you can meet and discuss heart valve surgery from the patient perspective. Thousands of patients have used this community to help support each other - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/journals/. Also... Here's a link to many patient success stories from HeartValveSurgery.com. I hope these real-life stories help inspire you - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/videos/patient-stories. If you need anything else, please let me know! Adam

[@lschmidt2405]

Take comfort if you will, that heart surgeons as a human type are some of the smartest, most moral people in the world & they like to get to know each heart personally as if it a child of theirs. And anaesthesia is so able to be so personalised these days that you will be in great hands & they know how to do it so well. And they are there to do the worrying for you & your job will be to relax & get on with it to extend your life. I had SAVR done 10 weeks ago. Blessings to you & your family.

[@naturalbeauty2231]

I need to have replacement Arv.. I'm scared

[@calvinquesnel198]

I just found out both my mitral and aortic valves need replacing. My question is, can they do both during the same procedure?

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Calvin, Great question. Yes, both valves can be treated at the same time during one operation. Hope that helps! Thoughts are with you!

[@kennethsouthard6042]

Wouldn't anti-calcification therapy also be beneficial after valve repair?

[@manognaavaleti5511]

If the patient of bicuspid aortic valve stenosis falls in the 25-30 age group , should he /she go for mechanical valve or tissue valve for the first replacement surgery? Kindly advice

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Manogna, You raise an excellent question about bicuspid aortic valve replacement selection based on age. As each patient situation is unique, we would encourage you to have a good and thorough conversation about this very important choice with your medical team. We are hopeful that your cardiologist and your surgeon can help guide you to the best option for you -- whether it be a tissue valve or mechanical valve. Our thoughts are with you!

[@deontan9314]

I’m 29 year old biscupid valve aorta 51mm how about u

[@neretvatihotece]

I, whit 38 years had 75mm on heart root and started leaking while i was on vacation 😂 o boyyy. From swiming in sea i end up whit bentall graft day after . Thx genetics

[@dennislurvey3235]

If you have mild regurgitation and have the symptoms, they are supposed to repair your valve, according to their own TAVR rules. But they won't. They would rather lie and tell you your symptoms are from something else, then to just tell you you are out of luck, go home and suffer.