Bicuspid Aortic Valve & Aneurysm Treatment: What Should Patients Know? (with Dr. William Brinkman)

[@NicholasBrent-o7y]

I had bicuspid valve insufficiency and an aortic aneurysm. Dr. Brinkman did a great job repairing my valve and fixing my aorta. I was out of the hospital in 5 days. As of this post, I am at 18 days post op and feel better and better. Dr. Brinkman saved my life. I highly recommend Dr. Brinkman!

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Wonderful to read this! Congratulations to you and Dr. Brinkman!

[@reedermh]

I was also born with a bicuspid aortic valve, and I too had a dilating ascending aorta. On 9/7/2023 I had both replaced with the Bio Bentall procedure talked about by Dr. Brinkman (who also performed my surgery). I was discharged from the hospital 5 days after and am as of this posting recovering at home.

[@sawekoganti]

How old are you when you underwent the surgery?

[@reedermh]

@@sawekoganti I was 58.

[@sweetmev]

i am 39 and know that i have bicuspid aortic valve n dilation ascending aorta.

[@paralogregt]

Had mine repaired, luckily my bicuspid valve did not need replacement. In hospital for 5 days and back to work 6 weeks later.

[@aurelianslavu6797]

@@sweetmev Same.42 mm

[@gfolkins1]

I have a bicuspid aortic valve with severe aortic stenosis and an enlarged ascending aorta. My cardiologist said he could hear the blood flowing back. I also have a very small PFO, that they said was not large enough to cause problems. My main symptom is breathlessness with doing very little activity. Very little dizziness and very little chest pain. But my shortness of breath is terrible. My angiogram showed normal arteries. They are supposed to be replacing it with an artificial heart valve this fall; they said the waitlist was 3-4 months. I live in Canada, so there is no cost to me for the tests and surgery, but the downside is that I have no choices in the doctor, and not a whole lot of information.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi, Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!!

[@dana295]

How did the surgery go?

[@mariarutz9842]

@ Adam, thank you for this channel and I am about to go through surgery for bicuspid aortic valve. I was a healthy 52-year-old female until February. 2023. I began to feel many of those symptoms. Can you please talk about the actual recovery of the skin and do you have current brave patients that can show us how their skin has recovered? I'm still frightened but feeling more empowered with this community you have created. Thank you. ❤❤💕💕

[@gregnettles3677]

I’m 52 old male it takes about 4 months for the skin to heal.

[@ikatsakiashvili5079]

i have bicuspid airta i am 31 i live in georgia 🇬🇪

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Great to hear the videos are helping you Maria. When you say videos about skin, do you mean where the incisions were made? If so, please click www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/12/04/aortic-valve-surgery-scar-female/.

[@MrGODINTHEMAKING]

I have regurgitation and need a valve replacement next month and aneurysm in ascending aorta. Im ready!!! November 2023 surgery

[@lava_hound-k1v]

Are you alive now🙄

[@HeartValveSurgery]

How did your aortic valve and aneurysm surgery go?

[@abelardocamp2353]

I received my new aortic valve in march 10, 2022 and I feel great.

[@maxhavels527]

Was it a tissue valve or the mechanical one?

[@abelardocamp2353]

@@maxhavels527 tissue

[@tanyabest319]

This sounds promising my granddaughter has had emergency surgery 10 weeks for balloons, has aortic valve stenosis and biscupid, was severe at 8 weeks, so got balloons inserted at 10 weeks in southern Ireland, (we in North) now moderate and we been told needs aortic valve replaced within year she was 2 in July and probs didn't show in sonograms during my daughter's pregnancy!! What can we expect surgery wise, mortality, and her recovery? Her uncle has mild leaky valve and murmur, her dad had murmur, her maternal grandfather, great grandfather died very young with angina at 53/54 her great gran on maternal side angina also but still alive at 86

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Awesome!!!

[@cvonpete]

I have bicuspid valve, diagnosed three weeks ago. I’m asymptomatic but have severe stenosis. The cardiologist told me that my heart is strong and healthy and to continue with my cycling regimen until I have symptoms while exercising. I’m watching videos and pretty frustrated. I have no aortic aneurysm so that’s good. I’m 51 and eager to get the valve replaced before I do damage to my heart.

[@ahmedkurtovic8333]

luck play big role here. Some people live 80+ without surgery.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Sounds like you may want another opinion. Most patients with severe stenosis are referred to a surgeon for surgery.

[@robertramclam3240]

Absolutely live this dictor. My mom has a valve aneurysm and id love foe him to do it for her. Ur amazing!❤

[@MrMercman72]

I appreciate the information shared! I am right there needing to make those difficult potential life and death decisions and this really helped.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Woo-Hoo! Great to learn that video helped educate you!

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

I have a bicuspid valve with stenosis and getting the Ross procedure in the next couple of weeks, this video answers a lot of questions i have, i have a fantastic surgeon in the UK doing it, Dr Asif Hasan.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Great to hear the video with Dr. Brinkman helped you learn more about your bicuspid aortic valve! Here's a new video about 4D Flow MRI & Bicuspid Aortic Valve that you might want to check out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2TEqHiHZ5h2ha8. Very exciting new research!

[@deepaksinghsisodiya5690]

I have bicuspid aortic valve I'm 24 now and moderate AR .can I go through the Ross procedure?????

[@goatcontender3123]

@@deepaksinghsisodiya5690 same muje bhi hai

[@PankajKumar-ub2bo]

Kaha se ho Bhai

[@adrianaguerrero598]

Thank you for sharing

[@HeartValveSurgery]

No problem! Glad it helped you!

[@TravelsofAngel]

When do you think Ross procedure would work? I don't want mechanical valve

[@HeartValveSurgery]

The Ross Procedure might be good for you. Here's more about that with Dr. Brinkman - kzbin.info/www/bejne/anTHnGBjf5aoqLM.

[@rick7616]

I will turn 70 in May of 2025. I was diagnosed in 2012 (57 years old) with BAVD (trace/mild regurgitation, mild stenosis) and an Ascending Aortic Aneurysm. Since diagnosed I have had annual or semi-annual ECHOs, annual CT-SCNs, and regularly scheduled appointments with my Cardiologist and Cardiovascular Surgeon. I have been asymptomatic my whole life and otherwise in excellent health. I have never been admitted to a hospital. That is about to change. While my Aorta has been fairly stable the past 12 years (approximately 44-47mm) my Bicuspid Aortic Valve has continued to progress in terms of Stenosis. My last ECHO in August determined my Aortic Stenosis (AS) progressed to 'severe' with an AVA (Aortic Valve Area) of 0.9cm. As a result, I am scheduled for surgery in October for both Aorta repair and a new biologic aortic valve (Bentall Procedure). For my case the most immediate driving factor for surgery is the Severe Aortic Stenosis. Since the valve will be replaced it presents the opportunity to also repair the Ascending Aortic Aneurysm.

[@PankajKumar-ub2bo]

Sir my arotic valve mild ar and arota root 39mm Please ask my sujery time

[@rick7616]

@@PankajKumar-ub2bo Make an appointment with and see your Cardiovascular Surgeon and Cardiologist.

[@PankajKumar-ub2bo]

@@rick7616 sir please ask Bicuped valve your life experience

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Glad to know you have been tracking this for 12 years. How did the procedure go?

[@rick7616]

@@HeartValveSurgery Thank you for asking. I had my procedure on 10/10/24. I am into my 24th day of recovery. My procedure included a full sternotomy (8", 31 staples), replacement of Aortic Valve (25mm biologic); and a 28mm graft (4.6cm ascending Aortic Aneurysm). I had an exceptional Patient Experience (PX) and I am recovering at pace faster than expected. I am walking 8,000 steps a day and while the incision area is at times sensitive I am not experiencing uncomfortable pain. I am committed to 90 days of recovery discipline and then will assess with my Care Team what is best for days 91-180. I am dealing with residual numbness in my right hand (pinky) where my A-line was installed and in my sacrum from my hospital stay (5.5 days: 3/procedure+ICU, 2.5/Cardiac floor)...I am expecting numbness to clear over the coming weeks/months but it is annoying. I will continue to provide updates to my recovery experience. I feel so fortunate to have an extraordinary Care Team (CV Surgeon, CRNP, PA, Cardiologist, Primary, and of course my wife and family who are so dedicated to my recovery). One additional comment...I think this CHANNEL is an amazing resource for all of us. Thank you @HeartValveSurgery!

[@TravelsofAngel]

I have severe stenosis of my BAV, 60 in January and 2 aorta Annuerism ascending aorta. From CTA I was told that descending thoracic is Annuerism. I was told that I can't have TAVR because of the BAV but wonder why, other than BAV. My father's descending valve dissected they aren't sure when but lived to 84. They were trying to put a a pacemaker in his heart (he had AFib too, heart attack before 60). Very fatigued. Covid made me worse.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Great question. We would encourage you to discuss this with your medical team. Sorry we can't be of immediate help to you!

[@bhupinderpalsingh1828]

There is any medicine to heal or recover bicuspid valve.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Great question. Unfortunately, we are not aware of any medicine that can treat a bicuspid aortic valve.

[@marvinmagtuba6001]

I have bicuspid aortic valve, mild regurgitation, but without stenosis. 33yo wo symptoms. Do you have videos regarding this.

[@PankajKumar-ub2bo]

Same problem brother but my Arota size 39 mm sujery time need ask

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Do you know your aneurysm fixed? If so, you may want to consider a valve-sparing procedure. Here's a video about that - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qamlm6lmmMqrnrM. Hope this helps!

[@HeartValveSurgery]

See above video

[@travelsofangel7434]

Is stenosis and calcification the same? Have been both with BAV and root and ascending aorta annuerizm

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Angel, Great question. You may want to visit this website to learn more about aortic stenosis and a calcified valve - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/aortic-stenosis-valve-heart-narrowing.php. Hope that helps!

[@christospip5312]

What about weight training but with 60-70% of maximum weight without holding breath. Does it impact negatively the valve and aorta progression ?

[@HeartValveSurgery]

As each patient is unique, we would encourage you to discuss this with your medical team.

[@danbutler7708]

What blood thinner can I use after being on eliquis for approximately 13 months and I was bleeding from my mouth my rectum with a loud ringing that is still in my ears what type of doctor should I see? Thank you for your webinar this is one that I watched before I did my surgery so I can better understand the surgery God bless you thank you and I am looking for your answer

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi, Please discuss this with your medical team.

[@mohammadzamir9194]

Hi it was such a useful information, I m 42 years old and I had dubble chamber on right ventricle which creat narrowness to blood goes to lungs also minor aortic valve leakage, and my open heart surgery is due soon. My question is, is it possible these problems can be fixed without open heart surgery, I mean with keyhole surgery or any other procedure thanks.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Yes, there are minimally-invasive techniques available as you describe. We would encourage you to discuss this with your medical team to learn the possibilities.

[@connerdancesport1128]

I will be getting my Bicuspid aortic valve replaced done at the Baylor Scott and White in Plano but by Dr Katherine Harrington . I don’t want to be on blood thinners the rest of my life so it looks like I’m gonna go with the COW valve which means in 15 years or whatever I’ll have to have it redone.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Great job finding Dr. Harrington. She is an excellent surgeon that has helped many patients in our community. You can learn more about her at this link - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Katherine+-Harrington-Plano-Texas.php.

[@victorialondon769]

My son has type A quadricuspid aortic valve. No regurgitation or stenosis. Is he still at risk of complications in later life considering he has no issues now?

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Great question Victoria! As you may know, heart valve disease can progress at different rates for different patients. Some patients require therapy during their lifetimes. Some patients do not. That said, we strongly encourage your son to get regular echocardiograms to ensure that that any changes or disease progression are actively monitored. We hope that helps!

[@wilsontirado3732]

What if you have a stenosis and a leak

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Wilson, Great question. We would encourage you to talk with your medical team about the best specific surgical option for you. Oftentimes, patients with both stenosis and regurgitation will need an aortic valve replacement. So you know, we're hosting a webinar on Thursday that you might like to join. You can learn more about that at this link - register.gotowebinar.com/register/8316942763367593999. Hope that helps!!!

[@rowdyyadav]

Sir Bicuspid Aortic Valve , MPG of 26 mm Hg, BAV with moderate AS, no AR. Baby boy age is 6 days. What will you suggest in this condition is it normal or we need balloon surgery? From India

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Rowdy, As each patient situation is unique, we encourage you to discuss this very important question with your medical team! Our thoughts are with your baby boy, you, your family and your medical team as you figure out next steps!

[@kathykotlan1130]

I also was born with a bicuspid valve.I am 69 years old and have severe aortic stenios .i am not a candidate for TAVR procedure.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Kathy, Nice to meet you and thanks for sharing your story with our KZbin community. As you are not a candidate for TAVR then perhaps you are a candidate for the different procedures (aortic valve repair, aortic valve replacement) that Dr. Brinkman discusses in this video. Also, we just posted a new webinar all about bicuspid aortic valve disease at this link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioiWgaiNid90btU. Hope that helps!

[@fifztv3383]

Just asking my brother got bicuspid aortic valve replacement a year ago and they changed the valve with mechanical one question how safe is mechanical valve? How long the recovery of the patient because until now mostly he got dizzy is it normal? And is it also normal if the patient is so sensitive with smells? Hope somebody can answer me all these questions thank you….

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Fifz, We hope you and your brother are doing well. You raise several excellent questions about aortic valve replacement with a mechanical device. We would encourage you to watch this video to learn more - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZWQY4Z-ataZedE. We hope this helps you!

[@wilsontirado3732]

What is the morality rate for the surgery?

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Wilson, Great and important question. Here's a video that you might want to watch - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXSnYqKLecenf7c. And here's some more data to consider - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/valve-mortality-surgery-repair-replacement.php. Hope that helps!

[@princekumar-jz4lw]

My son is one month old and just found out he have bicuspid aortic valve. Whole family is worried. I just want to ask about the life span of a person with this condition. Can he lead a normal, healthy and long life ?

[@bablipachauri4933]

Hi prince my son is also have same issues

[@acf894]

I'm 41 and very recently found out that I have a bicuspid aortic valve since birth along with an ascending aortic aneurysm. In reality it's better you know when your child is that young so they know to make the right health choices throughout their life and that it can be monitored for changes. I wish I had known.

[@mariarutz9842]

@princekumar I agree and similar to Adam I found out on May 10, 2023, at age 52, that this is my condition and that this has been from birth. In February 2023 I really started noticing some symptoms while at the gym. Shortness of breath, heavy chest pains, at times like someone is punching my heart. I will be having a mechanical valve in two weeks. I am grateful to have lived this much of life without issues. I am an active individual, ski, cycle, walk 5 miles a day, hike, and take dance classes. Life is about to change but from what I'm learning this is going to give me a second chance at life. I wish you all the best with your son and informed knowledge NOT fear! So as Adam stated good choices can be made to give him a better outcome later. Take care keep on ticking.

[@vics27TR]

Hi, I am sorry to hear about your precious baby, but how did you know did your baby present any early symptoms?

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Yes, many patients who undergo aortic valve operations have a normal, healthy and long life!

[@travelsofangel7434]

Can you have TAVR with bicuspid valve (BAV) and your root and aa dialating

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi Angel, Great question. As each patient situation is unique, we would encourage you to discuss this with your medical team. While we are aware of patients with a bicuspid aortic valve getting TAVR, the presence of an aortic aneurysm could complicate the possibility of a stand-alone TAVR procedure. Again, please contact your medical team to discuss.

[@leeschultheis5407]

I'm a little surprised that they are still touting the Ross Procedure. I had that procedure in 1998, when I was 42 ... and it wasn't performed in large numbers at that point. The idea was, my high pressure valve (aortic) would be living tissue, and the low pressure valve (pulmonary) would be a donor human cadaver valve. [By the way, I have always been very athletic, in shape, and was actually skiing a black diamond slope a month before my already scheduled surgery thinking "I can't believe I need open-heart surgery", since I had no symptoms at that time. Fast forward 13 years, and in 2011 (at 55) I was having major symptoms. It seems the pulmonary valve they swapped into the aortic position is removed with a stub of the blood vessel it exits to, and that the whole low pressure valve was not build via a million years of Evolution to take extended high pressures. This stub root of what was now my Aorta, started to distend and dilate ... meaning the 3 valve leaflets couldn't come together any more to avoid significant regurgitation. So, I had to have another complicated procedure, replacing my Aorta with a Dacron sleeve, and a new Pig Valve. All of my cardiologists since had indicated that the Ross isn't that popular any more, and that many had my experience (I believe including Arnold Schwarzenegger). Also, since aortic valve surgery involves cutting near the nerve that fires the left side of the Heart's contraction, that nerve got damaged in the two surgeries, and I then needed a Pacemaker 2 years later.

[@nickmooreHDR]

Sorry you had to go through that. I'm 35 with a failing bicuspid aortic valve. If you could go back in time, what else would you do differently?

[@leeschultheis5407]

@@nickmooreHDR Well, everyone's situation is different. Mine wasn't "failing" at age 42, just gradually getting more leaky. The idea was the Ross Procedure was a "full lifetime" fix (i.e, I could live to 80+ without any additional intervention). Unfortunately, that wasn't true ... but that was the info I was given at the time, so that's why it made sense to do the "inevitable" operation when I was young and healthy. Given what I know now, I think I would have delayed surgery until much later, as it would likely have saved me at least 1 open heart procedure over the course of my lifetime.

[@Intellectualodysseyai]

​@@nickmooreHDR hi Nick also 35 here needing the procedure. I wonder if we can somehow get in touch to exchange ideas

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Sorry to learn the Ross Procedure did not work for you.

[@leeschultheis5407]

Has the Ross Procedure worked for anyone … as a lifetime fix? For 30-40 years? I doubt it. It’s just biology. Pulmonary valve is built for low pressure. Aortic valve for high pressure. Over millions of years of Evolution. We wouldn’t use a low pressure rated hose on a high pressure cooling system in our car, right? Same deal here. Ross procedure sounded good in theory, but the long term results exposed its flaw. I doubt hardly any hospital would sanction this procedure today.

[@ivonvillaverde5077]

I am a heart failure do I need a change of value

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Hi, We would encourage to discuss this with your medical team.

[@naturalbeauty2231]

I have 38 cm bicuspid valve

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Great that you know the size of your aortic valve.

[@travelsofangel7434]

Why ross limited to under 55-50.

[@TravelsofAngel]

I'll be 60 next month.

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Great question. We'll ask a Ross Expert about that.

[@anishaddadgg8591]

Hi sir , i have bicuspid aortic valve but without symptoms , i’m 22 , i don’t fume ,will i have problems in the future when i get older? I’ve been taking menaquinone7 for 2 years

[@a.g.hustlegarland4197]

Hi did you figure it out

[@anishaddadgg8591]

@@a.g.hustlegarland4197my doctor heard something so i did an echocardiography and …

[@a.g.hustlegarland4197]

@@anishaddadgg8591 how you doing today

[@anishaddadgg8591]

@@a.g.hustlegarland4197 im fine!! Well i don’t have symptoms, im just scared of the future 🤣

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Good idea to get regular check-ups to ensure the disease does not progress without you knowing that.

[@danbutler3757]

🙂

[@HeartValveSurgery]

Thanks!