Yes! A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared a very similar experience. They had a bovine valve replaced after 20 years, and the surgeon inserted a new valve on top of the old one — often called a "valve-in-valve" procedure. They were told the new valve should last another 20 years.
It's worth noting that developing severe Show Full Answer
Yes! A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared a very similar experience. They had a bovine valve replaced after 20 years, and the surgeon inserted a new valve on top of the old one — often called a "valve-in-valve" procedure. They were told the new valve should last another 20 years.
It's worth noting that developing severe stenosis in only 4 years is quite fast, so it's really important to speak with your cardiologist as soon as possible about your options. When it comes to replacing a failing valve, there are generally two main options your doctor may discuss with you:
- SAVR (Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement) — traditional open-heart surgery, typically a hospital stay of 5–7 days with full recovery taking 1–2 months
- TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) — a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure, with a faster recovery time
A valve-in-valve procedure is typically done using the TAVR approach, where a new valve is placed inside the existing one without removing it.
Your care team will consider your age, overall health, and the specifics of your situation to recommend the best path forward. Don't wait too long to follow up — severe stenosis left untreated can lead to serious complications.
October 17
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