On Monday, September 25, I’ll be having open-heart bypass surgery at Phoenix Children’s Hospital to correct a congenital defect called a thoracic aortic aneurysm as well as a bicuspid aortic valve. The aneurysm is a fancy name for saying that the wall of the aorta is weakened and would eventually burst if it gets large enough without being corrected. With a bicuspid aortic valve, imagine a Mercedes symbol or a peace sign with three segments. That’s what a normal aortic valve looks like, with three “leaflets” that open and close as blood passes through. A bicuspid valve only has two leaflets, thus not closing properly after the blood goes through.
The actual procedure the surgeon will perform may not be decided until he gets inside and sees what should be done. He can either repair (if possible) or replace the aortic valve, and could support the aneurysm with an artificial stent inside the aorta, reducing the pressure on that wall. If the aortic valve must be replaced, he may perform the Ross Procedure, where my aortic valve is removed, my (healthy) pulmonary valve is moved over to the aortic position, and a homograft (cadaver) valve is inserted in the pulmonary spot. The Ross Procedure, though more complicated than a mechanical or biological (pig) valve replacement, offers the benefit of avoiding anti-coagulation medication necessary with mechanical valves and the re-operation likely required to replace a biological valve when its lifespan ends in 10-15 years.
I’ve known about this heart condition and have been monitored for it annually for the last 10 years or so. We’ve known that surgery might be necessary, and are glad to be doing it now with good health insurance and before our baby arrives in January. It’s about a 4-5 day hospital stay and 6-week first-stage recovery period. I’m hoping to only take 2 weeks off work and then probably work from home for a couple weeks. We meet with the surgeon on the 19th to go over more details and finalize arrangements. I’ll update things on this blog as we find out more, as well as after the surgery. Thanks for your support and thoughts in advance!
Jon,
I wish you the best of luck. I hope all goes well, and you can past this as quickly as possible. If you or tricia need anything, feel free to ask Nicole or I.
Again, I wish you the best,
John
John Barr
September 15th, 2006
Hey stranger,
Thanks for including me on the blog announcement list (for lack of a better term). Kara and I will be praying for you and Tricia. Hopefully we can come out that way and see you in the not-so-distant future. Shoot me a line when you have a few minutes.
Eric
Eric Montgomery
September 15th, 2006
Great to see you blogging. Pam and I are praying for you and your surgery.
Donnie
September 15th, 2006
This is a good idea; thanks for letting me know about it.
I still remember the doctor’s visit where they first discovered the weakness in the aorta wall.
Sherri and I will definitely be there on the 25th and I’m planning to donate some platelets for you next Thursday.
Dad
Dad
September 15th, 2006
Jon,
I am so glad you started a blog. I’ve always enjoyed reading your writing. I’ll be praying for you throughout your surgery and recovery.
God bless,
LeeAnne
LeeAnne
September 15th, 2006
Jonathan, I wish you the best and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Wright
September 18th, 2006
Jonathan,
I was looking through some blogs re: open heart surgery and ran into yours. My prayers are with you and your family during what should now be about your 2nd week of recovery. I also have a Bicuspid Aortic Valve congenitally. I am 40 years old and have been monitored by my cardiologist for the past 9 years. I will be having Open Heart surgery in Nov. to replace my Aortic valve. I have chosen a mechanical valve for longevity even though it means Coumadin Therapy lifelong. There is a great website to go to regarding BAVD. http://www.bicuspidfoundation.com. There is alot of info. about BAVD being hereditary and the fact that it is high risk for Ascending Aortic Dissections/Anyeurisms, as you know from first hand experience. Best wishes to you and your family. I hope you are healing well and getting stronger every day.
Jackie
Jackie
October 11th, 2006