Goodbye Everyone

Meanwhile, I hope E is ok.

all,

thanks for your concerns.

IF I go with the Abbott TenDyne minimally invasive mitral valve, they would put me on Warfarin to prevent blood clots.

It's a Clinical Trial, after many tests, critical measurements, hospital is about to submit data to 3rd party for review. 

All indicators suggest I will be deemed acceptable for the trial. Used in Europe, only 2 years trial data USA.

I want to consider open heart surgery, tried and true metal/pig/cow valve. My GP says I am moderate risk for OHS. Isn't everybody 75 yrs old Moderate Risk?

I can see how pigs and cows could have a grudge against me, but don't they have short memories?

Best Wishes Elliot, with all that stuff. Take care!

Yes, good luck.

Your decision is a complex one based partly on statistics for similar past procedures (mitral valve replacement or repair) done on other patients and partly on the details of your own clinical status.  I hope you receive guidance from a good cardiologist who has no conflict of interest.  Above all, history shows that cardiac surgery has best outcomes in hospitals where the particular procedure is done most often and by surgeons with most experience doing the procedure (and who have best long term success doing it).