Grace's Profile

September 12, 2023.- I had my aneurysm replaced with a Dacron tube and the Ross procedure. I also requested rigid fixation to close my sternum with Sternalock Blu. I highly recommend Dr El-Hamamsy and the surgical team at Mt Sinai. February 3, 2023- I was first diagnosed at age 32 with a 4.2 cm aneurysm which was noticed on an x-ray I had when I was sick with mono, and experiencing chest pain. When the x-ray was followed up, it was discovered I also have a bicuspid aortic valve. I have been followed ever since. While it did increase over the past 20 years' time and 2 pregnancies/births, it grew very slowly, holding steady at 4.8cm after both pregnancies until May 2022. Now it is measuring 5.1cm. I am mostly asymptomatic, with only SOB occasionally. I did have genetic testing to rule out connective tissue disease. I am 55 now and told I need open heart surgery to repair the ascending aortic aneurysm and my bicuspid aortic valve, which will be repaired or replaced at the same time. If the aortic valve cannot be repaired I may have the Ross procedure. Surgery will be soon. I completed a left heart catheterization(thru groin) and other preliminary testing. I consulted with several surgeons before scheduling a date. I am glad that I did, as each have their own, sometimes different, recommendations, and their preferred types of procedures. I learned something from them all. If you have a bicuspid valve you probably know that your first degree relatives should also be screened for one. I am happy to share that both of my sons, 16 and 19 have had recent echos, as recommended by my doctor, and have normal aortic valves.