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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: July 1, 2018

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Judy S posted an update

3 weeks ago (April 16, 2026)

I just found out that my St. Jude Medical (now Abbot) bovine heart valve was recalled in 2023 due to issues with it failing within five years. I had my surgery in 2018 and mine is still working, but I wondered if anyone had heard of this recall or were... Read more.

😂 Deena Z reacted to this

Richard Munson

So when they recall it, do they take it out ?

Marie Myers

I have heard of the Trifecta tissue valve recall, but not this one. Keep in mind they donâ€™t all fail early. Prayers to you for a long valve life!

Judy S

Thanks Marie! They collect the unused valves and monitor those that have been used. I am fortunately well past the danger zone but it was such a bizarre thing to find out!

Judy S posted an update

4 months ago (December 22, 2025)

My sister just saw had a surgical consult today at Kaiser Santa Clara for a potential SAVR. (I had one in 2018.) Does anyone have any experience with this Kaiser and Dr. Soraya Voight?

Robert Miller

We are very close to that Kaiser. My MIL used to go there and she was treated very well. I can't speak for Dr. Voight but I had my second surgery at Sequoia. I think they closed due to financial issues but Dr. Castro keeps practicing. He is an outstanding... Read more.

Judy S

Thank you Robert. I also had Dr. Castro for my valve surgery because I am not part of Kaiser. I wish my sister could see him too! I think Sequoia is still operating, no pun intended, but Dr. Castro is now at Marin Health.

Judy S posted an update

7 years ago (March 16, 2019)

Interesting article today on the future of TAVR. Still a question for bicuspid valve patients, but the news is headed in the right direction for others! https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/16/health/aortic-valve-replacement-heart.html

Tens of Thousands of Heart Patients May Not Need Open-Heart Surgery

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/16/health/aortic-valve-replacement-heart.html

Replacement of the aortic valve with a minimally invasive procedure called TAVR proved effective in younger, healthier patients.

👍 Someone reacted to this

Debbie Kelly

I am so thankful that I had my TAVR under a clinical trial program for low-risk patients. Thanks for sharing the article, Judy.

Diane Maher

A very interesting perspective of the study that Vic posted above. Thanks for posting this one too, Judyâ£ï¸

Dan Vechiola

I was holding out for a technology like TAVR for most of my life and I fell a little short lol

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