Simpson had a heart valve replacement in February and had returned home recently, Currie said.

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Another type of tissue valve replacement that uses your own pulmonary valve (autograft) is sometimes possible.

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Without a valve replacement operation, half of these patients die within two years, yet many are too weak to have one.

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One patient who was preparing for a heart valve replacement seemed slightly calmer after her surgeon showed her an intraoperative video of the procedure.

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It's been seven months since Max's last surgery -- an open heart pulmonary valve replacement -- and he has been cleared for all activities by his doctors.

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Traditionally, aortic valve replacement has been performed with open-heart surgery.

CNN: Aortic valve regurgitation

In a startling break with tradition, the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons will manage and run their own clinical trials testing expanded uses for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

FORBES: Two Medical Societies Break New Ground To Test Medical Device

Following the approval of the first device for transcathether aortic valve replacement therapy (TAVR) earlier this month, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and The American College of Cardiology (ACC) have announced the launch of th e TVT Registry, a joint initiative that will monitor the rollout of the new technology.

FORBES: ACC and STS Announce Launch of TAVR Registry