My doctor had recommended the gore helex for closure. Has anyone had this approach done or have any advice considering the Gore vs amplatzer?
I just had the Helex put in 2 weeks ago. The other device was not an option for my defect. I know there have been some problems with the Amplatzer device with erosion.The helex is much more pliable and therefore better for atypical asd.
How was your recovery? I was told no heavy lifting or work for a week?
I have been very tired and had some chest pain especially when moving around a lot. I go back in 10 days to check placement again. My leg where they went in is great. No problems there at all. After about 1 week, lifting is fine. I have a 23 lb baby to lift and it has not been a problem to take care of him. I do feel worse at night after the busy day but it is getting better.
I am glad to hear you are feeling better. Sounds like you are busy, and got back to normal life fast. Are your symptoms better, worse, our about the same so far? Any advice or tips regarding things you wish you had known?
Before I was so tired even waking up tired in the morning. I immediately noticed that I felt rested upon waking and my snoring was gone. I guess I had been trying to pull in more oxygen while sleeping and that caused my snoring. Don’t expect too much of yourself in the first 2 weeks. My doctors made it sound like it was going to be a breeeze. But it is still heart surgery! Take your time in getting back on your feet. I had really bad palpitations for the first 5 days especially when changing positions. It will take your heart some time to adjust to the change. Remember, it has been using that hole for a long time!
Thanks for ask your tips. I hope you continue to feel better.
Hope your procedure goes well!
hello there, where is your hole? how old are you? being repaired with Gore is probably similar to the Amplatzer except it doesn’t have as much a nickel in it. surgery is very easy but it does take a look fairly long time for your body to adjust to the change if you are older. take it one step at a time and let your body do the healing. don’t expect miracles. some of us have been very lucky and bounce right back, in others it takes longer. you’ve gotten some good advice on the site. hopefully your doctor is very helpful too. I haven’t read your profile but as I said the surgery is very easy but your heart will take some adjusting especially and depending on your age. keep us posted. Thank you, Linda
Hello. I had the helix device surgery or year and a half ago. I feel great! The surgery was very easy and I was comfortable the entire time. It did take a few weeks for my body to adjust to the whole being closed. I had palpitations, and was tired for a week. After I recovered, I immediately felt better!!! No more shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness or floaters in my vision! It’s so amazing! My doc recommended the helix due to it having less nickel content. I am very sensitive so just in case i had a reaction to the nickel we did the helix device over the amplatzer.
Good luck! Life is so much better now that I’ve had closure!
Hi Nina Marie,
I had a Gore Helex implanted last March 2014. It was successful and I am doing great! My doctor considered all options but felt the Gore Helex was the best option for my ASD. Wishing you all the best!
Over 2 years now. I am having some pain in the past 6 months, not sure what it is from. I am older so I already had Afib when the ASD was found. I now have other palpitations, the Afib was ablated. I have had other ablations for V tach but I still have that.
How old are you? I would think that would have something to do with the way the ASD is fixed, because really how long is the Gore going to last? The amplatzer has been used a little longer and we see what is happening with that. It will not be the same thing with the Gore Helex but it will be something.
Faye,
Actually the Gore acts the same and the amplatzer. It forms a bridge for your own tissue to grow and cover it. Gore is the same fabric that is used for bullet proof vest and is extremely long lasting. I am so sorry you are having problems again :(
fay said:
Over 2 years now. I am having some pain in the past 6 months, not sure what it is from. I am older so I already had Afib when the ASD was found. I now have other palpitations, the Afib was ablated. I have had other ablations for V tach but I still have that.
How old are you? I would think that would have something to do with the way the ASD is fixed, because really how long is the Gore going to last? The amplatzer has been used a little longer and we see what is happening with that. It will not be the same thing with the Gore Helex but it will be something.
Thanks for the feedback. I’m 31 years old. I’ve been told the 15 mm Gore helex would be sufficient to close my 8mm ASD long term. I know the Gore and Amplatzer are both limited with long term research. But both surgeons I’ve consulted feel confident with the Gore.
Hi Nina Marie,
31 is a great age. 15 mm is quite ample for 8mm hole. Is it an ostium secundum? I take it they did TEE. Are they doing heart cath at same time or already done? All ASD’s must be plugged with patch larger than hole at least 2 mm rim around hole. I had Amplatzer done in our area with Amplatzer representative in attendance. As I said Amplatzer has more nickel in it but a little longer history of use. In terms of treatment really no long term studies on either. Beats open heart surgery if it can be repaired thru catheter in groin. Sad that any of us have had to go thru these “symptoms” before repair. Hope we are all giving you helpful advice. Linda
My hole is in the septum secundum not ostium.
Thank you all for your time and information!
And I have not had a cardiac Cath. The doctor I plan to do the surgery with says only the day of.
so your hole is in the center of the atrial wall. best place! good place to plug just must keep leg (groin) area straight post closure for at least 4 hours. then pressure applied to keep hematoma from forming when sheath( sleeve for catheter) removed. you should do well. just keep positive that your body really needs this! thanks, linda
yes i had heart catheter same time as plug. common. they will put you to sleep with IV sedation usually. linda
I had the Gore Helex closure done on the 15th of Oct. 2014. Just about 3 weeks ago. I've heard better reviews then the amplatzer. The Gore Helex is the one my doctor recommended to me and said, "he's seen the most success with." Following the procedure I felt an immediate difference in how satisfying breathing a breath of air was. I have no longer had heart pain when climbing the stairs and have not been short of breath. I'm 32 yrs. old. Just FYI, either implant you decide on; I now have to be extra careful for 6-9 months to not get sick because it can damage the implant and cause me to need open heart surgery to remove and replace the implant if the area gets infected from cooties that are in great abundance these days. Especially with winter fast approaching.