Bicuspid Aortic Foundation

Creating a Climate of Hope, an Atmosphere of Caring, and Information for All

Research is Key

Dr. Lara Gharibeh and

Dr. Alice Lau, BAV

Genetics Research,

University of Ottawa

Research is Key for a

Better Tomorrow

Do you wish your doctors had more and better answers? BAV may affect individuals and families differently, but the goal is the same for everyone: • Today, the very best quality and length of life possible. • Tomorrow, better treatment, less suffering, and no deaths from BAV and TAD. Through your donatiuons, BAF was able to provide funding to the talented researchers pictured above. Your support of our mission can make a difference!

Welcome to the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation! Along with the specialists who care for them, those affected by bicuspid aortic valve and associated variations of thoracic aortic disease find themselves on a road less traveled, less understood by others. We can enrich each other as we share the journey together. Together we are stronger. Together we can press for proactive screening, excellence in care, greater understanding, medical and surgical advances, and more research. These are the things that transform our present and hold the promise of our future. Together we can make a difference. Together, we can create a climate of hope Aortic disease knows no boundaries, and the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation takes this perspective also, focused on the interests of patients, families, and medical professionals everywhere. Whether newly diagnosed, living with complex heart valve issues or an aneurysm, facing surgery perhaps more than once . . . patients and families often require additional information. Please contact us regarding your specific needs for information and assistance.

Aortic Valve Choices

Sixty Years Later, The Quest for the “Perfect” Solution Continues Recent advancements, such as tissue valves that may be inserted by a catheter (TAVI, TAVR) into an aortic valve with stenosis, have altered the landscape of choices for those with aortic valve stenosis. What does this mean to someone with BAV? Is there any innovation with mechanical valves? Can BAVs in adults be repaired? Some skilled surgeons offer this for leaking BAVs without stenosis. How long will the various choices last? What is the lifelong plan? Will someone with a faiing BAV need surgery for an aortic aneurysm at some point in their future? These are among the important considerations for each person. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation follows and shares information about existing options and research in progress. Contact us for more information.

Life Long Care! Life-Long Care An important aspect of the best life story of those with BAV and TAD variations is life-long monitoring and care of the heart and aorta in the chest. BAV/TAD is discovered in different ways at varying ages, but no matter when and how, from that point forward, care is important.