This morning I had an appointment with my cardiologist.  I received an excellent report.  My open heart valve replacement was in 2008.  They don't know how long my bovine valve will last. Beginning in 2018 or if there are any problems before that I will have to have an echo cardiogram every year just to keep a close eye. If any problems arise he said it is most likely the fix will be less invasive.  I really hope that is true.  Actually, ideally I would hope not to ever have to have anything done in my lifetime.  I am so thankful things are going well.