Here’s a great question from Bruce about mitral valve repairs, annuloplasty rings and post-operative complications.
Bruce writes, “Hi Adam, I read your book about a year ago, before my surgery, and have faithfully read your newsletter. What have you ever heard about patients who had mitral valve repairs via open heart surgery and afterwards find the repair ring was a bit tight resulting in irregularities showing up in treadmill stress echocardiograms and shortness of breath? Thanks, Bruce”
While Bruce raises a great question, I didn’t have a great answer. That said, I contacted Dr. Paul Massimiano, from Inova Heart & Vascular Institute, in Falls Church, Virginia.
Jim just sent me this question about post-operative echocardiograms. He writes, “Adam – How often should an echocardiogram be performed after surgery. I had my aortic valve replaced. Thanks, Jim”
As I’ve shared before, each patient situation is unique. However, unless there are post-operative complications, many of the patients I speak with have an echocardiogram performed once a year. FYI, I’m one of those patients. Each December, I spend 30 minutes with Loretta, the technician at Torrance Memorial Hospital, for the echocardiogram. After that, Dr. Rosin, my cardiologist, reviews the film with me. So far, so good.
If you would like to learn more about echocardiograms, I just found this educational video that is pretty helpful. I also found the video below which addresses mitral regurgitation.
Some really interesting patient stories continue to fill up my inbox. Here’s a great one from Don about his new mission saving dogs after mitral valve replacement.
Don Hull, Heart Valve Replacement Patient, With Hooch
Hey Adam,
I recently regained my Special Issuance Class III FAA medical certificate which allows me to fly my airplane as a private pilot again. I had an Edwards Bovine tissue mitral valve placed in April 2009 and had to wait at least six months before beginning the rigorous physical testing to regain my FAA medical certificate.
I just received a very unique question from Barb about carcinoid tumor injections and bovine heart valve replacements. Barb writes to me:
Bovine Aortic Valve Replacement
Hi Adam,
First, I’d like to express my appreciation to you for your very informative book and emails. I am a 54-year-old woman who was aware of aortic valve stenosis since the age of 16, and finally had an aortic bovine valve replacement in January 2009. I also had an aortic root aneurysm repair. I’ve done very well in my recovery, and found your book extremely helpful.
I was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer in 2001. Surgery was all that was required at that time. I know that carcinoid cancer and valve problems often go hand-in-hand, although I’ve been told by my doctor that it’s not usually the aortic valve that is involved. In November 2009, my carcinoid cancer returned.
