Your Cardiovascular Disease Treatment – Best Hospitals And Best Surgeon Research

Dear Adam,
I was wondering if you have any information about the surgeon who will be doing my mitral valve replacement in a couple of weeks? His name is Dr. S. Karwande, in Salt Lake City, and Orem, Utah. I googled him and found some information but nothing about heart valve replacements. The surgery will be taking place in the Timpanogos Regional Hospital, in Orem, Utah around the 5th of Feb. I meet with him on Friday, Feb 1st.

Thank you. You have a great website, and I have been impressed with it’s content.

Sincerely,

Bill Mikkelsen, Orem, Utah

Hi Adam,

How about profiles on Craig Miller and Vincent Gaudiani? This will take care of Northern Califoirnia folks and both are quite reputable.

Best regards,
Itzik

Can you please give me the names of any surgeons in the Salt Lake or Denver region who do Heart Valve replacement surgeries. I am looking for a doctor who has a good reputation and is extremely experienced with this surgery.

Hi Adam and all – my double bypass and aortic valve replacement was on 4/14/08 at the Beth Isreal Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA and I can’t say enough about my care. It was fantastic! I’m diabetic so my recovery is a little slower than normal but I’m still plugging along. I wish I had discovered this web site sooner – it has answered many questions, though.
Keep up the good work and good luck to everyone!

Ann Pecoraro

My husband has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis and has been told that he will require a valve replacement. In the past he has had one heart attack, one heart “event” and two stents. We live in Maine and had our first consult with a surgeon (for the valve replacement) who practices at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. We were told by the primary care physician that this particular surgeon is the best. We are somewhat apprehensive about just “going along” with this surgeon and have tried to do some research online. Information is so limited or we just haven’t found the right websites. We will buy your book in order to be better prepared, but we would still like to have some information about cardiac surgery up here. How do we find out if someone is truly “top notch?” We are three and a half to four hours away from Boston and did see two Boston hospitals listed among the top five on your website. My husband is scheduled for some more testing July 23rd. We are just wondering where to find information to better help us make a decision as to where surgery should take place and who should do it. Can you lead us to some websites that can help us? Do you have any information for surgeons in this area. Thank you, Pat

Hi Adam, glad you enjoyed your trip to Hawaii! Congratulations on the anniversary.
I am scheduled for my operation on July 31 at Kaiser’s Moanalua clinic with Dr. John Chen. what do you know of this facility? I am told that this is one of the best. I guess I am not so thrilled with having this surgery and then getting on a plane 5 days later to head to Maui and then another hour drive to get home. I am somewhat frustrated by the lack of information from the medical community. I’ve found out most of what I know from your site! I don’t know if I should find comfort in that this is considered a commonplace surgery these days. I was told to take iron supplements but nobody seemed to know how much or what kind. Standing at the drug store counter was less than encouraging. By the time I figured out what I thought I should be doing, I was told I was too late and now am doing procrit shots. Whatever! I don’t want to go into this ticked off or having my doctors consider me noncompliant. Right now I’m about in a don’t care mode. just do it. thanks for the coumadin report. one more thing to consider! I will just have to put my trust in God and trust that He is really in charge! I know there are many people here on Maui who have gone through this and are functioning so much better than before, and that is my goal. thanks again for sharing your life! Aloha, Maureen

Hi Adam,
I am scheduled for a CT Angiogram on July 29 to confirm that I am a candidate for Mitral Valve Robotic Surgery. My surgeon is Dr. H. Kenith Fang at Banner Good SamaritanMedical Center in Phoenix, Az. He has done robotic surgery for a couple of years, but only 10 mitral valve surgeries. Does it matter that he has not done more surgeries in the mitral valve area or is this normal? Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks for your help.
Sincerely,
Mimi Wilk
Home phone: (480) 219-5731

Hi Adam,
I am hoping that I would be a candidate for the daVinci assisted minimally invasive surgery.
My understanding is.that the daVinci assisted repair is far more successful at achieving a repair than the other 2 traditional procedures. 95% vs 50%. Also, less time on the heart-lung machine, less time in the hospital, much faster healing time, and less pain medication needed. Two weeks recovery and back to normal activities, and normal life longevity.

The pain factor is important as I cannot tolerate narcotic pain medications. In the past years I have had strong side effects with narcotic pain meds (woozy, spacey) with Percocet and Vicodin, and another I cannot recall the name, with very little pain relief. Then five years ago the morning after a TKR(Total Knee Replacement), I was on the morphine pump, and choked on my breakfast food. I was able to ring for the nurse and they found me unconscious. I had to be resuscitated by the anesthesiologist. Later I had several episodes of choking even on Darvon while in rehab. So I do not want to take any narcotic s for post-op pain control.
I have discovered that there is a new non-narcotic pain control system by iFlow called ON-Q, and it is being used for mitral valve repair, including the daVinci assisted repair. That is very reassuring for me.

At this point I am leaning heavily toward going to The Clevelend Clinic for the surgery for two main reasons:
They are rated #1 in USNews and World Report for heart care, and
They have two surgeons who have done a lot of daVinci assisted mitral valve repairs, Dr. Mihaljevic and Dr. Marc Gillinov. As a matter of fact, I watched Dr Mihaljevic doing a mitral valve repair with the daVinci assist on the internet the other day. Pretty cool.
I am somewhat familiar with the daVinci as my husband had a prostatectomy three years ago here in Manchester, NH. I could appreciate the difference in recovery post-op as I am a retired RN.

My insurance is Medicare with secondary at top tier, so I can choose my providers without going through hoops. We have paid through the nose for it, and it looks like it will have been worth it.

Also, I have been reading information on supplements for heart health and MVP on Dr Steve Sinatra’s website. I am a firm believer in integrative medicine, am interested in using Dr Sinatra’s approach to supplementation pre and post op.
I have been doing Dr Rinse’s Breakfast (as recommended by Dr Sinatra) for the past 10 days, and having less chest pain, breathing better, and no more “brain fog”.

Any thoughts? Profile info on Cleveland Clinic and the two docs?
Looking forward to receiving your book that I ordered Sat.

Winona Blake

Hi Adam,
You should add a profile of Dr Charles Bridges, Philadelphia Hospital/Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a brilliant cardiac surgeon, reputed to be the best in the Philadelphia area, and has pioneered many of the current heart surgery procedures. He is also a very friendly and caring doctor.

Do you know of Dr. Jamie Brown at te U. of Maryland hosptial in Baltimore, MD? What is his reputation and the reputation of the clinic?

thanks, Hal

Hal,

I believe there is a surgeon profile on Jamie Brown in our new Heart Valve Surgery Database. Please click here to use this new tool that helps patients and caregivers locate and research cardiothoracic surgeons:

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeon-database.php

Keep on tickin!

Adam

Are there hospitals in the Greenville, Spartanburg, SC area that are good when having aortic valve surgery?

Hi Martha,

I don’t know about specific hospitals in Greenville, South Carolina…

But, you can search of our new heart valve surgeon database by location.

Try this link:

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeon-database.php

Keep on tickin!

Adam

Adam,

I have an 18 year old daughter with a bicusipid aortic valve and a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Please help me find the best surgeon for her.. It’s about time the aneurysm is at 4.2cm and has grown 0.6 cm over the last 12 months.

Thank you for any information…
Theresa

There is a VERY good Heart Center in Greenville, NC. They just opened a new Heart Hospital associated with East Carolina Univ. There is a Doctor named Randolf Chitwood who is one of the worlds best at robotic surgery. I know a couple of people who went to ECU and had nothing but great things to say. In fact many of the Doctors who do heart surgery robotically are trained in Greenville, NC.

My Mother is 81 years old, she has a history of high blood pressure. other
wise she is in good health for her age. She has a heart murmur that has
got worse since her last years tests. I’m very concerned about her maybe needing heart valve replacement at this age. I was wondering how common this surgery is for people in their eighties and the results are good?

My name is Peter, I am 30 years old and about to have my 3rd open-heart surgery in a few weeks. They will be replacing a calcified homograft valve for the second time. I have been struggling with all the decisions on where I should have it done and with which surgeon. Last night I came across your blog which was very helpful and informative. Thanks for creating the forum such as this to share with others who have gone through the same challenges. It’s been encouraging to read the messages, yet at the same time has caused me to start questioning some of the decisions I need to make soon. I too live in Southern California (LA Area) and I am in the middle of trying to decide which surgeon I should go with. My last two surgeries were both at UCLA and done by Dr. Hillel Laks. (I didn’t see any references to him on your Blog site) Do I go back to the same surgeon who is most familiar with my heart and the work that’s been done thus far – even though the last surgery was 13 years ago? Or do I go Dr. Alfredo Trento at Cedars-Sinai where I’ve had my heart caths and my cardiologist is also on staff? Or do I go to USC and have Dr. Starnes do the procedure, since that is where my HMO will most likely send me? I want to make the right choice but it’s getting a bit overwhelming. Do you have any advice or insight on these other doctors or facilities? Not sure, if anyone can help or shed light in any way? I have such a short window to decide. My wife and I are expecting our second child due end of October. Knowing the recovery time it takes to heal, it is stressing both me and my wife out because she will need me to help with our 16 month old and the newborn when she arrives. I just can’t pull the trigger and decide where to do it? I had a consult on Monday with Dr. Trento at Cedars, I have a consult wiith Dr. Laks tomorrow afternoon. Should I see Dr. Starnes too? Any advice?

Adam – I am getting ready to have two valves replaced, due to a botched Ross procedure. I did not do my research on the surgeon last time, so this time I will not make the same mistake. Looking at all the ratings of hospitals and surgeons in the Colorado area, I have been unable to find any from the list you have provided. Can you please provide me with some names/ locations in the Denver area, or would you recommend that I go out of state? As always, I appreciate your efforts!

Adam-
I live in southwest va and have been told i have severe mr due to mvp. i have two leaflets that are not working correctly. in north east tn there are a couple of hostipals and surgeons who have been recomended. I really don’t know. can you tell me about these hostipals/clinics and surgeons in Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport TN? I would like the davinci if possible.

I am considering having mitral valve surgery. I live in Lafayette, Indiana and go to the Indiana University Medical Center Hospital in Indianapolis, In. My doctor is part of the Krannert Institute of Cardiology. Do you know anything about these medical facilities?
Thank you.
Maxine Balkema

Thanks for your article on Heart Valve Replacement.

Just a few words to honor the Doctors at St. Josaeph’s/Marshfield Clinic Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

My Doctor was Dr. John Douglas-Jones, my cardiologist was Dr. Kamillia Buddemeier. My experience with the two of them was the best one could ever expect to have.

A week in the hospital and almost life back normal. I say almost because I still have Cardio. Rehab. to undergo.

I think it is a result of the professionalism of these two Doctors that I have recovered as I have.AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.

I can’t say enough about these two remarkable people and the staff at St. Joseph’s/Marshfield Clinic.

Respectfully,

Kevin Hemp
Phillips, Wi. 54555
715.339.2919
kssk212@yahoo.com

I had a Mitral Valve Repair in 1996. My valve is leaking and I will need sugery within the next two years. Am I a candidate for a repair rather than a replacement. I live in the Upatae of SC and would like to know if you have any information about the hospitals and surgeons in this area,particularly Greenville and Spartanburg, SC .
Thank you,
Carol Nichols

ADAM- I MAY BE HAVING A TRICUSPID VALVE REPLACEMENT AND A PFO REPAIR IN JUNE 2010. I AM CURRENTLY SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE PROCEDURE IN NEW YORK AT COLUMBIA PRES. MY SURGEON IS DR. JONATHAN CHEN. I RESEARCHED HIM AND HE SEEMS EXTREMELY QUALIFIED BUT I SEARCHED HIS NAME THROUGH YOUR SITE AND DID NOT FIND HIM. DO YOU KNOW OF HIM? IS HE QUALIFIED TO PERFORM THIS PROCEDURE? SHOULD I LOOK ELSEWHERE?

THANK YOU

FRANK MAROCCO

My husband has WPW that he had open heart surgery for 22 years ago and at least 4 ablations in the last 10 years. He has had an enlarged heart but the doctors recently told him that his right ventricle is extremely large and his ejection fraction is at 33. They told him that he will eventually need his tricuspid valve repaired. Upon searching the internet, there are not many surgeon that list the tricuspid valve as their specialty. My husband experienced internally bleeding of his thymus in his previous surgery that led to going back in and he almost died. He suffered a Grand Mahl Seizure, a stroke and a colapsed lung. To make matters worse, they gave him Dilantin that they found out he was allergic to. After 2 months in the hospital and over 6 mos of rehab to learn to walk since his left side was paralized he recovered but he doesn’t want to go through that again. Do you know who we should get a second or third opinion from or what surgeon would be an expert in repairting the tricuspid valve?

I live in Ocala Florida. I have spoken with several surgeons and am confused. My diagnosis for surgery is; double valve replacement, bypass and Maze procedure to restore heart rythm. I have spoken with two difference hospitals and surgical teams in this area.

I have been explained and understand my condition, what is to be expected and recovery. My condition was diagnosed at least 30 years ago and have already (1990) had a mitral valve repair.

My confustion is which doctor! They both tout they are the best and speak not so well about the other team. One hospital team is new and the other has been here forever.

HELP!! I could go out of state but prefer to stay in Florida if possible, However, I am from Utah and have many friends and relatives there.

Thanks, Judy

This doctor will perform a valve replacement for my husbando.
Any additional info on him and on the hospital

Dr. Elias Zias
NYU Langone Medical Center

http://cardiac-surgery.med.nyu.edu/about-us/heart-surgeons/elias-a-zias

Hi Claudio,

You might want to check http://www.HeartValveSurgeons.com. I believe there is a patient recommendation for Dr. Zias in the directory.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

Hi Adam:

I live in North Carolina in the research triangle. I am being monitored for an aortic valve replacement. I am being checked every six months. I am told that my numbers are such that with any additional changes to the valve, that I will need surgery. What hospitals and cardiac surgeons do you recomment in NC? Thanks!!

John

Hi Adam,

My sister is insured by the Marin IPA / Pacificare HMO. Marin General Hospital is in Greenbrae, CA. Robert Ellis MD is a well loved heart surgeon for the hospital. Her 48 yr old heart is in otherwise good condition except for a mitral valve which balloons up, severly prolapsing with moderate to severe regrugitation. Everything suggests that the repair approach is doable with a good deal of certainty. I want to know how/who she should choose to do the surgery. She does not want to offend her doctor by looking into another hospital/Dr. I have not been able to find any ranking information. We are in the San Francisco Bay Area. Your guidance is greatly appreciated!

Thanks Adam

Best Regards

Can you please review Straub Hospital Honolulu and Dr. mark T Grattan. My husband needs an aortic valve replacement. He is 66 and has a pacemaker and an O ring on his mitral valve

I am in need of an aortic valve replacement. What is your assessment of Dr. Donald Glower and Duke medical center?

Thanks for any advice,
Harriet