Before And After Mitral Valve Repair Pictures

This deserves a “Wow!”
I could ramble on about how neat this is… Instead, I’ll simply let Geoff explain. Here is Geoff’s email:
Hi Adam,
I am home from my surgery!!
The mitral valve repair was performed last Tuesday morning. I left Duke Medical Center, five days later, on Saturday morning at 9:45 am!
I am fairly weak and somewhat sore. But, overall I am doing great. I spent the first night after heart surgery in the intensive care unit (ICU). The breathing tube and TEE were removed in the first few hours after surgery. I had tubes coming out of me from many places - an IV in my neck, left arm artery, left arm near elbow and right arm.

I can’t say enough good things about the staff at Duke Medical Center. My surgeon, Doctor Glower, was able to repair the valve so that there was 0% mitral regurgitation. If you are interested, I have attached the before and after pics.

Thank you for your heart valve book, and all the blog members, for their stories and insight. Heart surgery truly is an emotional journey. My fiancee, Lisa, and I are very happy to be through it.
Thanks… Geoff






May 31st, 2008 at 1:37 am
Hello Geoff,
My 17 year old son has been told that he needs mitral valve surgery. You look young in your picture so I was just wondering how old you are? It also sounds as if they repaired your valve. The doctors are telling us that our son’s valve has a 50-50 chance of being repaired. I just had some questions if you feel like responding. Thank you in advance for your time.
Stewart
707-799-2245
Petaluma, California
June 4th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Was Geoff diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)?
Are there any stats on who/what have a specific expertise in MVP surgery? Wold appreciate any info.
Thank you and God Bless, Geoff.
September 22nd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Geoff,
I’m 46 and have a minimally invasive repair scheduled with Dr. Glower at Duke in mid October 2008. I was wondering about the cost - he said to expect about $50K . Also - how bad was yours? Severe MVP? Severe regurgitation?, moderate? Your LV dimension? Mine is Moderate MVP and moderate to severe MR. My LV was between 4.6 and 5.1mm and my ejection fraction is 60%. I see he was able to repair yours. I definately don’t want a replacement. This is why I was wondering about the severitiy of yours. How was your recovery?
Thanks,
Steve