Comments on: Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement Video… You Asked For It!

By: Becca Allison

Becca Allison — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:20:50 +0000

Adam,
Thanks for this video. Only wish I’d known about this option before my July 22nd, 2008 surgery, in which I had the full sternotomy to replace my aortic valve, which like Donald Henry, the previous poster, was a bovine tissue one. If and when it needs to be replaced, I’ll definitely look into this option or other minimally invasive ones. Even though I came through with flying colors – no complications and ten weeks later, I’m back driving an 18 wheeler – it would have cut my recovery time down a lot. And as time is money….
Thanks for all you do to keep us informed!
Becca

By: Rich Holoubek

Rich Holoubek — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:07:03 +0000

I am 58 years young and a candidate for aeortic valve replacement. I have been under the watchful eye of a well respected cadiologist at Massachusetts General now for several years 10+.
When it’s time for me to have my surgery, I would like to go with the most minimally invasive approach as possible. Can anyone recommend a Thorasic surgeon at Mass General that does this procedure regularly enough that I could feel comfortable putting myself in his/her hands? I will ask my Cardiologist as well but would like to hear from others on the forum.
Also… my Cardiologist refers to my stenosis as being on the “severe” side of “moderate”
My Cardiologist is what I think very conservative and prefers to put surgery off. Do you think it prudent to get it repaired more sooner than later knowing it’s going to have ot be done anyway? Are there any advantages to having my valve replaced before I go from “moderate” to “severe”? I’m in favor of putting the operation off for as long as I can considering the advances in treatment such as this minimally invasive procedure or a catheter approach. Just how much better do heart valve replacement patients feel after surgery vs. before? I want to move on with my life instead of having this loom over myt head… I think…

By: Donald Henry

Donald Henry — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:32:26 +0000

Yes, it worked. I received a bovine tissue valve in 2000 when I was 55 and I am now 63 and will need another valve replacement in the near future and am contemplating a mechnical valve, so I won’t have to have 3 surgeries. I am interested in the success of the port hole/robotic surgery. Any technological advances you can provide me would be greatly appreciated. My recovery was quick. My 5 days in the hospital were rough with a lot of pain. I suffered most from post cardiac depression/anxiety.Would the anesthia cause thhis?

Don

By: Greg

Greg — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:29:27 +0000

Hi Adam, The Video came through great, and I have just recently heard of this mini sternotomy. After seeing this video, I am very anxious to talk to my surgeon and see if my upcoming valve replacement could be done this way!
Thanks again,
Greg in Oregon

By: Evelyn

Evelyn — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:04:26 +0000

Hi Adam,

Thanks for all that you do… You consistently go above and beyond to help all of us – the patients and the caregivers.

That’s the best feedback I can offer. I really appreciated seeing this video about John Doss and his mini aortic valve replacement.

Best regards from Chicago,

Evelyn
(Severe Aortic Stenosis Patient)

By: Bob Penn

Bob Penn — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:43:02 +0000

The video worked great! I’m preparing for aortic root repair and possible valve replacement and I was impressed both with the quality of the video and that it did a good job of showing the procedure without it seeming gory. Thanks Adam!