Comments on: After Ross Procedure, Bruce Praises Dr. John Oswalt

By: Duane Schlosser

Duane Schlosser — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:29:02 +0000

Bruce, I too live in Austin, and have talked with Dr. Oswalt concerning my operation. My wife who works at St. Davids said “this is the guy”. And after meeting him and discussing my concerns, he told me to take a vacation and come back and give him a date to go the operation. I currently do not have any symptoms, but my eco, would suggest I should have had it last month. I haven’t taken a vacation yet, so the date is not made. But knowing who will do it and reading your words helps. Thank You.
Denial is the First step of recovery.
Duane

By: Pops

Pops — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:28:16 +0000

I concur on the assessment of Bruce’s proceedure. Several of us were with him pre-op, post op, thru his recovery, and home. We were all well informed and permitted maximum participation. Bruce came away strong and healthy. Our love and respect to all involved with healing our Brother
Pops

By: ken tobin

ken tobin — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:27:21 +0000

I too was told that aortic replacement only, tissue, would be best for me age 60. There are developments in the pipeline where replacement will be much simpler if needed. A recent study at St Jude has a 92% survival rate with tissue valves at TWENTY YEARS!!! Quite phenomenal. At age 60 or so tissue is preferable to avoid taking coumadin long term. Dr Paul Stelzer is a top surgeon in NYC for aortic surgery

By: Don Henry

Don Henry — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:22:42 +0000

I have not heard anything negative concerning the Ross Procedure; however I don’t think a lot of these procedures are performed as compared to the others, because most surgeons have not performed the Ross procedure and are not comfortable in doing so. I was told by my heart surgeon that the Ross Procedure is more complicated and during this operation the entire root is removed and if another surgery was needed it would be even more complicated. And you are now involving 2 valves instead of one and the pulmonary is in good shape, so why chance another complication when you do not have to. And I don’t think this procedure has been performed long enough in oder to estblish a bonified study for longevity. The Ross does seem like the best option ,but since the longevity rate seems to be unknown I think patients are opting for the tissue or mechanical. Congrats to Bruce and Shelby. You and Adam may very well have chosen the best surgery. I would be interested inany recent post op studies on the Ross. It may come down to the SURGEON.

Don

By: Shelby Hudgens

Shelby Hudgens — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:02:21 +0000

From one Ross patient to another — glad to hear you are doing so well! Wishing you the best from here on out.

-Shelby