Comments on: "Is Robotic Mitral Valve Repair 100% Risk Free?" Asks Harvey

By: chris

chris — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:40:54 +0000

Valerie, I know how you are feel. I was scared to death, that is what brought me to this website..in search of any type of answer..or something to re-assure me that I would be okay. I am 5 weeks post op for mitral valve repair and I am great!! Nobody can answer enough questions to make you feel comfortable with the surgery, but it does help to “talk” to someone that has “been there, done that”. Remember, mortality rate is VERY low. It would be even lower if not for the fact that it is inflated due to a lot of critically ill people undertaking the procedure and people with other underlying factors. My surgeon told me before surgery, “If you weren’t scared or nervous before surgery, something is wrong with you”. Feel free to ask any questions, I would be glad to share my Positive experience with you…

By: John Barker

John Barker — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:03:50 +0000

I am 61 retired military. I was not told by my doctor VA type that my aortic stenosis had progressed from mild to sever. .88. I also was not informed of an aortic aneurysm of the root that is now 4.3cc. I ordered your book and am looking forward to reading it. The stories you have related have already helped me in dealing with this shock. I am having a first opinion this monday April the 6. I will read your book and find out how to pick the right doctor and hospital.

By: Valerie

Valerie — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:22:40 +0000

Adam – you state – ‘make sure you ask the right questions’ when faced with surgery. What are these questions, Adam – I have been told I need mitral valve surgery and I am very scared.
Thank you.

By: Leslie Lafayette

Leslie Lafayette — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:58:46 +0000

Hey Harvey
I had severe mitral valve regurgitation and had a mitral repair on January 23 2008. My surgeon used the Da Vinci robot. Everything went very well, although it took quite a bit longer than expected due to the fact that my floppy leaflets were complicated and my surgeon (Richard Shemin of UCLA) wanted to SAVE my valve and not replace it. I had five anchor stitches put in. Believe me, even though you have a smaller and different incision with the robot, it still hurt when it heals! And before a year was up, we discovered that one of my stitches, the “Alfieri” stitch, had become disrupted. So I now have moderate regurgitation again but hopefully when I have my echo in May, it will still be holding strong at moderate. So yes, things can go “wrong” with the BEST equipment and BEST surgeons – nothing is fool proof. That said, it is a VERY safe procedure and it is best that you get it taken care of soon! Good luck!
Leslie

By: Geoff

Geoff — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:21:48 +0000

I had the minimally invasive technique done at Duke.

I was in-and-out of the hospital in 4 days and driving in 2 weeks. I can honestly say the surgery and hospital stay was easy.

Afterwards (about 30 days later) was the tough part. I had alot of irregular heartbeats. The number one thing I didn’t do (that I definitely regret) was cardiac rehabilitation.

If you can, definitely do that.