In connection with the launch of our HeartValveSurgeon.com, I am pleased to announce that each month this website will feature a “Heart Valve Surgeon of the Month” to be nominated by an actual patient.

That said, I have the distinct pleasure of selecting Doctor Vaughn Starnes, M.D. as our initial honoree.

“Why Doctor Starnes?” you might be wondering.

There are several reasons for this… But, before I explain those reasons, please take a moment and review this video to learn more about this extraordinary surgeon who practices at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

If that wasn’t enough, consider his current responsibilities at USC:

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I’m not sure if you remember… But, I have been trying to get life insurance after my heart valve surgery for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng time.

During this process, I have been denied, even auto-denied, by some of the largest insurance carriers as soon as they learn that I had my aortic and pulmonary valves replaced.

Well… I have some good news to report!!!

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I just read a very interesting story at Canada.com about heart valve surgery on a fetus. To some extent, my jaw dropped to the ground as I learned about the surgical procedure used to save little Oceane McKenzie. Here are the highlights:

In what’s being called a Canadian first, Toronto doctors have successfully performed a life-saving heart procedure on a fetus inside her mother’s womb. A team of doctors at the Hospital for Sick Children and Mount Sinai Hospital used an ultrasound-guided balloon catheter to begin repairing one of the baby’s heart valves, which wasn’t developing properly.

Oceane McKenzie – In Utero Heart Valve Surgery Patient

During the 37-minute procedure, doctors inserted the device through the mother’s abdomen and then directly into the baby’s heart to induce proper growth and function – and to prevent the child from dying of heart failure at birth.

Oceane McKenzie, born April 15, is now doing well and expected to lead a normal childhood.

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I receive about 50 emails each day about heart valve surgery, from both patients and caregivers. Unfortunately, many of these emails begin with opening statements like:

• “Hi Adam – I am scared out of my mind right now, I was just diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis…”
• “Hi Adam – After monitoring my my mitral prolapse for 10 years, I need surgery. Needless to say I’m a wreck…”
• “Help Adam! My husband is going in for aortic valve replacement tomorrow. I can’t sleep I’m so scared…”

As you can tell, fear is the fundamental emotion expressed in these types of emails.

In the past, we have talked about fear on many occasions. We have turned it into an acronym as F.E.A.R. or Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real. And, I have posted clinical research to illustrate how to dispel your fear of heart surgery.

This morning, I read a wonderful quote from best-selling author, John Roger, that addresses this very common issue among patients and caregivers. Here is the quote:

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After double heart valve surgery…. Robin Williams is back!!!!!

Last night, Robin made a special appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman.

As you would imagine, Williams has easily managed to transform his mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement experience into some great, stand-up comedy. I especially liked the funnies about cow valves, pig valves, mechanical valves, The Cleveland Clinic and Dr. A. Marc Gillinov (his surgeon).

To watch the interview, simply click the ‘play button’ on the picture below and please make sure the sound on your computer is on.

As Williams is one of my favorite actors and comedians, I was also thrilled to learn that Robin will resume his tour, Weapons of Self Destruction, on September 30 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Keep on tickin’ Robin!!!