Comments on: “Aortic Valve Replacement By A Robot?” Asks Lauren

By: wendy thorum

wendy thorum — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:20:53 +0000

i have been told I need anaortic valve replacement and repair of mitro valve and i have arrythmia.Please tell me where and what to do! Thank you

By: C. Turner

C. Turner — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:19:05 +0000

Adam,
My mother has just been diagnosed with aortic stenosis. I want a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement for her. Your article about the assisted robot procedure is interesting. Can I contact the surgeon and you?
Cyn -d Turner

By: Carol Lang

Carol Lang — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:47:32 +0000

I agree with Robin. These “new fangled high tech things” are new, as are the number of surgeons who are pioneering their use. Go with a surgeon who has done thousands of aortic valve replacements in his surgical career.. These surgeons have an excellent team to help you through the process from pre-op to post-op.
I’m a former ICU nurse & chose a surgeon with an excellent reputation in the hospital I work in. I have no regrets.
You should do fine. Best of luck!

By: Robin Hirsch

Robin Hirsch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:43:42 +0000

Lauren,

Stop worrying about how big your incision is and think about the importance of doing the job right. Surgeons don’t open you up because they feel like it, they do it to get the access they need to do the job the best they can. My son is a surgeon and his opinion is that these robots etc. will be great someday for doing very specific details of surgery, but for now a skilled, experienced human is the best way to go.