In case you missed it… Last week, The New England Journal of Medicine published results from the PARTNER Trial, a unique study that examines the safety and efficacy of the new, transcatheter SAPIEN heart valve replacement. Manufactured by Edwards Lifesciences, this investigational device is designed to treat aortic stenosis by replacing the patient’s aortic valve through a catheter — without causing any trauma to the patient’s sternum or ribs.

Edwards Sapien Heart Valve Replacement

Needless to say, the medical community, the investment community and our patient community have been anxiously awaiting results of this study for the SAPIEN device — which has yet to receive FDA approval in the United States.

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From my own experience and patient research, I know that the physical, social and mental benefits of attending a good cardiac rehabilitation program are overwhelming. Unfortunately, physician referrals of these patient programs are… underwhelming.

I’ve been disgruntled about this in the past. But, today I received an email from Karen which included an updated study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology about cardiac rehab referrals.

Ready for the big finding of the study?

Currently, only 20% of cardiac patients who could benefit from cardiac rehabilitation are referred to outpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Needless to say, my eyes bulged when I read that statistic.

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I just received an extraordinary email about Kirk Rose from his daughter, Angela. If anybody needs inspiration before or after heart valve surgery, I encourage you to read this:

Kirk Rose – Triple Heart Valve Surgery Patient

Adam-

I just came across your website and noted that you mention Team Scar Trek of Oregon. So you know, my father was the organizer of this group and is currently on the comeback from his THIRD heart valve replacement.

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I just received a great email from Mike about heart valve replacements. Mike writes, “Adam – I’ve got a severely leaky valve and need mitral surgery. I’m 55 and never knew about my prolapsed valve. Just curious… If the surgeon can’t repair my leaflets, how much do the replacement devices cost? Thanks, Mike”

Like Mike, I had this same question when I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. I wanted to know just how much this little medical device cost.

As you might imagine, obtaining pricing data on heart valve replacement devices is a bit difficult. You can’t just run down to your local Wal-Mart and order an ATS Open Pivot Valve. And, you definitely can’t purchase a Medtronic Freestyle pig valve from Amazon.com.

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In the past, we’ve talked about the risks of valvular disorders and enlarged hearts. Recently, a study was released which further examined whether or not dilated hearts return to normal size after heart valve surgery. Interestingly, the study considered this post-operative objective from a male and female perspective.

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