Over the years, I’ve received several patient testimonials for Dr. Steven Bolling. While I had never met Dr. Bolling, I was fortunate to attend his lecture, “Mitral Valve Repair Predictability” at the Mitral Conclave. I found many elements of his presentation VERY important for patients facing heart valve surgery. That said, I was lucky to meet with Dr. Bolling to discuss his findings.

Thanks to Dr. Bolling for taking the time to share his research with us. So you know, Dr. Bolling is the director of The Mitral Valve Center at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During his 27-year career, Dr. Bolling has performed over 8,000 cardiac operations — with over 2,500 procedures involving the mitral valve.

For the members of our community that are hearing impaired, I have provided a written transcript of this video interview with Dr. Bolling below.

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Within our patient and caregiver community, there is great excitement about transcatheter aortic valve replacement technology. These non-invasive approaches for aortic stenosis treatment are often described with adjectives including revolutionary and transformational.

Edwards SAPIEN Heart Valve Replacement

I wanted to relay new information about the FDA approval process for one of these percutaneous devices, the SAPIEN aortic valve replacement by Edwards Lifesciences. This valve, which does not require an incision to the sternum or ribs for implant, received two favorable votes from an advisory panel of cardiologists which reviewed its most recent clinical trial:

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I just received an insightful email from Mildred Burns. At 83, Mildred was facing congestive heart failure and desperately needed an aortic valve replacement. I thought you might appreciate reading these encouraging words from Mildred about fear, a second heart surgery and quality of life…

Mildred Burns, 83, with Dr. Junaid Khan

Hi Adam –

I had my aortic valve successfully replaced through open heart surgery on May 25, 2011. Five years prior, I had a 4-way bypass with a rough recovery. My cardiologist informed me I was in the beginning stages of congestive heart failure due to my failing aortic valve.

We discussed my options. I have to admit, at 83, I am not afraid of dying. However, the quality of life I would have had without the surgery was not something I was willing to put myself or family through. I was referred to Dr. Khan. He was very a informative and caring doctor.

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It’s an honor to shine our surgeon spotlight on Dr. Kevin Accola, a leading heart valve surgeon who practices at the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute.

I first met Dr. Accola in 2008. I called Dr. Accola after several of his patients emailed me their fantastic success stories. During our chat, I quickly learned that Dr. Accola is a super nice guy and a very accomplished surgeon. As you can read on Dr. Accola’s surgeon profile, he has performed over 7,400 cardiac procedures and over 2,400 heart valve operations. Mitral valve repair is one of Dr. Accola’s specialties.

Over the years, I have become very familiar with many of Dr. Accola’s patients including Donna Wilson, Scott Niemen, Misti Blue and Denise Ring. Dr. Accola’s patients often use words like “warm”, “calm”, “humble”, “caring” and “confident” to describe his personality.

For example, Duane Hunt, a recent mitral valve repair patient, recently shared with me…

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I am consistently inspired by the patients and caregivers that make-up this community.

For example… I just learned that the Rogers family, from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, recently held a fundraiser to raise awareness for Heart Valve Journals, our social network, and our charitable efforts.  As you might know, Michael Rogers, 18, underwent pulmonary heart valve replacement surgery on June 2, 2011.

In a journal posted yesterday, Linda Rogers, Michael’s mother, writes, “It seems like just yesterday I began this Journal so that we could keep our dear family and friends updated on Michael’s progress through the surgery and recovery period. It’s been 35 days since Michael’s surgery and we’re so thankful and blessed that he is doing great!”

“Lemon-Aid” At The Rogers 4th of July Golf Cart Parade

As for their charitable support of HeartValveJournals.com, Linda writes:

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