Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

Yesterday, Sean made some interesting comments to Nancy about the risks of Coumadin use. In his response, Sean referenced an online video for patients and caregivers to learn more about the use of blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent clotting for those patients that select a mechanical heart valve replacement.

I just spent some time reviewing the video on anticoagulation (Coumadin / Warfarin). Sean was right on. The team at Discovery Health did a good job with this one. While the video can be a little technical, it is rich with information for people looking to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages, risks and opportunities of Coumadin use.

If you would like to watch the Coumadin video, simply click the image video image above or click this “Watch Coumadin Video” text link.

Thanks Sean!

Keep on tickin!

Ever wanted to try your luck at being a heart surgeon?

Well, now you can!!!

A friend just sent me this link which lets YOU play the role of heart surgeon. It’s quite educational and… pretty hard.

Unfortunately, I failed my patient and the computer told me to call my attorney.

I hope you do better than I did!

Keep on tickin!

Adam

Don’t get me wrong.

I really enjoy the television show Grey’s Anatomy (Thursdays, 9pm on ABC).

My wife (Robyn) really loves it. So, we always watch the weekly trials and tribulations of Meredith Grey, McDreamy, McSteamy, George, the Chief, Yang, Izzy and, lately, Dr. Erica Hahn - the head of cardiothoracic surgery at Seattle Grace.

That said, the title of this blog may be a little harsh for ABC’s hit series.

But, as a former open heart surgery patient, I’m getting a tad uncomfortable of the dramatic style by which Grey’s Anatomy depicts life in a heart surgery ward.

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Good news everybody!

Yesterday, I received a call from the Incision Shield team. I told them how quickly you gobbled up their Incision Shield samples (posted here in an earlier blog).

Guess what?

The owner of Incision Shield is going to send me more free samples to give out to those of you preparing for heart valve repair or heart valve replacement.

If you are interested in receiving a complimentary Incision Shield…

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As you may be learning or have already learned…

Finding your surgeon is a critical process that requires due diligence and, at times, tenacity. That said, there are many tactics you can use to locate and select the right heart valve surgeon for you.

In my opinion, one key ingredient in the surgeon selection process is the heart surgeon interview. Personally, I interviewed several heart valve surgeons prior to picking Dr. Vaughn Starnes for my aortic valve replacement.

Recently, I was reading the Wall Street Journal when I came across an interesting article about the challenges of asking surgeons tough questions.

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