Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

I recently met Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo, a cardiac surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Although it was our first time chatting, I really enjoyed learning about Dr. Ciuffo’s practice which specializes in minimally-invasive heart valve surgery and, at times, bloodless surgery.

Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo

During our conversation, Dr. Ciuffo mentioned an article he just published about aortic stenosis and its impact on elderly patients. I found the article, “Aortic Stenosis - The Neglected Child: Novel Techniques To Take Care Of It”, full of educational and interesting information. That said, I thought you might like to review it as well. So, here are select excerpts from Dr. Ciuffo’s latest publication:

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I just received an interesting email from Tammy that touches on heart valve surgery, atrial fibrillation and the MAZE procedure.

Tammy writes, “Adam - Like a couple of your readers (Mark, Patrick and Anita), my doctor has suggested that I need a combo operation that includes a mitral valve repair due to regurg and a Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation. I’m just starting to do my research and was wondering if you have any videos about the Maze procedure. Thanks, Tammy”

Interestingly enough, I’ve noticed that several patients are discussing the MAZE procedure in their new Heart Valve Journals. That said, I located a great video by Dr. Niv Ad of Inova Health System which discusses the MAZE procedure and atrial fibrillation. So… Without further ado, here is the video:

I hope this video helped Tammy (and perhaps you) learn more about the MAZE procedure and heart valve surgery.

Keep on tickin!

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In case you missed it, there was a very interesting announcement yesterday about Medtronic’s minimally invasive heart valve replacement, known as the Melody heart valve. Here are the highlights…

U.S. regulators have approved Medtronic Inc’s minimally invasive heart valve, one of the first replacement valves that can be implanted via a catheter rather than open-heart surgery.

Medtronic’s Melody Heart Valve Replacement

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Medtronic’s Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve and delivery system under its humanitarian device exemption policy. The exemption policy allows the development of a medical device to treat a condition affecting fewer than 4,000 U.S. patients per year.

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I just received an interesting email from Sandy which addresses a key point and warning for patients - especially women. That said, I thought you might like to learn more about Sandy’s heart valve surgery experience. Here is what she wrote to me:

Dear Adam,

I am a 52-year old female. I had a mitral valve prolapse / heart murmur for 10+ years. So you know, I was never told I might need surgery someday. However, after my annual echocardiogram, the cardiologist informed me that I had severe regurgitation and an enlarged heart. At the time, my only symptom was fatigue.

Crooked Open Heart Surgery Scar

Well… I am extremely thankful and truly overflowing with gratitude that my doctors diagnosed my condition. My valve was repaired without any complications and I feel like I have a new heart!

However…

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