For Dave And Jeff… Why I Chose The Ross Procedure For My Aortic Valve Replacement?
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008Once diagnosed with severe aortic heart valve disease (stenosis), I went into action mode.
Yes. I was confused. Yes. I was scared. Yes. I may have even been a little bit depressed (and a tad angry).
Still, my heart needed to be fixed quickly. Dr. Chaikin, my second opinion cardiologist, had given me 30 days to relieve the stress and strain on my dilated (enlarged) heart. Otherwise, Dr. Chaikin told me there could be more damage to my cardiac muscle.
During the surgeon selection process, I set up interviews with Dr. Trento (Cedar Sinai) and Dr. Starnes (USC Medical Center). I would use this time to evaluate my potential surgeons and my options for valve replacement devices (mechanical, tissue, homograft valves) and surgical procedures (open heart, minimally invasive, robotic, ross procedures).

Needless to say, I was overwhelmed with information. I was also overwhelmed with the notion that I would be the one choosing both my valve replacement and the surgical procedure.
I mean… Come on… Who am I to know which valve would be best for me? That’s a big decision. And, I have enough trouble choosing between eggs, oatmeal or waffles for breakfast each morning.






