Here’s a great question from Bruce about mitral valve repairs, annuloplasty rings and post-operative complications.

Bruce writes, “Hi Adam, I read your book about a year ago, before my surgery, and have faithfully read your newsletter. What have you ever heard about patients who had mitral valve repairs via open heart surgery and afterwards find the repair ring was a bit tight resulting in irregularities showing up in treadmill stress echocardiograms and shortness of breath? Thanks, Bruce”

While Bruce raises a great question, I didn’t have a great answer. That said, I contacted Dr. Paul Massimiano, from Inova Heart & Vascular Institute, in Falls Church, Virginia.

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If you are preparing for or recovering from aortic valve surgery, here is a great way to get your questions answered from a surgical expert. This Wednesday, July 7 at 2pm (EST), Dr. Eric Roselli, one of The Cleveland Clinic’s leading heart surgeons, will answer your questions during a special online chat.

To ensure that your question is answered during the event, please click this link to ask your question in the “reply section” of this blog. Or, you can email me at adam@heart-valve-surgery.com. I will immediately pass your questions onto Dr. Roselli for the upcoming chat.

Registration for the chat: If you would like to participate in the free online chat this Wednesday with Dr. Roselli, simply click here to register!

Keep on tickin!

As many of you know, I’m a newbie when it comes to parenting. As Ethan, my first child is 15 months old now, Robyn (my wife) and I are continuously learning  about our new roles as “Mah-Mah” and “Dah-Dah” every day.  Along the way, I think Ethan (shown below) may be learning a thing or two from us as well.

That said, when I received this email… I smiled, giggled, chuckled, and ultimately laughed out loud. I thought you might enjoy a few of these images, so here, without further ado is a pictorial collage entitled, “Why Do Boys Need Their Parents?”:

Have a great weekend!

Keep on tickin!

A common complaint about the hospital from patients is… IT’S NOISY!

For that reason, I always encourage patients (and their caregivers) to bring a pair of soft, comfortable ear plugs with them to the hospital. If you don’t already own ear plugs, I just learned that HEAROS, my favorite ear plug brand, is giving away a free pair of ear plugs.

Please, please note: During this online promotion, HEAROS is giving away 2,000 ear plugs every day. You can request one of three different ear plug styles starting at 9am (EST). From what I’ve heard, these ear plugs are going quick. To get your free pair of ear plugs, click the button below.

I hope that helps you in the hospital or at home – especially if you have a snoring spouse like me!

Keep on tickin!

Over the past few months, Dr. A. Marc Gillinov, a leading heart surgeon from The Cleveland Clinic, has been incredibly supportive of our patients and caregivers. Not only did Dr. Gillinov host an exclusive Internet chat with our community, but he quickly responds to many of your questions that I forward to him.

Don Spencer with Dr. A. Marc Gillinov

Most importantly, Dr. Gillinov is performing successful surgery on our growing family. As a result, my inbox is flooded with patient praise for Dr. Gillinov. That said, I have provided pictures of six patients – Don, Fran, Sandy, William, Sam (and Slater, the dog), and Anita – that have had successful heart valve repair and heart valve replacement surgery at the hands of Dr. Gillinov.

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