I just received a great question from Taylor about heart valve replacement and heart valve repair options. Specifically, Taylor is curious to learn more about the Port Access System for the surgical treatment of aortic stenosis.
Taylor writes, “Hi Adam - I’m 62 years old and my cardiologist thinks I need heart valve replacement surgery due to stenosis in the aortic valve. The valve is narrow (.8 cm) and I’m starting to feel the symptoms - especially shortness of breath and fatigue. The docs have referenced the Port Access technique to replace the aortic valve. What do you know about the Port Access system? Thanks Taylor”
Diagram Of The Port Access Technique
Taylor raises an insightful question which focuses on the different options by which surgeons perform heart valve replacement and heart valve repair surgery.
I was walking up to my house earlier today… When this super, scary spider tried to attack me!!!
Instead of biting me, the spider started kissing and hugging me. Then, I realized it wasn’t a spider at all. It was Ethan, my six-month old son, enjoying his first Halloween.
About The Scary Spider’s Daddy:Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
I really, really, really encourage patients to attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after heart valve surgery.
As I personally learned during my early recovery, cardiac rehab can greatly enhance the physical and mental well-being of patients while minimizing post-operative issues like cardiac depression.
New medical studies and patient stories (e.g. Charles Harrall) continue to illustrate the positive effects of cardiac rehab programs for patients following a cardiac event - heart attack, CABG or valve surgery. Still, research suggests that cardiac rehabilitation is under-utilized by the patient community.
As another source of encouragement for patients to enroll in cardiac rehab, I just found this interesting video which discusses the benefits of these programs. Simply click the “play” button in the video above and please make sure the sound on your computer is on.
I hope this helps you further understand the benefits of cardiac rehab.
About The Author:Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
Considering the recent Swine Flu outbreak, I’ve received several emails about flu shots and heart valve surgery.
I just opened a note from Jackie that reads, “Hi Adam - I recently had mitral valve replacement with a pig valve due to severe regurgitation. I’m curious to know if there is any reason I should not get a flu shot or an H1N1 vaccine? Thanks! Jackie”
As I really do not like being sick, I’ve always been a flu shot fan. However, after my heart valve replacement surgery, I found myself wondering, “Could a flu shot cause some form of complication after open heart surgery?”
All rights reserved. Use of this website, Heart-Valve-Surgery.com assumes acceptance of the terms herein. All logos, pictures and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owner. This website has been developed and presented by Adam Pick, author of "The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery." Patient's stories herein, and the language used regarding heart valve replacement and heart valve repair, is intended to inform and educate. HOWEVER, it does not imply that you or anyone else will receive the same outcome. As with any medical procedure, results will vary among individuals, and there could be pain or substantial risks involved. These concerns should be discussed with your health care provider prior to any treatment so that you have proper informed consent and understand that there are no guarantees to healing. Adam Pick does not offer medical advice on this website. This information about valve replacement and repair is offered for educational purposes only. Do not act or rely upon our information without seeking independent professional medical advice. The transmission of this information does not create any relationship between you and Adam Pick. Adam Pick does not guarantees the accuracy, completeness, usefulness, or adequacy of any information available at or from this transmission. Heart Valve Replacement and Heart Valve Repair
