I’m looking for other people who have received the FORMA implant from Edwards Lifesciences! If you have, please get in touch with me so we can share our ...Read more
I’m looking for other people who have received the FORMA implant from Edwards Lifesciences! If you have, please get in touch with me so we can share our stories & outcomes!
Just got back from my 6 month follow-up at the Mayo Clinic. The echo still shows a Tricuspid leak, but Surgeon said he has re-classified from a “severe” Tricuspid regurgitation to a "moderate". Even better news, the right ventricle has improved!
Laura Shepherd Has the device resolved the issue that it was installed for? Just curious. Did they have to do anothe ... Read more
Laura Shepherd Has the device resolved the issue that it was installed for? Just curious. Did they have to do another sternotomy? I wished they offer me some minimally invasive procedure.😢
Karen Stromer Hi Laura! My Surgeon at the Mayo clinic was very happy with the 6 month follow-up echo. I return in ... Read more
Karen Stromer Hi Laura! My Surgeon at the Mayo clinic was very happy with the 6 month follow-up echo. I return in April 2018 for the annual follow-up and then report back to Mayo for follow-ups annually for the next 3 years. This procedure was minimally invasive - just a small incision in upper left chest and I stayed in hospital for only 3 days. Do you have a problem with the Tricuspid valve as well?
All went well for the implant done 3-30-17 at Mayo in Rochester MN. This is the Edwards FORMA Tricuspid transcatheter repair system. I’m scheduled for ...Read more
All went well for the implant done 3-30-17 at Mayo in Rochester MN. This is the Edwards FORMA Tricuspid transcatheter repair system. I’m scheduled for follow-up on 5-1-17. I feel very fortunate to be at the forefront for this pioneering research and optimistic for my success and continued success for the FORMA device!
I looked at the information on the Edwards FORMA. Fantastic that you were able to qualify and be part ... Read more
I looked at the information on the Edwards FORMA. Fantastic that you were able to qualify and be part of this. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.
Well, a lot has gone on since my initial post on 9-28-16. I spoke with a Denver Surgeon who was willing to do another open heart to replace Tricuspid and repair ...Read more
Well, a lot has gone on since my initial post on 9-28-16. I spoke with a Denver Surgeon who was willing to do another open heart to replace Tricuspid and repair Mitral. However, since I'm considered "high risk", he was concerned that the right ventricle wouldn't recover after surgery.. After discussions with my Cardiologist, she referred me to Mayo clinic In Rochester for consideration of a FORMA Tricuspid repair. After 3 days of intense testing at Mayo, cardiology dept and surgeon all agreed I was a prime candidate (1st hurdle) for FORMA trial study. All tests results were then sent to Edwards Lifesciences, manufacturer of the device, for final approval. I received word a couple days ago and I'm in! I report back to Mayo on 3-29 for tests & device will be implanted on 3-30. I'm pretty excited, but nervous at the same time.... The FORMA device has only been implanted in 33 people worldwide so far. Mayo is expecting to approve between 5-10 people for the initial study. This is a pretty big deal!! I'll keep you all updated!
Barbara Wood I haven't heard of the FORMA, but looked it up... do keep us posted & the very best of luck to you. Y ... Read more
Barbara Wood I haven't heard of the FORMA, but looked it up... do keep us posted & the very best of luck to you. You're a pioneer, that is a big deal!
Catie B Oh wow! I'm sorry you need highly specialized surgery, but I'm glad to hear you can have this procedu ... Read more
Catie B Oh wow! I'm sorry you need highly specialized surgery, but I'm glad to hear you can have this procedure. A pioneer, indeed! Best to you, Karen! Keep us posted.
Karen Stromer Thanks so much Barbara & Catie! Appreciate your comments!
I am 69 years old. Had open heart bypass surgery 14 years ago (age 55). I’ve been an insulin dependent Diabetic for 46 years. My Tricuspid & Mitral valves ...Read more
I am 69 years old. Had open heart bypass surgery 14 years ago (age 55). I’ve been an insulin dependent Diabetic for 46 years. My Tricuspid & Mitral valves have been leaking for several years, but now the Tricuspid regurgitation is severe & Cardiologist says it’s time to consider repair or replace. I understand the Tricuspid valve doesn’t respond well to being “fixed”. I really don’t want to do a 2nd sternotomy. I’ll discuss echo results with my Cardiologist this next Friday, but am pretty certain she’ll suggest talking with a heart Surgeon. Feeling very apprehensive and frightened…..
Roseline Rosario It's normal to go thru those stages. You're going to be OK. We will be here for you!
Diane Zeigler I really don't blame you for not wanting to go through a sternotomy again or any surgery for that mat ... Read more
Diane Zeigler I really don't blame you for not wanting to go through a sternotomy again or any surgery for that matter. However, things have probably really improved in the 14 years since you last had surgery. I think all you can do is find a cardiologist that you can trust to guide you as what is best to do. You are still young and have many good years ahead. Roseline is right that everyone on this site will help you get through this!
Wanda Mroz I had both my mitral valve and tricuspid repaired, so it works with a fix. Things progress everyday ... Read more
Wanda Mroz I had both my mitral valve and tricuspid repaired, so it works with a fix. Things progress everyday with heart surgery... so it's probably much different now than before. Best of luck to you.... hope it goes well! 💞🙏🏻
Karen Stromer You are all so sweet.... I appreciate your comments and support :)