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Robert, The Elk Hunter, Celebrates 5th Anniversary After Aortic Valve Repair Surgery!

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 12, 2025

I just received another patient success story. In this update, Robert Green, celebrates his 5th anniversary after a re-implantation of his aortic valve and aortic root replacement. (The procedure is also known as a valve-sparing operation or a David Procedure.)

Robert Green, David Procedure Patient Of Dr. Lars Svensson

Robert Green - Heart Valve Surgery Patient

In his update, Robert shared:

Hi Adam -

I was shocked to learn that I had an aortic root aneurysm.

For my procedure, I chose the Cleveland Clinic because of its #1 rating in the United States for successful heart procedures. For my surgeon, I chose Dr. Lars Svensson based on his reputation. It was very reassuring that Dr. Svensson was very informative and answered all of my questions and my wife's many questions. I was given the recommendation of a David re-implantation of my aortic valve and replacement of my ascending aorta.

Dr. Lars Svensson

I was very pleased that my own aortic valve was able to be repaired. That meant I did not need to take Coumadin for the rest of my life. Nine months following surgery and an out-patient cardiac rehab program,

I was medically cleared to go on a guided elk hunting trip in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In the very near future, I will celebrate 5 years post op with very few limitations!

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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