Aortic Valve Replacement Blogs
By Adam Pick
Breakthrough Discovery: INSPIRIS RESILIA Aortic Valve Approved by the FDA
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2018
In case you missed it… The INSPIRIS RESILIA heart valve is now available in the United States. This is an important development for patients who require a more resilient tissue valve for the replacement of their native or prosthetic aortic valve.^
This revolutionary aortic valve (pictured below) is the first in a new class of so-called resilient heart valves introduced by Edwards Lifesciences. It has a new tissue that is better at blocking calcium and a first of its kind expandable valve frame designed for potential future valve-in-valve procedures.*^ And it is built on the proven Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT valve design – which has helped over one million patients worldwide.
60 Minutes After TAVR, Harolyn Looks This Good!
By Adam Pick on May 10, 2018
On January 10, 2017…
I received a phone call from Harolyn, an aortic stenosis patient, from Springfield, Missouri. Like so many patients I speak with, Harolyn was a bit nervous, a bit concerned and a bit apprehensive about the possibility of heart valve surgery in her life. So you know, Harolyn was no stranger to disease. She already had 3 bouts with cancer that required radiation and chemotherapy.
As we spoke, I did my best to calm her fears and educate Harolyn about potential treatment options. The more we spoke, the more I learned that Harolyn was her own best advocate. She had already spent time on HeartValveSurgery.com – educating herself about aortic stenosis and the minimally invasive therapies that might treat her narrow aortic valve.
Harolyn, TAVR Patient, with Dr. Brown & Dr. Mack
“Are There Advantages to Heart Surgery Through The Ribs?” asks Dennis
By Adam Pick on April 16, 2018
We’ve learned together that there are several different approaches for surgeons and cardiologists to treat heart valve disease. There are open heart techniques and there are transcatehter approaches for heart valve replacement and repair. Specific to this spectrum of approaches, I received a great question from Dennis about minimally-invasive access through the ribs.
Dennis asked me, “Hi Adam, Does aortic valve replacement – through the rib cage – have any advantages or disadvantages versus open heart and/or TAVR? Thanks. Dennis”
Would Alan Play Hockey Again After Heart Surgery?
By Adam Pick on March 21, 2018
His passion was hockey. His diagnosis was severe heart valve disease. His fear… Never playing hockey again.
This is Alan’s story…
Many thanks to Alan Steinberg for meeting with me to share his triumph of getting back on the ice after heart valve surgery. I loved hearing his story and I loved his inspirational attitude toward the procedure and his remarkable recovery.
Surgeon Q&A: “What Are The Mortality Rates of Heart Valve Surgery?” asks Betty
By Adam Pick on December 7, 2017
I’ll never forget the flood of dislocating emotions and questions that raced through my mind when Dr. Bad Bedside Manner said to me, “Adam – You need heart valve surgery. And, you need it soon.” I felt confused. I felt alone. And, I felt afraid. Specific to the fear, I distinctly remember thinking, “What are the chances I might die during this incredibly complex surgery?” and “Is it heart surgery safe?” and “Is it worth the risk?”
I was reminded of these questions when Betty recently asked me, “What are the percentages of people who die after aortic valve replacement?” To answer Betty’s question, I was very fortunate to interview Dr. Patrick McCarthy, who is the Executive Director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine. During his career, Dr. McCarthy has performed over 10,000 cardiac procedures of which more than 5,000 involved heart valve procedures. Here’s what Dr. McCarthy shared with me:
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