Aortic Valve Replacement Blog
By Adam Pick
11 Weeks After TAVR, Mick Jagger Wows 60,000 Fans in Chicago!!!
By Adam Pick on June 25, 2019
It’s been 11 quick weeks since Mick Jagger had a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat severe aortic stenosis, a deadly form of heart disease that is under-diagnosed and under-treated.
Boston Scientific Gets FDA Approval For Lotus Edge TAVR!
By Adam Pick on May 2, 2019
The news coming out about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices is non-stop.
Low-Risk TAVR Clinical Trial Results Released
By Adam Pick on March 17, 2019
Finally! We have results for one of the most talked about heart valve clinical trials at HeartValveSurgery.com!
“What Happens to Aortic Valve Debris During TAVR?” asks Shripad
By Adam Pick on November 8, 2018
I received a ton of GREAT questions for our recent Ask Adam Anything: Facebook LIVE Sessions at the Heart Valve Summit. One of the questions that I didn’t have time to answer came in from Shripad who asked, “Hi Adam – In the transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure (TAVR), what happens to the debris of the old diseased aortic valve which is crushed by the balloon catheter? If the debris cannot be removed, can tiny particles of the debris cause stroke or heart attack? Thanks!”
Surgeon Q&A: What About TAVR for Bicuspid Aortic Valves?
By Adam Pick on August 21, 2018
Great questions are coming in from our patient community about the use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for the treatment of bicuspid aortic valves. If you didn’t know, TAVR is a non-invasive approach to aortic valve replacement that does not require an incision to the patient’s sternum or ribs. TAVR was approved by the FDA in 2011 for “high risk” patients. In 2016, the FDA approved TAVR for “intermediate risk” patients. Recently, clinical trials have launched to test the safety and efficacy of TAVR in “low risk” patients.
“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.
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?”
Surgeon Q&A: Can an Aortic Valve Replacement Fit in the Mitral Position?
By Adam Pick on October 17, 2016
I just received a great question from Dorothy about heart valve replacements. Dorothy asked me, “Hi Adam, Why can some of the newer valves, like the Perceval and Trifecta GT, only be used in the aortic position and not the mitral? If those valves are new and good shouldn’t they be used in the mitral position as well? I have moderate mitral stenosis. Thanks Adam!”
Surgeon Q&A: “Can TAVR Be Used for a Bicuspid Aortic Valve & Aneurysm?” asks Valerie
By Adam Pick on May 30, 2016
Valerie sent me a GREAT question about transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR), bicuspid aortic valves and aortic aneurysms. Valerie asked, “Hi Adam – I have a bicuspid aortic valve and aneurysm. Is there any work being done using the TAVR method to also fix an aneurysm too? Or, does an aneurysm negate use of TAVR for valve surgery?”
New Patient Posts
Denise says, "Greetings to all of my heart sisters and brothers! ..." Read more.
Chris says, "I am still looking for any answers regarding ..." Read more.
Sean says, "Hmm! I went to my surgical consultation yesterday..." Read more.
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