Aortic Valve Replacement Blog - Page 2
By Adam Pick
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?”
Surgeon Q&A: What is the Latest Research on Less Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery?
By Adam Pick on April 5, 2016
Eileen Chen, who is a member of our Facebook community, recently asked me, “Hi Adam, What is the latest research on less invasive aortic valve surgery?”
Surgeon Q&A: Are There Alternative Access Points For Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?
By Adam Pick on September 17, 2015
I’m getting a lot of questions about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. A common question I get has to do with the different access points by which a TAVR can be implanted.
Patient Update: After Four Emergency Room Visits, Nina Finally Gets A TAVR!
By Adam Pick on August 5, 2015
Nina Bamford was taken to the emergency room four times due to symptoms including shortness of breath. Nina was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. Nina was told that open heart surgery was “too risky” for her.
Surgeon Q&A: “What’s the Latest Research About Less Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery?”
By Adam Pick on August 5, 2015
I get a lot of questions about aortic valve surgery. Lately, my inbox has swollen with questions about less invasive aortic valve procedures.
Patient Success: TAVR Saves Stella’s Life
By Adam Pick on January 26, 2015
I’m very fortunate to meet many patients with heart valve disease. It’s always interesting to hear how each patient has a unique story specific to their valvular disorder.
On Veteran’s Day… We Salute Ray Tollefson, A World War II Hero & TAVR Recipient
By Adam Pick on November 11, 2014
On a day when we honor the people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, I wanted to salute Ray Tollefson from Michigan. Ray, who is 89 years old, was an Army Ranger during the infamous landing at Normandy during World War II, which is most commonly referred to as D-Day on June 6, 1944.
Webinar Announcement: “Advances in Aortic Valve And Aortic Aneurysm Surgery” with Dr. Stewart & Me on July 17!
By Adam Pick on July 8, 2014
[Update: Please note that Dr. Allan Stewart no longer performs surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital.]
“What Percent of Heart Valve Operations Use Minimally Invasive Approaches?” asks Elliot
By Adam Pick on December 17, 2013
I received a very interesting question from Elliot about minimally invasive procedures for heart valve operations.
Patient Success Story: After TAVR Procedure, John Gerlits Is Out Of The Hospital In Two Days!
By Adam Pick on October 25, 2013
Recently, I met John Gerlits, a patient diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis four years ago. As John had a history of heart disease, he qualified for the new transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. If you didn’t know, TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure in which the aortic valve is replaced without an incision to the patient’s sternum or ribs.
Surgeon Q&A: “What Determines the Transfemoral or Transapical Approach for TAVR?” Asks Denise
By Adam Pick on September 18, 2013
Given the recent FDA approval of transcateher aortic valve replacement devices (TAVR), I continue to receive interesting questions from our patient community. For example, Denise recently wrote to me, “Hi Adam – My mom is 84 years old and diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. We’re researching the possibility of using the catheter valve to help her. I’ve read that the valve can be inserted through the groin or through the heart. What determines the way in which this valve is implanted? Is one better than the other? Thanks, Denise.”
“What About Coronary Artery Blockages After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Mike
By Adam Pick on June 12, 2013
Mike just sent me an interesting question about angina and coronary artery disease after valve surgery. In his note, Mike writes, “Hi Adam – I had an aortic valve replacement and double bypass in June 2004 by Dr. Joe Bavaria, Hospital University of Pennsylvania. Subsequently, I have been diagnosed with angina. I have also had several cardiac catheterizations and stents placed in the artery since my surgery. I understand that 10% of all stent and cardiac cath patients have recurrence of artery blockage. Do you know if anyone is doing research on this issue?
Technology Update: Understanding TAVI with Dr. Michael Mack
By Adam Pick on May 19, 2013
If you have not heard of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), this post will introduce you to a breakthrough technology that recently received FDA approval for ‘inoperable’ and ‘high risk’ patients with severe aortic stenosis. If you have already heard of TAVI, the video below will provide you the latest update about TAVI from Dr. Michael Mack, a heart valve guru, a past-president of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and one of the clinical pioneers of TAVI at The Heart Hospital in Dallas, Texas — where he practices.
Free Transcript & Video Now Available For “Advancements in Aortic Valve Surgery” Webinar
By Adam Pick on November 12, 2012
Great news!!!
Top 5 Questions About Wednesday’s Webinar For Patients
By Adam Pick on November 5, 2012
This Wednesday, November 7th, I am going to host a live, online webinar titled, “Advancements in Aortic Valve Surgery”with Dr. Davidson and Dr. Malaisrie from Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Upcoming Surgeries
Pam Shomler
Mitral Regurgitation
September 27, 2023
Steven Hayden
Aortic Stenosis
October 2, 2023
Aubrey Brickzin
Aortic Regurgitation
October 5, 2023
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