Aortic Valve Replacement Blog - Page 3

By Adam Pick

“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?

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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.

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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.

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Patient Webinar Announced: “Advancements in Aortic Valve Surgery” with Dr. Davidson, Dr. Malaisrie & Me

By Adam Pick on October 29, 2012

I am excited to announce that we will be hosting a Live Educational Webinar about the latest advancements in aortic valve surgery including transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The webinar — which is free for all patients and caregivers — will be held on Wednesday, November 7 from 12pm-1pm CST.

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Tech Update: New CoreValve TAVI Study Shows High Survival Rates

By Adam Pick on October 24, 2012

As we continue to monitor the roll-out of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) technologies, I just learned about a recent study for the CoreValve.

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Tech Update: Perceval Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement Gets CE Mark For Extended Indications

By Adam Pick on October 1, 2012

In case you missed it… The Sorin Group, a leading manufacturer of heart valve replacement devices, recently announced that its Perceval Sutureless Heart Valve Replacement device received a CE Mark for extended indications in Europe.

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Tech Update: Medtronic Reaches Major Milestones For CoreValve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Device

By Adam Pick on September 5, 2012

As a technology enthusiast, I really enjoy monitoring the new devices impacting heart valve therapy.

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SURTAVI Update: CoreValve Begins Enrolling Patients For ‘Intermediate Risk’ Study

By Adam Pick on July 20, 2012

As we continue to track and discuss the medical technologies that are impacting heart valve therapy, I just learned that Medtronic recently began patient enrollment in a unique study that will examine the performance of its CoreValve transcatheter aortic valve replacement device in ‘intermediate risk’ patients.
 

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“What Are My Options For Aortic Valve Replacement Re-Operations?” Asks Jon

By Adam Pick on March 6, 2012

I just received an interesting question from Jon about the durability of heart valve replacement devices. He writes, “Adam – I know that the bulk of your patient questions are in regard to upcoming surgeries.  But, for those of us who have already had surgeries — like myself who had aortic valve replacement two years ago and I’m 60 years old now — what does my future look like?  I was told that my bovine replacement would last 10, 15 or even 20 years.  Will my future replacement be identical to the same surgery? Or, will I be looking at something else? Thanks, Jon”

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“Are ‘Valve-in-Valve’ Procedures Possible With The SAPIEN Aortic Valve?” Asks Bernard

By Adam Pick on February 22, 2012

In connection with yesterday’s post, I received many interesting questions about the SAPIEN aortic valve replacement. For example, Bernard asked about the possibility of a “valve-in-valve” procedure. In his email, Bernard wrote, “My surgeon used a bovine tissue valve to replace my diseased aortic valve. If my new valve requires replacement in the future, can the SAPIEN be used?”

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“Are There Size Limitations For The SAPIEN Aortic Valve Replacement?” Asks Anita

By Adam Pick on February 21, 2012

I just received an interesting question from Anita about the SAPIEN heart valve replacement.

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Tech Update: SAPIEN Aortic Valve Replacement Shines At S.T.S.

By Adam Pick on February 1, 2012

Earlier this week, the 48th annual Society of Thoracic Surgeons Meeting (STS) was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During the meeting, cardiac surgeons from around the world gather to discuss the latest strategies for optimal cardiac treatment — including heart valve repair and heart valve replacement procedures.

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Transcatheter Heart Valve Technologies Continue To Make Headlines

By Adam Pick on December 20, 2011

Like many of you, I’m fascinated by the possibilities of medical technology.

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“What Are The Different Kinds Of Minimally Invasive Surgery For Aortic Valve Replacement?” Asks Jim

By Adam Pick on November 28, 2011

Recently, Jim sent me a great question that reads, “Adam – I’m 65 and diagnosed with moderate aortic valve stenosis. It seems there are a couple of different types of minimally invasive surgery. Can you help me understand that better?” (To learn more about aortic stenosis, click here.)

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New Reports Surface About The SAPIEN Aortic Valve Replacement

By Adam Pick on November 17, 2011

In case you missed it… Some very interesting reports came out about the SAPIEN, a non-invasive aortic valve replacement for patients with aortic stenosis that just received FDA approval for inoperable patients, at the recent Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics conference in San Francisco.

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Heart Valve Summit Video #4: “Why Are The New Transcatheter Therapies Only For Inoperable Patients?” Asks Cory

By Adam Pick on November 7, 2011

As we learned last Thursday, the FDA just approved the new SAPIEN transcatheter aortic valve replacement for inoperable patients. This exciting announcement has left many patients and caregivers wondering why the SAPIEN is only for inoperable patients in the United States.

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“What Are My Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery Risks?” Asks Sharon

By Adam Pick on October 21, 2011

I just received an email from Sharon that rekindled a memory. Sharon writes, “Hi Adam – I was recently diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis and I need an aortic valve replacement. Even though I’m 62 and in relatively good shape, I’m worried about making it through. Do you know what the mortality rates and surgery risks are for aortic valve replacement? Thanks, Sharon”

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