Aortic Valve Replacement Blog - Page 3
By Adam Pick
“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
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 12, 2025
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.
Webinar Registrations Soar To Over 100 Patients & Caregivers!
By Adam Pick on November 2, 2012
Amazing news!
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.
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.
Tech Update: Perceval Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement Gets CE Mark For Extended Indications
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 10, 2025
In case you missed it… Corcym, 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.
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.
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.
“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”
“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?”
“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.
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.
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.
“What Are The Different Kinds Of Minimally Invasive Surgery For Aortic Valve Replacement?” Asks Jim
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 5, 2025
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.)
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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Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Doolabh is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 3,000 heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
