Bicuspid Aortic Valve Blog
By Adam Pick
Take the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Patient Survey!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: December 15, 2023
[Friday, December 15, 2023 Update: With over 1,000 patient responses in just a few days, our Bicuspid Aortic Valve Patient Survey is now complete. Thanks so much to all the wonderful patients in our community who shared their experiences specific to the diagnosis and treatment of bicuspid aortic valves.]
“Which Tests Can Help Me Time Bicuspid Aortic Valve & Aneurysm Surgery?” asks Brad
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: August 10, 2023
As heart valve disease and aortic aneurysms can progress at different rates, I received a great question from Brad about the different tests used to time surgery. Brad wrote to me, “Hi Adam, I have been unexpectedly diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve and an aneurysm. My doctor told me I will probably need surgery in the next few years but was vague about when that would be. As you might imagine, I’m a little stressed out and worrying about the future. Are there any specific test results that will tell me when I should have surgery?”
“What About Medications for Bicuspid Aortic Valves?” asks Tina
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: July 6, 2023
After being diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve disease, patients often wonder if there are medications or drugs that can treat this common congenital form of heart disease that impacts up to 2% of the population. For example, Tina just asked me, “Hi Adam – Is there any medicine for the treatment of a leaking bicuspid aortic valve?”
In Iceland, Rajan Gets Successful Aortic Valve Replacement
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: March 8, 2023
Hearing from patients all around the world is one of my favorite parts of running this website. For example, I was so happy to receive the following note from Rajan, an aortic valve replacement patient, from Iceland.
“Which Family Members Are At Risk for Bicuspid Aortic Valves?” asks Donna
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: January 26, 2022
I just received a fantastic question about the genetics specific to bicuspid aortic valves (BAV).
Advances in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Therapy Webinar (Free eBook & Video)
By Adam Pick on June 14, 2020
Amazing!!!
Patient Webinar: “Advances in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Therapy” with Dr. Malaisrie, Dr. Puthumana & Me
By Adam Pick on June 4, 2020
[Update: The Bicuspid Aortic Valve Webinar held on June 10, 2020 was an extraordinary success with 239 patients connected in real-time. You can now download a free eBook or watch the video recording of the webinar at this link.]
Patient Webinar Postponed: Advances in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Treatment
By Adam Pick on March 11, 2020
March 16, 2020 Webinar Update: Given the recent developments specific to COVID-19, we will need to postpone our webinar, “Advances in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Therapy” that was scheduled for this Wednesday, March 18. I will send you a follow-up email with the new day and time once I know those details.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Patient Symposium Announced for June 12 in Chicago!
By Adam Pick on May 28, 2019
Mark your calendars!
Great Information About Bicuspid Aortic Valves & Aortic Aneurysms from Dr. Eric Roselli
By Adam Pick on April 13, 2019
Lately, there has been some great information posted at HeartValveSurgery.com about bicuspid aortic valves and aortic aneurysms. Whether it’s our updated bicuspid aortic valve overview, discussions about the genetics of bicuspid aortic valves, or the top 5 facts about the aorta, I’m thrilled to see this new information helping patients and their care partners.
“Are Bicuspid Aortic Valves Passed From Maternal or Paternal Relatives?” asks Sue
By Adam Pick on March 14, 2019
A very interesting question from Sue just came in about the genetics of heart valve disease including bicuspid aortic valves. Sue writes to me, “Hi Adam, Since there appears to be hereditary factors involved in aortic valve disease… Does it come from maternal or paternal relatives? (or in my case, probably both?) Thanks!”
Surgeon Q&A: “Is Heart Valve Disease Genetic?” asks Sue
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 10, 2025
A great question from Sue came in regarding genetics and heart valve disease. She asked me, “Adam – Is heart valve disease genetic or is there a tendency to develop valvular disease in the later years of life?”
Surgeon Q&A: “Is it Possible to Remove the Calcium From My Bicuspid Aortic Valve?” asks Rachel
By Adam Pick on February 10, 2015
I just received a great question from Rachel about calcium build-up on bicuspid aortic valves.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Conference Video Just Posted!
By Adam Pick on November 25, 2014
If you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), this post is for you. Let me explain…
Let’s Connect at the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Conference in Chicago Next Tuesday!
By Adam Pick on September 10, 2014
Great news! Next Tuesday, September 16, I’ll be speaking at the “Bicuspid Aortic Valve — Beyond The Basics” conference in Chicago. The event, which is hosted by Northwestern Medicine’s Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute and Lurie Children’s Hospital is going to be an incredible experience with several leading BAV specialists including Dr. Puthumana, Dr. Fedak, Dr. Young and Dr. Malaisrie.
“What About Child Birth for Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valves and Dilated Roots?” Asks Elaine
By Adam Pick on July 24, 2014
I recently received a great question from Elaine about child birth, heart valve disorders and dilated aortic roots. In her email, Elaine writes, “Hi Adam – I have a bicuspid aortic valve and a dilated root of 4.2cm. I am currently 29 weeks pregnant. I was wondering if anyone else has a diagnosis similar to mine and if they were able to deliver naturally instead of C-section?”
Technology Update: Using 4D-MRI to Advance Bicuspid Aortic Valve Therapy
By Adam Pick on January 24, 2014
Like many of you, I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. For that reason, I’m overly interested to learn more about this valvular disorder that impacts 2% of the population.
“TAVR or Mini-Sternotomy for Bicuspid Aortic Valve?” asks Julie
By Adam Pick on January 10, 2014
I just received a great question from Julie about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), mini-sternotomies and bicuspid aortic valve therapy. She writes to me, “Hi Adam, can the TAVR or mini sternotomy be used for bicuspid valve replacement?”
“Have The Guidelines For Replacing Aortic Aneurysms Changed For Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valves?” Asks Barbara
By Adam Pick on September 3, 2013
I just received a great question from Barbara about aortic aneurysms, bicuspid aortic valves and the guidelines used by physicians to determine treatment. In her email, Barbara wrote to me, “Hi Adam – I have a bicuspid aortic valve with stenosis. I also have an aneurysm (4.1 cm) that we have been tracking for a number of years. I have heard that the guidelines for treatment just changed from 5cm to 4.5cm. Is that true? If so, why did the guidelines change? Is this change causing more patients, like me, to get treatment earlier? Thanks, Barbara”
Video Interview: A New Approach To Treating Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease with Dr. Patrick McCarthy
By Adam Pick on December 3, 2012
In July, we learned that Northwestern Memorial Hospital launched the first Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program in the country.
Upcoming Surgeries
Scott Mills
Aortic Regurgitation
May 20, 2025
Rupak Javkar
Mitral Regurgitation
May 21, 2025
Lorilyn Bridges
Tricuspid Regurgitation
May 22, 2025
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Gerdisch is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 4,000 heart valve repair and replacement operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
