Mitral Valve Repair Blog - Page 3
By Adam Pick
What Is A Common Misconception About Mitral Valve Repair?
By Adam Pick on February 19, 2013
At the recent STS conference in Los Angeles, I was able to meet and discuss several important topics about heart valve surgery with leading cardiac surgeons.
Understanding Heart Valve Surgery Re-Operations with Dr. Anyanwu
By Adam Pick on February 12, 2013
One of the unfortunate realities of heart valve surgery is the possibility of a re-operation. Patients may need a re-operation due to valve device failure, post-operative issues relating to heart valve repair or the progression of valve disease.
Tech Update: NeoChord Mitral Valve Repair Device Gets CE Mark
By Adam Pick on January 8, 2013
As we continue to monitor the newest technologies enhancing valvular therapy, I though you might like to know that the NeoChord mitral valve repair system recently received a CE mark for use in Europe.
Heart Valve Summit Video #3: “What Is The Likely Progression of Systolic Anterior Motion of the Chordae?” Asks Jim
By Adam Pick on October 19, 2012
Leading up to the Heart Valve Summit, I received an interesting question from Jim. He asked, “Adam – What is the likely progression of systolic anterior motion of the chordae?”
“Are Mitral Leaflets Repaired During A Valve Replacement Re-Operation?” Asks Brian
By Adam Pick on March 9, 2012
As a follow-up to our last conversation about aortic valve replacement re-operations, Brian just sent me an interesting question about replacement devices that require leaflet repair.
“Should I Go With The Robot For My Mitral Valve Repair?” Asks Doug
By Adam Pick on February 4, 2012
Doug sent me a great question about his options for mitral valve repair surgery. In his email, Doug wrote, “I have severe mitral regurgitation and I need surgery. I’m considering two surgeons… One surgeon uses the robot and the other surgeon does not. Which is a better choice for me?”
Heart Valve Summit Video #7: “Are All Patients Candidates For Robotic Mitral Valve Repair?” Asks Evan
By Adam Pick on November 22, 2011
A few days before the Heart Valve Summit, Evan sent me a great question that reads, “Adam – Specific to mitral valve repair with a robot… Are all patients candidates for this surgical technique?”
Video: Pediatric Mitral Valve Leaflet Repair & My ‘Oprah’ Moment
By Adam Pick on November 13, 2011
Emotions are powerful. They surface quickly. They alter biochemistry. They transform seconds into memorable moments.
Heart Valve Summit Video #2: “Are Patients With A Failed Mitral Valve Repair Candidates For A MitraClip?”Asks Gayle
By Adam Pick on November 1, 2011
The possibilities of transcatheter valvular therapy are exciting. However, these minimally-invasive approaches to treating heart valve disorders are new and still without FDA approval in the United States. That said, my inbox is filled with patient and caregiver questions about devices including the CoreValve, the SAPIEN and the MitraClip.
True or False: Cardiac Surgeons Perform At Least 37 Mitral Valve Repair Surgeries Each Year
By Adam Pick on October 11, 2011
As heart valve surgery is a very serious and very complex operation, I encourage all patients to interview and research their potential surgeons. Even with the known risks of heart valve surgery, you want to be 100% confident in your surgeon as you are being rolled into the operating room.
After Mitral Valve Repair, Denise Starts To Feel Like Her Old Self!
By Adam Pick on August 29, 2011
A few months ago, I received a phone call from Denise Ring, a patient suffering from severe mitral valve regurgitation. From the moment we spoke, I sensed Denise’s nerves, her anxiety and her fear given prior health challenges. Over the next few weeks, we corresponded by phone and by email leading right up to her surgery. (To learn more about mitral regurgitation, click here.)
Special Research Update: “Is Your Surgeon Likely To Perform Mitral Valve Repair?” With Dr. Steven Bolling
By Adam Pick on July 27, 2011
Over the years, I’ve received several patient testimonials for Dr. Steven Bolling. While I had never met Dr. Bolling, I was fortunate to attend his lecture, “Mitral Valve Repair Predictability” at the Mitral Conclave. I found many elements of his presentation VERY important for patients facing heart valve surgery. That said, I was lucky to meet with Dr. Bolling to discuss his findings.
After MitraClip Implant, Kato Celebrates Her 94th Birthday!
By Adam Pick on June 24, 2011
Although the MitraClip was recently recalled, one of our favorite patient success stories continues to be Kato Pomer from Los Angeles. As you might recall, Kato underwent a MitraClip procedure two years ago following a quick onset of severe mitral regurgitation.
“Why Is Mitral Valve Repair Preferred To Mitral Valve Replacement?” Asks Donald
By Adam Pick on June 21, 2011
Recently, I received a great question from Donald, a 64-year old patient, who suffers from mitral valve regurgitation. While evaluating his surgical options, Donald asked me, “Adam – My research suggests that mitral valve repair surgery is preferred to mitral valve replacement… Why is that?”
“What About Extracellular Matrix For Heart Valve Repair?” Asks Paul
By Adam Pick on March 6, 2011
Since posting my video interview with Doctor Marc Gerdisch about Extracellular Matrix, I have received several patient emails about this unique technology. Paul writes to me, “Adam – What do you think about the procedure where an Extracellular Matrix cloth is attached to the damaged valve which stimulates tissue growth and fixes the problem without a heart valve replacement? Thanks, Paul”
“What Are The Advantages Of Robotic Mitral Heart Valve Repair?” By Dr. Tom Mihaljevic
By Adam Pick on March 3, 2011
At the recent Society of Thoracic Surgeons convention, I was fortunate to meet several leading heart valve surgeons. One of those surgeons was Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic from The Cleveland Clinic. Considering that Dr. Mihaljevic’s specialty is minimally invasive heart valve surgery, I was intrigued to hear his clinical response to the question, “What are the advantages of robotic mitral valve repair?”
An Extraordinary Response To Ruth’s Question, “What About Mitral Valve Repair Of A Prolapsed Anterior Leaflet?”
By Adam Pick on January 4, 2011
I recently received an anxious email from Ruth about mitral valve repair. Ruth writes to me, “I would like to learn more about a prolapsed ANTERIOR leaflet of the mitral valve. I have been told that repair may not be possible. I am terrified… Do you have any information on the risks involved with this type of repair? Thanks, Ruth”
Video: Mini-Thoracotomy For Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair?
By Adam Pick on September 13, 2010
As I remember… Once diagnosed with severe heart valve disease, many patients begin researching surgical options immediately.
“Can The Mitral Valve Repair Ring Be Too Tight?” Asks Bruce
By Adam Pick on September 1, 2010
Here’s a great question from Bruce about mitral valve repairs, tight annuloplasty ring and post-operative complications.
“Are You On The Heart-Lung Machine Longer During Robotic Valve Surgery?” Asks Nina
By Adam Pick on May 13, 2010
I just received a very interesting question from Nina about robotic heart valve repair and the heart-lung machine (also known as the “pump”).
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