Mitral Valve Repair Blog - Page 4
By Adam Pick
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”).
Trivia: When Was The World’s First Successful Mitral Valve Repair?
By Adam Pick on January 31, 2010
Are you ready for some very interesting heart valve surgery trivia?
Heart Valve Journals Spotlight: Duane Hunt’s Mitral Valve Repair
By Adam Pick on January 29, 2010
Two weeks ago, we introduced a unique website feature known as Heart Valve Journals. I’m very happy to report that the number of new journals launched – by patients and caregivers – has soared!
“What Is An Annuloplasty Ring?” Asks Regina
By Adam Pick on December 15, 2009
I just received an interesting question from Regina about heart valve repair surgery. Her question focuses on the use of annuloplasty rings to treat leaky heart valves.
The MitraClip Gets Gobbled Up By Abbott
By Adam Pick on September 11, 2009
Since my heart valve surgery, I have been fascinated by the strategic, corporate acquisitions of leading device manufacturers in this industry.
More Data On The MitraClip For Mitral Regurgitation Treatment
By Adam Pick on August 17, 2009
As we have discussed before, most minimally invasive treatments for heart valve disease continue to show encouraging results. Recently, additional results for high-tech devices from Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic and Evalve have been posted.
“Were You Denied A Robotic Mitral Valve Repair?” Asks Linda
By Adam Pick on June 6, 2009
I’ll never forget the day I opened the one-page letter from my insurance company, Blue Shield of California, which authorized my double heart valve replacement. I was beyond relieved given the mind-numbing frustration I experienced prior to that moment in dealing with Blue Shield.
How Much Does The Da Vinci Surgical Robot Cost?
By Adam Pick on September 16, 2008
The use of robots for minimally invasive heart valve surgery continues to rise.
“Can Heart Valves Be Repaired?” Asks Linda
By Adam Pick on August 29, 2008
I was never a candidate for heart valve repair. By the time, my bicuspid valve was diagnosed with severe stenosis, both my first- and second-opinion cardiologists suggested an aortic valve transplant.
Before & After: Mitral Valve Repair Surgery Pictures
By Adam Pick on May 13, 2008
This deserves a “Wow!”
