Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog – Page 2
After Heart Surgery, Frank Wins Pickleball Silver Medal At National Championships
By Adam Pick on April 15, 2020
I love when patients in our community send me their success stories. For example, Frank Collura just brought a smile to my face. Here’s what Frank emailed me:
About 5 years ago, I had my aortic valve replaced with a pig valve. I was 78 years old. At the time of surgery, I was playing full-court basketball with a middle-aged group of guys at my church. I had been playing with them for about 10 years, 3 times a week. I was very upset at the prospect of not being able to play competitive basketball after heart surgery.
Frank Collura (Aortic Valve Replacement Patient)
Sternum Wires: Can I Get an MRI After Heart Surgery? What About Chest Wire Removal?
By Adam Pick on April 13, 2020
I just received two excellent questions about sternum wires and heart surgery from Kelly and Bob.
- Kelly asked me, “Can sternum wires cause issues with other medical procedures? I am attempting to get an MRI and the technician is concerned about the metal in my body.”
- Bob asked me, “It’s one year after surgery. I still have pain in my chest. It hurts constantly. I want to have the wires taken out. Is that possible? If so, what’s involved?”
“What About Aortic Valve Replacement Failure, TAVR & Sternum Pain?” asks Mike
By Adam Pick on April 10, 2020
This is wonderful and a bit unexpected!
Yesterday, I featured Mike Czaplewski’s post in our email newsletter. As you will see below, Mike is struggling with an early failure of his aortic valve replacement and sternum pain. In his post, Mike asked for help and support from the members of our community.
Mike Czaplewski & Dr. Marc Gerdisch
Abbott, a Leading Heart Valve Manufacturer, Develops New 5-Minute COVID-19 Test
By Adam Pick on April 7, 2020
Big news!
I am happy to report that Abbott, a leading manufacturer of heart valve replacement and repair devices, has developed a new, rapid molecular test that can detect COVID-19 in just 5 minutes. Yes, just 5 minutes!!!
This is a HUGE improvement compared to other coronavirus tests that can take several days to get positive or negative results.
New COVID-19 Resources for Heart Valve Disease Patients!
By Adam Pick on April 7, 2020
Dear Patients & Friends,
During this very difficult and very challenging time, I wanted to ensure that you knew about the new educational resources for COVID-19 here at HeartValveSurgery.com.
Below are links to new educational resources and patient stories that I hope will further your understanding during this pandemic:
- A Safe “New Normal” for Cardiac Surgery Appointments
- Patient Alert! Is Heart Valve Surgery Safe During COVID?
- 20 Facts About Coronavirus, COVID-19 & Heart Valve Disease
- Doctor Q&A: COVID-19: How Is It Treated?
- 5 Reasons for Social Distancing During Pandemics
- Patient Story: John & Larry Inspire Us In Difficult Times
- Video Interview: Dr. Stewart’s Advice for Heart Surgery Patient during COVID-19 Crisis
- Video Interview: Is Heart Surgery “Elective” During Coronavirus Outbreak
- COVID-19 Will Not Break Dr. Craig Smith & NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Doctor Q&A: What Should You Know About the COVID-19 Blood Shortage?
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all those around you!!!
Stay safe!!
Adam
Medtronic Doubles Ventilator Production to Help COVID-19 Patients!
By Adam Pick on March 27, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic surges past 921,000 worldwide cases, I need to thank Medtronic for doubling its ventilator production to help patients suffering from the novel coronavirus.
In These Difficult Times… John & Larry Inspire Us
By Adam Pick on March 21, 2020
During these challenging times of uncertainty, confusion and disbelief caused by COVID-19, I was lucky to just experience an unexpected and inspirational moment thanks to John Roland and Larry Manshel.
John Roland & Larry Manshel (Heart Valve Patients)
COVID-19 Surgeon Roundtable: An International Perspective
By Adam Pick on March 20, 2020
If you are curious to know what leading heart surgeons are saying about COVID-19, you may want to watch this insightful video series, “COVID-19: An International Perspective”.
5 Reasons We Are “Social Distancing” to Prevent COVID-19 Spread
By Adam Pick on March 17, 2020
I’m not a “doomsdayer”. I’m not a pessimist. And, I’m not a hoarder.
However… Since last Thursday, Robyn (my wife), Ethan (my son), and I have done our best to stay home as much as possible.
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.
Great news!
I’m happy to announce that our LIVE and FREE patient education events will continue next Wednesday, March 18, with a special “Advances in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Treatment” webinar. Featured speakers include Dr. Chris Malaisrie, cardiac surgeon and co-director of the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program at Northwestern Medicine, and Dr. Jyothy Puthumana, cardiologist and co-director of the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program at Northwestern Medicine.
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Marc Gerdisch is a leading cardiac surgeon who has performed over 4,000 heart valve operations.
