Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog – Page 39
New ‘Top-Ranked Hospitals For Cardiology & Heart Surgery’ Announced
By Adam Pick on August 22, 2012
In case you missed it, U.S. News and World Reports recently published its annual top listing of top hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery.
As I reviewed the list, I noticed that the Cleveland Clinic retained its #1 position on this list. I could be wrong but I think this is the 18th consecutive year that the Cleveland Clinic held this spot. I also noticed that Mount Sinai Hospital broke into the top 10 for the first time since I began monitoring this list.
“Can A Heart Valve Replacement Go Bad Because of Extensive Exercise?” Asks Joe
By Adam Pick on August 14, 2012
I just received a great question from Joe about heart valve replacement durability and exercise after heart valve surgery.
Does Vitamin K2 Prevent Calcified Heart Valves & Blocked Arteries?
By Adam Pick on August 10, 2012
Over the past few weeks, I’ve received several emails from patients about the benefits of Vitamin K2 specific to heart disease.
For example, Alicja wrote to me, “Adam – Thanks for all of your help. I am sending you an article about Vitamin K2 and how it is preventing calcification of arteries, heart valve stenosis and osteoporosis. I have been taking Vitamin K2 since last September and I am feeling much better. I feel that other people should read about Vitamin K2 and its potential benefits for heart disease patients. Thanks! Alicia”
Within her email, Alicja forward a link to very interesting article titled, “Vitamin K2: Bone and Heart Health”. I reviewed the article and became intrigued by Vitamin K2 given its potential value for blocked arteries and calcified heart valves. (So you know, I began using supplements and fish oil after my heart valve surgery to help with ongoing fatigue.)
“Happy Anniversary!” To Robert Following Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2012
I wanted to extend a big “Happy Anniversary!” to Robert Anderson from Groton, Massachusetts. As you can read in his note below, Robert had a congenital bicuspid aortic valve that needed to be replaced. Here is more from Robert about his journey and his celebration:
Hi Adam – I just wanted to say ‘Thank you’ for the book. I just passed my 1st anniversary for stenotic bicuspid aortic valve replacement and an ascending aortic resection for a non-ruptured aneurysm at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. My wife bought your book a few weeks before my surgery and I still thumb through it (more so the last few chapters now).
Robert Anderson – Heart Valve Replacement Patient
Here’s a photo taken a little less than 3 months after the surgeries.
Jeff, Chris & Mark Celebrate Dr. Paul Stelzer, A Ross Procedure Guru and A Super Nice Guy
By Adam Pick on August 6, 2012
In our patient and caregiver community, the name Doctor Paul Stelzer is synonymous with the Ross Procedure. As you might know, Dr. Paul Stelzer has performed over 500 Ross Procedures during his 28-year career. Dr. Stelzer has performed the last 300 Ross Procedures have occurred without patient mortality.
A testament to his reputation, many patients from our community — including Chris Dixon, Jeff Shebovsky and Mark Kroto — have traveled across the country to have this unique form of aortic valve replacement performed by Dr. Stelzer.
Patient Update: 5 Years After Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery, Jim Is ‘Not Putting Things Off’
By Adam Pick on August 3, 2012
My inbox continues to receive success stories from patients all over the world — especially after Theresa’s recent post.
In particular, I received a note from Jim Bonk, an aortic valve and root replacement patient from San Diego, California. So you know, Jim posted the first ‘Guest Blog’ at HeartValveSurgery.com way back in 2007. That said, I was excited to open Jim’s email.
Jeanne & Jim Bonk – Aortic Valve Replacement Patient In Russia
Well… Five years after surgery, Jim’s positive attitude towards his surgery and his ‘Second Chance’ at life continues.
Guest Post: After Bicuspid Valve Replacement Surgery, Theresa Focuses On Recovery Progress
By Adam Pick on July 27, 2012
One of my favorite parts of this project is hearing from patients after their surgeries. Yesterday, Theresa sent me a thoughtful note that touched on several elements of the surgical process. That said, I thought you might like to read and learn from Theresa’s experience.
Theresa LoMonaco – Heart Valve Replacement Patient
Here is Theresa’s note:
Connect To 500+ Patients With A ‘Like’ At Our New Facebook Page!
By Adam Pick on July 26, 2012
Great news!
If you didn’t know, our new Facebook page is gaining momentum. With over 500 fans, the conversations among our patients are educational and empowering. To see and ‘Like’ our Facebook page, click here.
So you know, our Facebook page has several educational videos and inspirational patient success stories.
Denise and Connie, Heart Valve Journals Sisters, Connect At Cleveland Clinic
By Adam Pick on July 20, 2012
First, it was Jim and Jeff at Mount Sinai. Then, it was Cheryl and the Florida Valve Reunion. Next, it was Tom and Trent at The Heart Hospital. This time, it’s Denise and Connie at the Cleveland Clinic.
It’s really amazing to see how Heart Valve Journals, our social network, is connecting patients all around the world — both online and offline.
As you can see in the picture above, Denise and Connie, aka Heart Valve Journals Sisters, just met in-person at the Cleveland Clinic. FYI, Denise had mitral valve repair surgery with Dr. Eric Roselli on May 29. As for Connie, Dr. Lars Svensson replaced her calcified bicuspid aortic valve on July 17.
In Denise’s journal, she writes:
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.
Medtronic CoreValve System
The randomized trial, known as the Surgical Replacement and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (SURTAVI) study, will enroll 2,500 patients in 75 clinical sites around the world. Ultimately, this trial will be used to
determine if the CoreValve performs better, worse or the same as traditional, open heart surgical techniques. Specifically, mortality and stroke rate will be closely monitored during the trial.
Friday Fun: Why Do Men Really Die Before Women?
By Adam Pick on July 20, 2012
My brother, Doug, sent me this. I couldn’t help but find it comical. As they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words. So, using basic math, these 9 pictures equals 9,000 words… Enjoy!
“Did Ethan Have An Echocardiogram To Check For Bicuspid Aortic Valve?” Asks Cindy
By Adam Pick on July 14, 2012
As a follow-up to Wednesday’s post about Northwestern’s Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program, I received an interesting note from Cindy. She writes, “I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve and have already had valve replacement surgery. My question is, ‘Do my children need to be worried about inheriting this? Have you had Ethan checked?'”
Ethan, My Son
Following my video interview with Dr. Patrick McCarthy (see below), Robyn and I were motivated to have Ethan, my 3-year old son, checked for all forms of congenital valve defects. As you might imagine, Ethan was not a fan of having an echocardiogram. However, after promising Ethan a new Buzz Lightyear toy, he settled down and let the technician successfully perform the 25-minute test.
Northwestern’s Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program Highlights Trend To Sub-Specialization
By Adam Pick on July 11, 2012
One trend I’ve noticed over the years is that surgeons and cardiac centers are becoming “sub-specialists” specific to heart valve treatment. By sub-specialization, I mean that clinics are extending significant resources to advance valvular therapy by disease type, by surgical technique and by patient risk factors. For example, three weeks ago, I met with a surgeon who suggested that 99% of his procedures are mitral valve repairs.
Last Monday, the trend to “sub-specialization” became more apparent when Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial Hospital launched a dedicated Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program within its distinguished Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.
Prior to learning about Northwestern’s BAV program, I knew that a handful of surgeons and cardiac centers specialized in bicuspid aortic valve treatment. However, I had yet to hear of a complete, end-to-end program dedicated to bicuspid aortic valve disease — a disorder that impacts 1%-2% of the population.
“Is Mitral Stenosis The Same Thing As A Leaking Heart Valve?” Asks Vicki
By Adam Pick on July 10, 2012
This morning, I received a great email from Vicki which reads, “Hi Adam – Is mitral stenosis the same thing as a leaking heart valve?”
I think Vicki’s question is excellent because many patients are often confused when we attempt to understand the medical terms used during our appointments with primary care physicians, cardiologists and surgeons. Personally, I only understood 10% of the medical terms the cardiologist used to explain my severe aortic stenosis diagnosis.
Mitral Valve Stenosis
That said, the answer to Vicki’s question is… No, mitral stenosis is not the same thing as a leaking heart valve disorder.
New 2012 Edition of My Book Available Now!
By Adam Pick on July 7, 2012
For those patients and caregivers preparing for — or recovering from — heart valve surgery, I wanted to quickly share that the 2012 edition of my book, The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, is now available. This 5th revision includes several updates and contributions from leading physicians like Dr. McCarthy, Dr. Bolling, Dr. Adams, Dr. Stewart, Dr. Gaudiani, Dr. Roselli and more.
As you can see below, Robyn (my wife) and Ethan (my son) helped me pack up our first shipment of books that were just dropped off at the post office.
Ethan & Robyn Help Me Pack Up The New 2012 Edition
I’m hopeful the book helps guide you and those around you through heart valve surgery.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
USC Launches New Heart Valve Clinic Microsite!
By Adam Pick on July 3, 2012
I’m very happy to announce that Keck Hospital of USC just launched a ‘Heart Valve Clinic Microsite’ at HeartValveSurgery.com!
You will find USC’s microsite in the new valve clinics directory of our website. There, you can learn about USC’s approach to heart valve surgery, its surgeon team, including Dr. Vaughn Starnes, my surgeon, and our patient success stories. To see the microsite, click here.
USC Heart Valve Clinic Microsite
Thanks to Dr. Vaughn Starnes, Dr. Craig Baker, Julie Starnes, Sherry Whitney and the entire USC team for their continued support of the patients and caregivers within our community.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
“Happy 4th of July!” From Robyn, Ethan & Me
By Adam Pick on July 3, 2012
To all of our patients and caregivers from the USA… Happy 4th of July!!!
Robyn (my wife) & Ethan (my son)
Robyn, Ethan & I hope you enjoy all the special elements of this holiday including barbecues, hot dogs, family get togethers, hamburgers, cole slaw, pool parties, corn, vacations, apple pie, parades, s’mores, fireworks and, most importantly, freedom.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Guest Blog: Deb Offers A Spouse’s Perspective On Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on June 29, 2012
In addition to talking with patients, I’m often afforded the privilege of speaking with their caregivers. Over the past several months, I’ve been trading emails and chatting on the phone with Deb. Her husband, Fred, was recently diagnosed with a severely leaking mitral valve.
Deb & Fred (Mitral Valve Repair Patient)
The great news is that Fred’s surgery went very well. In fact, he’s already back on the golf course.
Tom & Trent Connect at The Heart Hospital After Mitral Valve Repair, Maze Procedure and Seroma
By Adam Pick on June 26, 2012
It continues to amaze me how Heart Valve Journals is connecting patients online and offline.
This time, Tom Hunt and Trent Viavattene met at The Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas. The two were simultaneously admitted to The Heart Hospital last week. Trent had a mitral valve repair surgery with Dr. William Ryan.
Trent & Tom at The Heart Hospital
Special Announcement: Northwestern Memorial Hospital Launches ‘Heart Valve Clinic Microsite’
By Adam Pick on June 25, 2012
Great news everybody!
Northwestern Memorial Hospital from Chicago, Illinois just launched a new ‘Heart Valve Clinic Micrsoite’ at our website. Using this technology, you can go on a virtual tour of Northwestern, watch surgeon videos, download surgical outcomes, see patient stories and much more. To experience it, click here.
Needless to say, we are thrilled and honored to launch Northwestern’s microsite.
Thanks to the entire Northwestern team for its ongoing support of our community. And, most importantly, thanks to Drs. McCarthy, Malaisrie, Russell, Jane and Colleen for the excellent care they collectively provide to our patients and caregivers!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
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