Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog – Page 46
Facing Congestive Heart Failure, Mildred Burns, 83, Considers Heart Valve Replacement Surgery ‘The Best Decision Ever Made’
By Adam Pick on July 16, 2011
I just received an insightful email from Mildred Burns. At 83, Mildred was facing congestive heart failure and desperately needed an aortic valve replacement. I thought you might appreciate reading these encouraging words from Mildred about fear, a second heart surgery and quality of life…
Mildred Burns, 83, with Dr. Junaid Khan
Surgeon Spotlight: After 7,000 Surgeries, Dr. Kevin Accola’s Heart Valve Specialty Is Praised By Patients
By Adam Pick on July 12, 2011
It’s an honor to shine our surgeon spotlight on Dr. Kevin Accola, a leading heart valve surgeon who practices at the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute.
I first met Dr. Accola in 2008. I called Dr. Accola after several of his patients emailed me their fantastic success stories. During our chat, I quickly learned that Dr. Accola is a super nice guy and a very accomplished surgeon. As you can read on Dr. Accola’s surgeon profile, he has performed over 7,400 cardiac procedures and over 2,400 heart valve operations. Mitral valve repair is one of Dr. Accola’s specialties.
Over the years, I have become very familiar with many of Dr. Accola’s patients including Donna Wilson, Scott Niemen, Misti Blue and Denise Ring. Dr. Accola’s patients often use words like “warm”, “calm”, “humble”, “caring” and “confident” to describe his personality.
For example, Duane Hunt, a recent mitral valve repair patient, recently shared with me…
After Michael’s Heart Valve Replacement, The Rogers Family Turn Lemons Into “Lemon-Aid”
By Adam Pick on July 6, 2011
I am consistently inspired by the patients and caregivers that make-up this community.
For example… I just learned that the Rogers family, from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, recently held a fundraiser to raise awareness for Heart Valve Journals, our social network, and our charitable efforts. As you might know, Michael Rogers, 18, underwent pulmonary heart valve replacement surgery on June 2, 2011.
In a journal posted yesterday, Linda Rogers, Michael’s mother, writes, “It seems like just yesterday I began this Journal so that we could keep our dear family and friends updated on Michael’s progress through the surgery and recovery period. It’s been 35 days since Michael’s surgery and we’re so thankful and blessed that he is doing great!”
“Lemon-Aid” At The Rogers 4th of July Golf Cart Parade
As for their charitable support of HeartValveJournals.com, Linda writes:
Web Chat: “Heart Valve Disease” With Drs. Thomas & Sabik
By Adam Pick on July 5, 2011
Hi everybody,
If you are searching for answers to questions about heart valve disease, I encourage you to attend, “Heart Valve Disease”, a live interactive chat with Dr. Thomas and Dr. Sabik from the Cleveland Clinic.
During this unique, one-hour event several topics specific to valvular disorders, including aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation, will be discussed. Here is a quick summary of the event along with registration instructions.
“Is It Common To Have Mitral Regurgitation & Atrial Fibrillation?” Asks Donny
By Adam Pick on July 5, 2011
I received a great email from Donny about atrial fibrillation and heart valve surgery. Donny asked me, “Adam – I’ve suffered from a-fib longer than I can remember. Now, I need mitral valve surgery due to mitral regurgitation. My heart is already dilated. Am I an anomaly or this common?”
Luckily, I was able to ask Donny’s question directly to Dr. Patrick McCarthy, the chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. As Dr. McCarthy has performed over 4,000 heart valve procedures and maintains a clinical focus on atrial fibrillation, I thought you might like to hear Dr. McCarthy’s response…
Today, My Thoughts Are With Jeff, Tammy & Kent
By Adam Pick on June 29, 2011
I just visited Heart Valve Journals, our interactive community where patients meet and learn from each other. While clicking through many of these amazing journals, guestbooks and photo sections, I noticed that during the next 24 hours Tammy, Jeff & Kent will be going in for heart valve surgery.
Jeff Roemer needs a new aortic valve. Tammy Golchert is undergoing mitral valve repair. And, Kent Kersey needs an aortic valve replacement and root reconstruction. If you like, feel free to visit their Heart Valve Journals by clicking their names above.
My thoughts and prayers are with Tammy, Jeff and Kent.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Pat Gets Her “Bucket List” Wish During Double Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on June 28, 2011
I’m not sure the Human Genome Project detected it, but I think we all maintain a unique gene that enables us to wish. Some people wish for peace. Some people wish for wealth. Most people, in this community, wish for healthy hearts.
Interestingly, Pat Studebaker had a lifelong wish to witness a heart surgery. Thanks to the Never Too Late organization and Doctor Marc Gerdisch, MD, Pat got her wish last week.
Dr. Marc Gerdisch Explains Heart Valve Surgery To Pat Studebaker
“Is There A Trend Favoring Tissue Heart Valve Replacements?” Asks Jenny
By Adam Pick on June 25, 2011
When evaluating surgical options for a heart valve replacement procedure, a common patient concern is selecting the “right” mechanical or tissue valve. Specific to this topic, Jenny recently wrote to me, “Hi Adam – I’m 38 years old and need aortic valve replacement surgery. The durability of a mechanical valve is attractive but it seems like so many people, of all ages, are getting tissue valves. Is that a trend that I should be paying attention to?”
I was very fortunate to ask Dr. Richard Shemin, cardiac surgeon and the Professor and Chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UCLA Medical Center, this exact question. Here are the highlights from our discussion.
Thanks to Jenny for her question and a special thanks to Dr. Shemin for taking the time to discuss this important question with our community.
For those patients who are hearing impaired, I have provided a written, video transcript of my discussion with Dr. Shemin below.
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.
Kato Pomer, 94, Mitral Valve Repair Patient
Yesterday, I learned that Kato just celebrated her 94th birthday. That said, I wanted to wish Kato a very, very, very happy birthday!
Keep on tickin’ Kato!
Adam
“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?”
I was very fortunate to discuss Donald’s question with Dr. David H. Adams, a leading heart valve surgeon who specializes in mitral valve reconstruction, at the Mitral Conclave in New York City.
Thanks to Donald for his question and a special thanks to Dr. David Adams for his ongoing support of our community. To learn more about Dr. Adams, who is the Chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital, please click here.
If you are hearing impaired, I have provided a transcript of this video interview below.
For His 40th Birthday Present, Matt Unwraps A Mechanical Aortic Valve & Aortic Root Replacement
By Adam Pick on June 13, 2011
When diagnosed with a life threatening illness, such as severe heart valve disease, patients often confront uncomfortable emotions. Personally, I remember feelings of fear, anxiety and confusion. How me manage those emotions is often a test of our character, our courage, our self and our love for life.
One patient who just passed this test with flying colors is… Matt Fountain from Sarasota, Florida.
I first learned of Matt’s story six weeks ago. In an email, Matt told me that he was scheduled for an aortic valve replacement and an aortic root replacement surgery due to severe aortic stenosis and an aneurysm. (To learn more about stenosis, click here.)
Technology Update: First Human Implant of Portico Transcatheter Aortic Heart Valve Replacement
By Adam Pick on June 13, 2011
On the heels of the FDA approval for its Trifecta heart valve replacement, St. Jude Medical just announced that Dr. John Webb of St. Paul’s Hospital in Canada has completed the first human implant of the new Portico aortic valve replacement.
Portico TAVR Valve
The Portico heart valve replacement falls into a “next generation” category of transcatheter devices that do not require the patient’s sternum or ribs to be broken during implant – via median sternotomy or thoracotomy. Instead, the Portico aortic valve replacement is implanted in the heart using a catheter inserted through the femoral artery or the left ventricle.
“Can Aortic Stenosis Progress From Moderate To Severe In Just Two Years?” Asks Peter
By Adam Pick on June 8, 2011
I just received an interesting question from Peter about the progression of aortic stenosis. Peter writes, “Adam, I was diagnosed with moderate aortic stenosis two years ago. Unfortunately, I lost my job and have not had an echo in several years. I’m experiencing shortness of breath. Is it possible that the severity of stenosis has progressed that quickly?”
While at the recent American Association for Thoracic Surgeons meeting in Philadelphia, I was fortunate to ask Dr. Junaid Khan, MD, from Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, this exact question. During our discussion, Dr. Khan provided some chilling data about aortic stenosis, its progression, its symptoms and mortality associated with this disease.
Are Medical Tourists Seeking Heart Valve Treatment In Germany?
By Adam Pick on June 6, 2011
Considering that over 45 million residents of the United States do not have health insurance, my inbox is filled with questions about the costs of heart valve surgery. Many of those emails inquire about the use of foreign, cardiac centers for valvular treatment.
Medical Tourists For Mitral Valve Repair – Robin Steel & Ros Hernmarck
As you may already know, several patients within this community have traveled abroad with positive results. For example, Robin Steel and Ros Hernmarck both traveled to India for mitral valve repair surgery. Recently, however, I’ve learned that facilities in Europe are offering medical tourism packages which compete on quality, cost and access to “next-generation” technologies.
To learn more about heart valve surgery programs in Germany, I contacted Dr. Juergen Ennker, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at MediClin Heart Center, which is close to Frankfurt. Here are the highlights of my interview with Dr. Ennker.
Dr. Juergen Ennker, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, MediClin Heart Center
Adam: Dr. Ennker thanks so much for chatting with me today.
Dr. Juergen Ennker: I have to thank you Adam. You are increasing the quality of care for heart valve patients around the world.
Judy Receives Over 1,110 Comments At HeartValveJournals.com!
By Adam Pick on June 4, 2011
In my opinion, this is quite inspiring and extraordinary…
I just spent some time at HeartValveJournals.com — our social network created for heart valve surgery patients and their caregivers. While there, I clicked on Judy Fridono’s journal to see how she was doing after her mitral valve replacement and quadruple bypass operation. (Click here to learn more about replacing the mitral valve.)
Judy Fridono
I was happy to see that Judy is continuing to recover after her surgery. At 12 weeks post-op, Judy writes, “I guess I’m feeling pretty good. I’d say I’m 90% back to normal. Unfortunately, I don’t have more energy than I did pre-surgery.”
“What Are The Most Exciting Technologies For Heart Valve Treatment?” Asks Leslie
By Adam Pick on June 1, 2011
At the recent AATS meeting in Philadelphia, I was very fortunate to meet with Dr. Craig Smith, the chairman of surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center.
Considering that Dr. Smith is a principal investigator on the PARTNER clinical trial – which is evaluating transcatheter aortic valve replacements – it was very helpful to get his opinions specific to Leslie’s question about technology.
Thanks to Leslie for her question. And, a special thanks to Dr. Smith for sharing his thoughts, clinical experience and research specific to the future of aortic valve replacement using percutaneous technology.
For those members of our community who are hearing impaired, I have provided a written transcript of Dr. Smith’s video interview below.
Cardiac Pioneer, Dr. Larry Cohn, Offers Helpful Tips For Patients Preparing For Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 26, 2011
During his 40-year career, Dr. Larry Cohn has performed over 10,000 cardiac procedures at leading heart centers including Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Interestingly, Dr. Cohn is much more than a world renown surgeon, author and educator, he is also… a former aortic valve replacement patient.
Needless to say, it was an honor to visit with Dr. Cohn at the recent 91st Annual American Association for Thoracic Surgeons Meeting in Philadelphia. During our chat, Dr. Cohn addressed a common, patient question about preparing for heart surgery. Specifically, Dr. Cohn answered Fred’s question, “As I prepare for mitral valve repair surgery, should I maintain, increase or decrease my exercise program?”
Thanks to Fred for his question. And, a very special thanks to Dr. Larry Cohn for his commitment, dedication and pursuit of healthy heart valves. For the members of our community that are hearing impaired, I have provided a written transcript to this video interview with Dr. Cohn below.
Bill Gets Successful Aortic Root & Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery, Thanks To Margarita And Dr. Stewart
By Adam Pick on May 22, 2011
It is an unexpected privilege and honor to support the patients and the caregivers of this community.
When I started this online project five years ago, I never thought my inbox would receive empowering stories from so many people including Bill Easton, Margarita Easton and Dr. Allan Stewart.
Bill, 86, and Margarita Easton
Web Chat Announcement: “Percutaneous Valve Treatment” With Dr. Svensson and Dr. Tuzcu From The Cleveland Clinic
By Adam Pick on May 21, 2011
Sorry for the last minute notice… But, I just learned that The Cleveland Clinic will be hosting a special Internet chat on Monday, May 23rd, at 12pm (EST). The exciting topic of the web chat will be percutaneous heart valve treatments. The moderators for the event will be Dr. Lars Svensson, director of the aorta program, and Dr. Murat Tuzcu, vice chairman of the cardiology department.
“What Causes Atrial Fibrillation After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Ted
By Adam Pick on May 20, 2011
Last week, at the American Association for Thoracic Surgeons meeting, Ted sent me a great question about atrial fibrillation after heart valve surgery. He writes, “Dear Adam, I had my aortic valve replaced. The new valve is a pericardial tissue heart valve. What causes A-Fib after surgery? I had one incident of A-Fib while in the hospital followed by four more incidents two weeks after surgery. Thank you! Ted”
To help Ted, I asked Dr. Niv Ad, the chief of cardiac surgery at Inova Heart & Vascular Institute in Falls Church, Virginia, this exact question. So you know, a key research initiative of Dr. Ad’s practice focuses on atrial fibrillation. Here is Dr. Ad’s video response to Ted.
I want to thank Ted for his question. Plus, I have to offer a special thanks to Dr. Niv Ad for his continued support of this patient and caregiver community. Dr. Ad has really helped transform this resource from an ordinary website into an extra-ordinary community. Thanks Dr. Ad!!!
For those of you who are hearing impaired, I have provided a written transcript of this video interview below.
