Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog – Page 66

“Nerve Damage After Heart Surgery?” Asks Sean

By Adam Pick on October 19, 2008

I just received a concerned email from Sean about nerve damage after heart surgery. I provided some thoughts for Sean below, but I’m curious to know if you experienced this heart surgery complication. Here is Sean’s story:

Hi, Adam!

I’m recovering from aortic valve and aortic root replacement surgery. It turned out my problems were congenital – a bicuspid aortic valve and a related aneurysm of the aortic root. My faulty valve and aneurysm waited patiently until I was 60-years old to need replacement! Nice of ‘em, huh?!

I am hoping you and your readers can provide some useful information, either scientific or anecdotal. I woke up in the ICU to notice that the left side of my left hand was “asleep” – you know, how your foot might “go to sleep” if you positioned your leg improperly for too long.

 

 

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Calcified Heart Valves Vs. Normal Heart Valves

By Adam Pick on October 18, 2008

Are you like me?

When I was diagnosed with severe heart valve disease, I wanted to learn as much as I could about aortic stenosis (my valve disorder), aortic valve surgery and the recovery from open heart surgery.

Specifically, during my second-opinion with Dr. Chaikin, I learned that my heart valve leaflets had narrowed due to the calcification of my bicuspid aortic valve. As a result, blood flow through my heart was compromised which caused my heart to enlarge. This was a dangerous precursor to congestive heart failure. Although I was asymptomatic, I was not in good health.

 


Calcified Aortic Heart Valve

 

Anyways… I was just doing some research on heart valves when I came across this incredible picture of an aortic valve that suffers from aortic stenosis due to calcification. As many of you enjoy learning about the anatomy of your heart and heart valves, I decided to post the picture (above) for your review. If you look real close, you can see actually the calcium deposits on each of the three heart valve flaps. Pretty interesting, right?

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Patient Receives $9.8 Million Malpractice Verdict In Heart Valve Lawsuit

By Adam Pick on October 14, 2008

I stress A LOT of things for patients to “watch out for” as they prepare for heart valve surgery. One of the most critical, potential pitfalls in this complex process is poor surgeon selection. As we all know, there is risk in any type of surgery. But, finding the right cardiac surgeon (with extensive experience) can minimize that risk.

It’s a sad fact… I receive emails from caregivers whose loved ones did not make it through surgery. Those are the toughest emails to read. The sadness and anger is overwhelming. Even with all the good happening in the heart valve community, mistakes are made.

 

Heart Valve Surgery Lawsuit

 

On that point, I just read an unfortunate story about Latricia Satterwhile, a mitral valve surgery patient. I am posting this story to emphasize the need for patients and caregivers to actively research their medical staff and facility. Here is Latricia’s story from the Herald-Leader newspaper in Lexington, Kentucky:

A $9.8 million civil verdict was returned in a lawsuit filed by a Lexington hairdresser who became paraplegic after a routine heart surgery.

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Karen’s “Best Piece Of Advice” For Patients

By Adam Pick on October 12, 2008

Over the years, I have collected many insightful and inspirational quotes from patients about their heart valve surgery procedures. Personally, I learned A LOT from former patients as I prepared for my own aortic valve replacement. Receiving direct advice from patients really helped me understand the potential ups and downs of heart surgery.

That said, I am going to start posting these quotes in this blog to support future patients and caregivers. I really hope these quotes help you.

The first “Best Piece of Advice” comes from Karen in Florida. It’s a quick, one sentence thought that focuses on the fear, uncertainty and doubt relative to heart surgery. Here it is…

 

“The surgery is not as bad as your imagination makes it.”

 

I really appreciate that thought – especially considering our prior discussions about F.E.A.R. (the acronym for Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real.) As Karen alludes, your mind can play some awful tricks on you leading up to the operation. However, heart valve surgery statistics show that most patients live longer, healthier lives as a result of cardiac surgery.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

Is Paul’s Scar On The Wrong Side?

By Adam Pick on October 11, 2008

Hmmmmmmmmmm.

Did Doctor Vaughn Starnes, one of leading heart valve surgeons, make a mistake when he performed minimally invasive aortic heart valve replacement on Paul? Scroll down and read Paul’s email to find out why his incision scar is on the right side of his chest!

 

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement Scar On Chest
Paul – Seven Days After Valve Surgery

 

Hi Adam,

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Gloria’s Mismanaged Patient Expectations

By Adam Pick on October 10, 2008

Every few days, I receive a detailed email that illustrates just how poorly patients can be prepared for the realities of cardiac surgery.

Case in point… Gloria just sent me a disappointing note about her double valve replacement (aortic, mitral) and valve repair (tricuspid). My face soured and my frustration level soared as I read about each-and-every problem Gloria encountered in the hospital and during her early recovery.

 

Frustration Dealing With The Medical System Prior To Heart Surgery

 

With Gloria’s approval, I am posting parts of her email below to help future patients and caregivers avoid several of the unnecessary pitfalls of heart valve surgery.

Hi Adam,

Several months before surgery was an option, I went into atrial fibrillation.

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Echocardiogram Video for Mitral Valve Prolapse With Mitral Regurgitation

By Adam Pick on October 8, 2008

Matthew has an interesting, video request…

He writes, “Adam – Thanks for your book and blog. I’m 47 years old and in the ‘waiting room’ right now. I have a mitral valve prolapse with moderate mitral regurg. My cardiologist thinks I may need surgery within the next 1-2 years. Curious to know if you have any echocardiograms that show a severe mitral valve prolapse with mitral regurgitation? Thanks, Brian”

Sure thing Brian! Here is an echocardiogram of a mitral valve prolapse. Although the video has no sound, you can see a significant mixture of blue and red colors near the valve. (The colors in the echocardiogram indicate the motion of blood around the mitral valve.)

 

 

If you look even closer, you can see that the mitral valve in this echocardiogram has severe prolapse. You can see the failure of the anterior and posterior mitral valve leaflets to seal tightly. Plus, the rampant mixture of red and blue colors in the echocardiogram illustrates significant backward blood flow. Unfortunately for this patient, I believe this is a very diseased mitral valve that may require surgery.

I hope this echocardiogram of the mitral valve prolapse was helpful.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

How To Use An Incentive Spirometer?

By Adam Pick on October 8, 2008

Laura Lee is getting ready for her valve surgery. In anticipation of her recovery, she asks me, “Would you please tell me how to use the incentive spirometer so I can start practicing? Thanks for everything! Laura Lee”

 

 

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After Bovine Replacement & A-Fib, Kenneth Strokes Best Golf Score Ever

By Adam Pick on October 8, 2008

This email from Kenneth conjured up an ear-to-ear smile on my face.

As you can read below, Kenneth details the chronology to his best golf score ever. I guess bovine (cow) valve replacement and A-Fib helps your heart and your golf game!

 

 

Adam:

  • April 25, 2008: Aortic valve replacement (bovine)
  • April 30, 2008: First incident of atrial fibrilation
  • May 02, 2008: Second incident of a-fib
  • May 04, 2008: Third incident of a-fib
  • May 06, 2008: Out of hospital of a-fib
  • October 06, 2008: First “Hole In One” and shot 83; Best Score Ever

Thanks for your heart valve book and your encouragement.

Kenneth Kahn (Jane’s husband)

Patient Dilemma: Watch and Wait? Or, Roll The Dice?

By Adam Pick on October 6, 2008

It’s a troublesome, patient dilemma..

Your primary cardiologist says, “You need valve surgery right away!” However, you’re second-opinion says, “Hmmmm… I’m not so sure about surgery just yet. I’d hold off for now.”

What are you supposed to when your first- and second-opinions ARE NOT on the same page? This is exactly what Susan is experiencing with her mother’s diagnosis. Here is Susan’s story and my thoughts:

 

 

Dear Adam,

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Lynn’s 700-Mile Bicycle Ride After Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

By Adam Pick on October 6, 2008

This is a great, inspirational story about Lynn, mitral valve replacement and his bike. Lynn writes…

Hi Adam,

I’m a 69-year old male who had mitral valve replacement and triple bypass surgery on May 28th. I just returned from my 50th high school reunion in Sioux City, Iowa.

 

Bicycle Riding After After Heart Surgery

 

My high school buddy, our wives, and I rode our bicycles from my home in Sheridan, Wyoming to Sioux City for the reunion. The 700-mile biking trip took us 12 days.

I feel great!

Lynn Heeren

Shocking Heart Facts: Women And Heart Disease

By Adam Pick on October 6, 2008

I was just reading a rather frightening article about women, cardiologists and heart disease at the Dayton Daily News.

I was shocked to read a few statistics about the the incredibly large number of women that have cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the annual mortality rate from heart disease was equally disturbing.

 

Chart Of Leading Causes Of Death For Women

 

Here are the statistics that forced me to do a double-take:

  • 42.7 million United States women have cardiovascular disease
  • 459,096 women died of heart disease in 2004

According to the article women with heart disease outnumber men in both measures of the disease which costs $448.5 billion a year — $296.4 billion for medical care and $152.1 billion in lost productivity.

As you can see from the chart above, Associated Content suggests that stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and breast cancer are the other critical medical challenges for women.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

The Genetics Of Valve Disease… Like Father, Like Son?

By Adam Pick on October 5, 2008

The genetic links of heart valve disease are fairly well documented.

As the Children’s Hospital Boston finds, “Some congenital heart defects may have a genetic link, either occurring due to a defect in a gene, a chromosome abnormality, or environmental exposure, causing heart problems to occur more often in certain families.” More specifically, a recent study suggests, “Having a first-degree relative with mitral valve disease was found to increase the risk by 2.5 times.”

So you know, my Uncle Mooney had valve replacement surgery over 30 years before my aortic surgery. And, my Grandpa Zim (who has passed on) had heart trouble which resulted in a quadruple bypass. For this reason, I perked up in my chair when I received a very interesting email from Ed in Virginia.

 

Ed Woodard And His Father

 

Here is Ed’s email…

Adam,

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Mitral Leaflet Anatomy, Problems & Pictures

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: May 16, 2024

I just received an email from Barbara regarding heart valve anatomy, specifically her mitral leaflets.

She writes to me, “Dear Adam – Yesterday, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with severe mitral valve prolapse. Although my cardiologist did his best to explain the problems with my valve, I really could not focus on the words he was saying. I was in shock. There was some discussion about the problems with my mitral leaflet. Can you help me better understand what is wrong with my mitral leaflets? If you have a picture that would be helpful. Best regards, Barbara.”

I can relate to Barbara’s question. When my first cardiologist told me I needed aortic valve replacement, I went numb. My cardiologist talked for another 15 minutes about my diagnosis, but I only understood 10% of the words that exited his mouth. In that moment, words like valve leaflets, dilated heart and left ventricle thickening meant nothing.

 

Mitral Leaflet Anatomy

Your mitral valve contains two flaps known as mitral leaflets. The leaflets are composed of tissue. The sole purpose of your mitral leaflets is to open and close tightly. This tight seal ensures that blood flows through the heart in one direction, with no blood backflow (known as mitral valve regurgitation) into the heart.

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Mitral Mechanical Valve Options For Becky

By Adam Pick on October 5, 2008

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about Angie’s aortic mechanical valve replacement options.

Becky has a follow-up question that reads, “Hi Adam – My mitral regurg has worsened to the point where I need surgery, according to my cardiologist. I’m 48 and don’t want to go though a second heart surgery so I’m opting for a mitral mechanical valve. What are my options? Thanks, Becky.”

It’s good to see that Becky is aware that she has options for her mechanical valve replacement. Patient awareness is definitely on the rise! Just a few years ago, most patients simply said, “Okay. Okay. I want a mechanical valve. Thanks Doc.”

Now, patients are coming to their surgeons saying, “I want to be in the On-X trial!” or “What can you tell me about the Medtronic replacement?” or “I hear St. Jude’s prosthesis valve is great…. Can I get one of those implanted?”

 

On-X’s Mitral Mechanical Valve

 

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“What Is An Aortic Valve Gradient?” Asks Jack

By Adam Pick on October 5, 2008

At 64, Jack has recently been diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis. Jack writes, “Adam – I’m like a deer in headlights right now. I need aortic replacement soon. I’m curious, the doc mentioned an aortic valve gradient following my echocardiogram. What the heck does that mean? Thanks for all you do, Jack.”

Jack asks a good question about aortic valve gradients (also known as AVG). In fact, I have never received a question about aortic valve gradients, so I just spent some time researching this diagnostic measure for valvular stenosis.

According Cardiovascular Physiology, stenosis of the aortic valve leads to a pressure gradient across the valve during the time in which blood flows through the valve opening. This aortic valve gradient is expressed as an increase and decrease on each side of the defective valve. The magnitude of the pressure gradient depends on the severity of the stenosis and the flow rate across the valve.

 

 

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“How Should I Physically Prepare For Heart Surgery?” Asks Lloyd

By Adam Pick on October 3, 2008

On the topic of preparing for heart surgery…

Lloyd asks, “Adam – Thank you for your promptness in sending your book to me last weekend. I have started to read it, but I am still a little afraid. My question is this, how did you physically prepare for your surgery? I am 61 years old and walk daily – approximately one hour. In bad weather, I walk in the gym, 3.5-4.0 miles per hour with grades up to 8 percent. I am concerned as to how do I get myself in the best physical shape possible if I need surgery. FYI, I am asymptomatic and a retired police officer. I have been treated for high blood pressure for years but have always maintained an active life. Thank you. Lloyd”

 

 

Here is my counter-intuitive response to Lloyd’s question:

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Jim’s Heart Surgery Adventure… Bicuspid Valve Replacement, Tamponade And Heart Failure

By Adam Pick on October 3, 2008

Talk about twists and turns during the early recovery from bicuspid aortic valve replacement surgery. Jim from Alabama has quite the tale to tell… Here is what he writes:

Hey Adam,

First, I’d like to say how much I appreciate you and your heart surgery book. You provided my family and I with great information and gave us some peace of mind prior to my surgery and even now as I recover.

My story really started about 5 years ago when I, and some medical folks, thought I had a heart attack. When the smoke cleared, I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. I guess the alleged heart attack (or “episode” as the cardiologist called it) was a warning shot that something was wrong with my heart. I was perplexed as to how I could have a congenital heart problem after serving 21 years in the Air Force and never being told I had an issue or even a murmur. Of course, now I understand. (To learn more about bicuspid valves, click here.)

 

Jim Cummings - Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement Patient
Jim – Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement Patient

 

Fast forward to June 2008…

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Anticoagulation Valve Replacement Thoughts For Mechanical Devices (Plus Video)

By Adam Pick on October 3, 2008

Last month, Scott was diagnosed with aortic valve regurgitation. After his initial research, Scott was going to select a mechanical valve. However, the more Scott learned about the use of anticoagulation therapy (e.g. Coumadin) to prevent clotting on aortic mechanical valve options, the more concerned he became. Scott’s email to me reads:

“Hi Adam – I’m 52 and suffer from severe aortic regurgitation. I’m torn between my mechanical and bioprosthetic options. Can you help me better understand the risks of anticoagulants relative to valve function and patient lifestyle?”

 
 

 
 

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Prosthetic Heart Valve Replacements – Definition, Pictures And Use

By Adam Pick on October 3, 2008

Jill writes to me, “Hi Adam – My world is upside down right now. My dad was just told that he has aortic valve regurgitation and needs a prosthesis valve (or at least I think that is what he said). Can you help me understand what all of this means? Plus, I’m a visual person. If you have any pictures of a valve prosthesis that would be great.”

From Jill’s description, it appears that her father is in definite need of a heart valve replacement. That said, Jill’s father will need a prosthetic valve transplant to enhance the flow of blood through his heart.

According to Heart Health Online, a prosthetic heart valve is a replacement for a diseased or dysfunctional heart valve. There are two types of artificial valves:

  • Mechanical heart valve – A mechanical heart valve prosthesis is made of man-made materials. The advantage of mechanical valves is that they can usually last a lifetime. They do not wear out the way natural or biological valves do. Here is a picture of a Medtronic mechanical heart valve replacement.

 

 

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