| Patient Name: | Jarrett Roberts |
| Cardiac Surgeon: | Dr. Bruce Lytle |
| Surgery Type: | Bicuspid Aortic Valve Repair |
Today... Valentine's day - with the emphasis on love and hearts - has taken on a new meaning to me and my wife. I am on day 22 of my 'second chance at life' as my bicuspid aortic valve was repaired by Dr. Bruce Lytle at the Cleveland Clinic three weeks ago.
I found it interesting (at the Cleveland Clinic) to be one of the younger patients in for surgery. The nurses were all excited that a 6' 7" marathoner was in for surgery -- as they normally get the unusual heart valve cases that other clinics won't touch.
My bicuspid aortic valve was accidentally discovered less than two years ago during a routine cardiac calcium CT that was mis-diagnosed as an aortic aneurysm. The follow-up tests showed that the radiologist had flipped the numbers and I didn't have an aortic aneurysm. However, I did have a bicuspid congenital defect of my aortic valve.
Now, with a healed heart, I would like to finish my goal of completing a marathon on every continent and 100 career marathons.
Thanks again,
Jarrett Lee Roberts
50 State Marathon Finisher, Divemaster, CPA, Father of Two Active yet Wonderful Boys, Husband to an Incredible Wife and Bicuspid Aortic Valve Repair Recovering Patient