Mike's Guestbook

Hi Mike-

Hope you are well.   I see you are nearby in Mechanicsville.  I am in Midlothian, VA and am facing aortic valve replacement within the next year.  Did you get your surgery done in the Richmond area?  I am talking to a Dr.  Daniel Mulloy at Chippenham Hospital.   Take care.

-Dave

Mike, my name is jack kirby I found this web site by Adam Pick very helpful when I was facing Aortic valve  replacement . I had a AVR in 2017 and I lived in Mechanicsville Va. at that time and I Know your anxiety is probably very high.  If you would like to ask any questions about my experience you are welcome to contact me at 804-725-2566  

When I had my David Procedure (replace rising aorta, repair aortic valve and ring on base) in 2017, my surgeon provided links to the Cleveland Clinic video of him doing the exact procedure I was having.  He provided lots of validation, talked with me about his experience, his success rate running significantly better than the average rate for the procedure, etc.  I did research on the procedure, read the 20 year case study that was done across 200 patients and could ask intelligent questions about what we were doing.  He specialized in this specific surgery.  When I had my Tricuspid  Valve replaced with a tissue valve April 29, 2021, my surgeon had his whole practice focused on doing this specific type of surgery and other heart surgeons in Colorado were sending their patients to him for the surgery due to the complexity and sensitive nature of this specific procedure.  I was very high risk and he provided assurance I would have a successful result because he did multiple similar procedures every week.  The hospital for the second surgery was far better than the first, and the first was rated well.  You want the best.  If your doctor is, you can easily verify that fact. 

Good luck on the procedure!

Hi. It is great that you are taking control of your situation. Richard is right  . I wanted a surgeon that was  a heavy user of tissue Aortic Valves. A contact is the company that makes the valves. Edwards  ( Irvine CALIF). 1-800-424-3278.  Contact them and ask if they can supply you with Surgeons in your area   They make the valve I have Inspiris Resilia   Another question for you to ask your Heart Team is   are  you eligible for a TAVR procedure instead of a open heart procedure ( google TAVR).   I was 77 when I had open heart ( did not qualify fora TAVR) and had minimal issues. God luck