About Me (In My Own Words)
Diagnosis to The David Procedure
My journey began in 2018 when I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm and a leaking aortic valve. The diagnosis became clearer in 2022 when I—along with several family members—tested positive for Loeys-Dietz Syndrome (LDS). Knowing the specific risks associated with LDS, I knew I needed specialized care.
Finding the Right Path In October 2025, I watched a webinar featuring Dr. Lars Svensson here on heartvalvesurgery.com. His expertise resonated with me, leading to an appointment and comprehensive testing on November 23rd. The results showed a 4.2 cm aneurysm and a severely leaking valve. With that data in hand, we scheduled surgery for early 2026.
Surgery on January 27, 2026, I underwent The David Procedure at the hands of Dr. Svensson. The surgery was a total success. Dr. Svensson was able to perform a valve-sparing repair, reinstalling my native valve into a new 30mm Hemashield Platinum graft.
Recovery pace:
ICU & Step-down: I spent three days in the ICU followed by four days in the step-down unit.
Mobility: The care team had me out of bed the very next day, and I was walking by day two.
Discharge: I was cleared to go home on Monday, February 2nd—just six days after a major heart reconstruction.
I feel significantly better than I ever anticipated. It has been a long road from that first diagnosis in 2018, but I am incredibly grateful to Dr Svensson and for the specialized care and the successful outcome at the Cleveland Clinic.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
North Huntingdon, PA
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My surgery date is:
January 27, 2026
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Valve Repair
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic
