Rob's Profile

I was originally diagnosed with severe mitral valve regurgitation in 2001 as a young adult. I had a mitral valve repair that year. But the repair came apart and I needed a redo repair surgery in 2004. I had severe complications after this operation and I was in the cardiac ICU for a long time with internal bleeding that would not stop. Eventually I was discharged feeling OK. Monitoring with annual echocardiograms showed a gradual degrading of the repair, but it wasn't until early 2021 that I became symptomatic as my mitral regurgitation was diagnosed as severe. I was referred to Dr Carolyn Teng at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. Dr Teng has a stellar reputation as a cardiac surgeon. She's a wonderful communicator and she helped me choose from a number of surgical options. I chose a mechanical valve because they're so durable. At 56 years old I was told I was a relatively young patient (!) and a bioprosthesis may not last the rest of my lifetime, necessitating a redo surgery at an advanced age. No thanks! I felt assured and confident as I was wheeled into the OR just a couple of weeks ago. My surgery took much longer than a straighforward mitral valve replacement. Dr Teng had to take a small chisel to my sternum as the closure wires from the 2004 procedure had become embedded in the bone. Once my chest was opened she also had to painstakingly dissect through a lot of scarring from the previous operation. If not done carefully this tissue can bleed copiously. I had little post-operative bleeding. Here I am a week after discharge from the hospital, feeling good and listening to the gentle tick-tick of my new valve. I have some sternal discomfort, but I have been prescribed good pain control. I think the valve was the best Christmas gift I've ever had. Thank you Dr Teng and team!