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Adam Pick just posted an important message for all community members
2 days ago (June 7, 2026)

Hey Everybody! As you may have seen, we just launched the sixth generation of the HeartValveSurgery.com platform. In connection with HVS 6.0, we made several updates to our Community to support your journey to a healthy heart. Here's a video about the "Top 8 Updates" to the Community.

If you have a free minute, I'd love to hear your feedback on the new Community features! So you know... With HVS 6.0, we're able to make quick changes and add new features to the Community. If you have any ideas for improving the Community, please share them in the comments below or email me directly at adam@heartvalvesurgery.com.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community! Keep on tickin! Adam

❤️ Susan Lynn reacted to this
Great, new features, Adam! Thank you for continuing to make these incredible enhancements to the resource we know and love. ❤️ The valuable HVS information and compassionate community were available to me and so many others before, during, and after our valve procedures. The time and effort you and the... Read more.
Hi Susan, Thanks so much for the kind words! I will pass them along to our programming team that is working so hard to support all of us throughout our heart valve journeys! Fyi, if you have any ideas to make the Community better, please let me know!!! With our... Read more.

Upcoming Patient Surgeries

Margaret DeVenney, heart valve patient Margaret DeVenney
Aortic Stenosis
June 11, 2026
James B, heart valve patient James B
Aortic Regurgitation
June 11, 2026
VICTOR FENTON, heart valve patient VICTOR FENTON
Aortic Aneurysm
June 12, 2026

Meet Dr. Michael Kasten at St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Edgewood, KY - Sponsored

Hello! My name is Dr. Michael Kasten and I am a cardiac surgeon having graduated from University of Kentucky in 2012. To date, I have performed approximately 600 cardiac surgeries, of which 125 involved heart valve procedures. involved heart valve procedures... Read more.

Tony Bennett got a guestbook from Adam Pick
5 hours ago (June 9, 2026)
Hey Tony! Welcome to the community! I’m really glad you found us. Our goal is simple — to help patients feel informed, empowered and supported throughout their heart valve journey. Whether you are just beginning to learn about your diagnosis or preparing for recovery, we’re here for you every step... Read more.
Sandy Laine posted an update
9 hours ago (June 9, 2026)
Has anyone had a VIV TAVR with the same size valve? If so, any thoughts/comments?
😮 Adam Pick reacted to this
This is a very interesting and timely question. Getting a valve that is "big enough" for future TAVR valves is so important for patients. But, I do not know if the same size valve can fit. I've heard that there is a process called "fracturing" or something like that where... Read more.
Ercan Afacan posted an update
10 hours ago (June 9, 2026)
6 Months Post-op!! Completed Rehab. For those going through recovery, hang in there and highly recommend the rehab program, definitely helps. For those who are about to start their HVS journey, Wish you all the strength, courage and patience. Don’t hesitate in asking your questions/concerns on this site. Everyone has... Read more.
❤️ Rose Madura, Valerie Allen and reacted to this
Hey Ercan, Congrats!!! And, thanks so much for sharing. Cardiac rehab was the saving grace of my recovery. It helped me so much. Here's a pic from me at rehab. 😀
Heather Leigh posted an update
1 day ago (June 8, 2026)
Hi all!! Surgery went well- robotics worked so it was just through my side. I’ve been in the ICU for about 4 days. I graduated to step down but then they found an abnormal heart block, not sure if it’s the inflammation or not and today I didn’t get any... Read more.
Congratulations and welcome to recovery! Glad all went well for you. Hope your complications clear up soon! 👍
Hey Sarah, Great to hear your robotic surgery went well and your tubes are out!!! Step by step. 👍❤️😋
YES Gurl. Well done, every day will get better. Small steps and don't push it.
Awesome. Lots and lots of tests in the hospital. You can almost set your watch to the schedule. I remember telling an orderly that the trip to x-ray from my room was the most excitement I had in a week. Getting the tubes out is a great step forward. Good... Read more.
hey alllll… so lowkey bad news. i think im gonna need a pacemaker. my heart block is not going away. I’m honestly terrified, like another procedure? and I’m only 23… idk.
I checked out heart block on dr. Google and it sounds like a stage 3 block where a pacemaker is required. If i found the correct data sheet. Maybe not. Good question to ask doctor though. Questions are good. It makes them aware you are not a dummy or just... Read more.
It’s worth asking if any calcium or beta blockers you might be on post-op could be contributing to the heart block. If that’s the case, maybe an external pacemaker could be more appropriate until you can taper down on the blood pressure meds. I started tapering my beta blockers around... Read more.
Hi Heather! Congrats on doing such a hard thing and having the surgery! It will get better... Which NYC institution are you at?
Welcome to recovery Heather! So glad to see your post. Sending good vibes your way. I hope you do not have to have another procedure for a pacemaker but if so it should be a much simpler procedure. There are different types so be sure to discuss options with your... Read more.

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Upcoming Surgeries

Margaret DeVenney
Aortic Stenosis
June 11, 2026
James B
Aortic Regurgitation
June 11, 2026
VICTOR FENTON
Aortic Aneurysm
June 12, 2026

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