Brian's Journal

Soggy Rodent  It always seemed weird to me that they wouldn't do the surgery before the heart enlarged. It's yet another thing to deal with during ur recovery. It drove me insane!
Hang tough Brian :)

Barbara Laurie  Surgeons and cardiologists certainly disagree and, because Cardiologists are the gatekeepers to the surgical team, well, they are very conservative at suggesting going to a surgeon. My heart was very enlarged, and my surgeon was frustrated I hadn’t gotten in years sooner, but it was what it was!

Brian Rota  Thank you, my numbers have not changed since they found out about the leak almost 2 years ago. No symptoms and EF is good.

Joey Hardee  Hey Brian - Sorry you are dealing with this. I am also in line to have aortic valve repair or replacement in the future for my bicuspid valve. Before I came to this site, I didn't even know repair might be a possible option for me (and it might not) because my cardio has only suggested a mechanical valve replacement and Coumadin forever. I have been researching for a while and I think I will attempt to have either Dr. Allan Stewart at Mt Sinai in NY or Dr. Roselli or Svenson at Cleveland Clinic handle my surgery. I think all of them do repairs. I know Dr Stewart does. I am in SC and I think it is worth traveling to get the most expert care, especially when we are talking about our ticker. You may have some really good docs closer. Check out the surgeon finder and put in your zip code. Good luck with all of it. Keep us updated!

Brian Rota  Thank you I will look up dr steward. I don't mind traveling for this if I can get what I want. My concern is the first two weeks not being home.

Barbara Wood  Hi Brian, I had my mitral valve repaired by Dr Reed Quinn in Portland ME a few weeks ago. My cardiology team thought it was too badly damaged & would have to be replaced, then someone mentioned that Dr Quinn might be able to do a repair. I was so glad I found him- I highly recommend him, he's very accomplished. I had the surgery at Maine Medical in Portland & was very pleased with the care I got there. If you're interested type in his name in the search on this site- there is a recommendation for him you can read.

Steve Farthing  If you find a doc willing to attempt an aortic valve repair, don't forget to ask what the chances are the repair is not durable or that you eventually will need the valve replaced. Good info to know in advance.

Civita Fahey  Hi Brian. Try Dr Prem Shaker at the Brigham. He's the chief of cardiac surgery and his CV has a lot of info on repair work. He did my surgery and he was awesome

Laura Jacobs  Hi Brian, Like Civita, I had my surgery at Brigham and Women's and had a great experience. I had a different surgeon - Dr. Marc Pelletier and he was awesome too. Repair was not an option for me as the valve was severely stenotic.

Brian Rota  Thank you both Brigham is probably my first choice. My cardiologist seemed to say to me that repairs are not that common?

Marie Myers  When researching my options for my bicuspid valve, it seemed like replacement was far more common than repair. My surgeon gave me Dr Bavaria's name ( in Philly) for repair options, along with Dr David in Toronto who seems to be the top dog in aortic valve repairs.

Brian Rota  Dr Bavaria seems to show up a lot in repair surgeons. I wonder if this is who my cardiologist was thinking of.

Civita Fahey  I was told that repairs weren't common for bicuspid valves also.. usually when they get to the point where you need surgery, they are pretty stenosed.. but you should explore your options. There are great surgeons and hospitals here in the Boston area and as I was told by most physicians where the best place was ( I work with physicians) I was told "take your pick", they are all great.. I just felt more comfortable with Dr. Shaker at the Brigham and I'm glad I chose him. I had no complications at all and so far it seems like he did a great job.. Good Luck Brian email me if you have any questions.

Stephanie Jones  Echos vary from tech to tech. Luckily i had a tee which shows a much clearer picture proving the severity level of my leak, because the echo techs at my presurgery testing couldnt find the leak at all. Took a 4th doctor to find it. I explain here: https://youtu.be/qFW66ey68OM

Brian Rota  They say severe, but my TEE earlier this year was more moderate even though my first echo six months showed severe. Dr is telling me I am not ready for surgery yet.

Civita Fahey  Hi Brian Im from Topsfield.. did your doctor tell you go to a surgeon> Im moderate/severe by echo, no TEE, but my doc told me that I would need surgery in 6 months to a year, that was last April I've gone to the Brigham for a consult and he feels sometime in the spring.. be happy to discuss docs Ive gone to three in Boston if you want to talk off line.. formia0711@gmail.com

Brian Rota  No he says not ready for surgeon yet. They go by a 5 /50 rule he said. My heart is keeping up with it and not growing yet. I will send you an email.