Bicuspid Aortic Valve Success: Laurence Msall

After having dizzy spells and fainting while exercising, Laurence Msall knew it was time to have heart surgery. Laurence suffered from a bicuspid aortic valve which has two leaflets (instead of three leaflets) which inhibits the proper flow of blood across the valve. Patients with bicuspid aortic valves may experience both aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation. Dr. Patrick McCarthy, the Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Northwestern Medicine, performed an aortic valve replacement procedure on Laurence. Shortly after Laurence's successful aortic valve replacement surgery, Laurence returned to activities he enjoys including running and basketball. (Video posted on January 20, 2015)