Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

I just received an excellent question from Gary about the Heart Valve Surgeon Database.

He writes, “Adam - I had mitral valve replacement eight weeks due to a prolapsed valve. Thanks to your book, your blog and the patients at this website, I’m doing better than expected. My post-op echo is showing no regurgitation! Obviously, I am very appreciative of my surgeon and his team. How can I add my experience to your heart surgeon database so that others can learn more about him? Thanks, Gary”

First off, congratulations to Gary!!! I’m thrilled to hear that he is doing so well during his recovery!

Second, if you are a former patient (like Gary), you can create your own surgeon profile at our Heart Valve Surgeon Database. That way, future patients - from all over the world - can learn about your surgeon and your surgical experience!

To add your surgeon profile, simply click here.

Keep on tickin!

I just received a great question from Lauren about aortic valve replacement and robotic surgery.

Lauren writes, “Hi Adam - I’ve read about the use of the da Vinci robot for mitral valve repair. But, I’m curious to know if the robot is ever used for patients with other valve disorders. I have aortic stenosis, due to a bicuspid valve, and would like to have minimally invasive surgery. Any thoughts? Thanks, Lauren”

The da Vinci Surgical Robot

If Lauren would have sent me this question two weeks ago, my response would have been something like, “From what I know, the only clinical valvular use of the da Vinci Robot is for mitral repair.”

However, earlier this week, ATS Medical announced some very interesting news about robotic surgical approaches using a biological valve replacement, known as the ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis.

Continue reading this post »

Here’s a great recovery tip from Keith about using both hands after open heart surgery. Keith writes…

Hi Adam,

We have traded emails several times before. I have mainly asked you for contacts of other patients (like myself) who needed heart valve replacement following radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

I had my aortic valve replaced exactly one week ago now (with a bovine valve) at the Mercy Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. I came home after five nights and I’m surviving on just 4 paracetamol a day!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. Your experience, research and patient stories helped prepare me for the surgery and the recovery. So you know, I was really concerned about the day-to-day challenges during the early recovery.

Well, one week into recovery, I would like to echo your thoughts with my own recovery tip for your readers. Here it is, “DO EVERYTHING WITH BOTH HANDS TOGETHER.”

Whether you are opening the fridge door or flushing the toilet, use both hands and both fingers together. This will ensure that the movements within the sternum and rib cage are symmetrical. For me, when I tried to do something with just one arm, the whole rib cage became twisted. That is when I would experience pain.

I hope this helps! Thanks again for your heart valve surgery book and your blog.

As you say… Keep on tickin!

Keith Ebden
New Zealand

P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.

It’s always great to receive patient success stories from our readers around the world. This one comes from Paul Ash, who had heart valve replacement from Dr. Vaughn Starnes one year ago. Here is what Paul writes:

Hi Adam,

Thanks for all of the great advice and articles over the last eighteen months.

Today is my one year anniversary from the date of my aortic valve replacement done by Dr. Vaughn Starnes at USC Medical Center. It feels a lot more remote than just one year ago.

One year later, I have no physical limitations after heart surgery. My blood pressure is perfect and I’m back to to running and playing golf regularly. I am also back to my trial practice here in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Vaughn Starnes - Paul’s Surgeon

Thanks for all of the great advice. My wife, daughter and I all appreciate the articles, questions and answers. Congratulations on your son!

Best regards,
Paul Ash

P.S. Would you like to celebrate your surgeon? If so, please create your own surgeon profile at our Heart Valve Surgeon Database.