There is nothing better than hearing from one of my readers AFTER their open-heart surgery recovery is complete.
Recently, I received a very nice note from Melissa Causey. As you might remember, Melissa had a Ross Procedure (aortic valve replacement) in 2006 by Dr. William Ryan in Texas. She attached a recent picture that I have [...]

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The medical advances in heart valve disease research result in clinical highs and clinical lows. Unfortunately, this was one of the lows, as reported yesterday…
According to the Associated Press, Schering-Plough Corp. and Merck & Co.’s cholesterol drug Vytorin doesn’t lower the risk of major heart valve problems (specifically aortic valve stenosis) and the need for [...]

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For most patients, open heart surgery recovery is filled with pain.
While the pain levels vary, the location of the pain can also vary. In the past week, I received emails from patients complaining about pain in their shoulders, arms, legs, and, of course, the chest.

Last night, I received an email from Fazilat about her collarbone. [...]

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As many of you know, I like to search the Internet for the latest research specific to heart valve surgery and heart valve disease.
I just learned some really interesting facts about the frequency of patient diagnosis of aortic valve stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves) for people over the age of 65:

Approximately two percent (2%) [...]

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The push to stem cell research continues. It appears that heart valves are definitely on the agenda for stem cell experimentation, according to iWire. A recent report suggest that Australian scientist Yosry Morsi is ready to use tissue engineering to grow valves and tissues.

Morsi says it is likely that the process he is now developing [...]

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