As many of you know, I started this website to educate, inspire and empower patients with heart valve disorders including mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis, etc.
Three years later… It turns out that I am the one who is inspired by the patient stories of Randy, Sylvia, Patricia, Anita, Robin, Charles, John, Leslie, Steve, Jonathan, Mavis and [...]
Heart Valve Replacement
Heart Valve Replacement News and Info
Archive for July, 2009
Medtronic’s Melody Heart Valve Replacement Technology Gets FDA Support
Posted in July 25th, 2009
As we have discussed, the competitive market for minimally invasive heart valve replacements and heart valve repair continues to heat up.
Earlier this week, we learned more about Edwards’ SAPIEN technology. Then came this interesting story about Medtronic and its Melody transcatheter pulmonary heart valve replacement solution. Did you see this?
The Associated Press reported that federal [...]
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“What Are Coumadin’s Side Effects?” Asks Elissa
Posted in July 23rd, 2009
by Adam Pick in Post-Operative Care
Elissa was recently diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation due to mitral valve prolapse.
In an email to me, Elissa writes, “Hi Adam - I’m going through the challenging process of picking a mechanical or tissue valve in case my valve can not be repaired. I know I’ll have to use Coumadin for the rest of my life [...]
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Joke Blog: The Dumbest Kid In The World?
Posted in July 23rd, 2009
by Adam Pick in Announcements
As laughter is the best medicine, I thought you might enjoy this. Not sure it is really a joke though… More like a wonderful life lesson. (In particular, I think some Wall Street hedge fund managers, derivatives traders and mortgage loan officers could have learned something from this kid!)
A young boy enters a barber shop [...]
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Edwards Lifesciences Bullish On SAPIEN Valve Replacement (Video)
Posted in July 23rd, 2009
Since my own heart valve surgery, writing my book and launching this website, I have developed a huuuuuuuge interest in companies that develop, market and sell heart valve devices and medical equipment.
Ultimately, I believe their actions and announcements illustrate the surgical trends which directly impact patients with heart valve disease. So, for this reason, I [...]
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“Open Heart Surgery And Hair Loss?” Asks Tim
Posted in July 23rd, 2009
by Adam Pick in Post-Operative Care
I just received a very interesting question about hair loss and heart surgery from Tim.
He writes, “Dear Adam - I had an aortic valve replacement and an aneurysm repair procedure done in February, 2009. Your book really helped me prepare for my surgery! Anyways, the operation and recovery went very well but now I seem [...]
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Two Great Questions About The Ross Procedure… From Duane
Posted in July 20th, 2009
I give A LOT of credit to patients and caregivers that really, really, really, really do their homework prior to heart valve replacement or heart valve repair surgery. I can immediately tell from the questions you ask me just how diligent you’re being at each phase of the surgical process.
Case in point… Duane Schlosser (55 [...]
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Update: 10 More FREE Incision Shields
Posted in July 20th, 2009
by Adam Pick in Announcements
Yesterday, I posted a blog offering 10 free Incision Shields to those patients preparing for open heart surgery due to heart valve disease. As you might recall, the complimentary Incision Shields were to be given away on a first-come, first serve basis.
When I checked my inbox this morning, it was flooded with patient and caregiver [...]
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Cordarone Before Heart Valve Surgery… Can You Help Bedora?
Posted in July 20th, 2009
Bedora just sent me an interesting question about the use of Cordarone before heart surgery. If you are unfamiliar with Cordarone, this drug is used as an anti-arrhythmic. It works by stabilizing the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or in an irregular rhythm.
In her note, Bedora requests patient [...]
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10 More FREE Incision Shields!!!
Posted in July 19th, 2009
[UPDATE: Please note this blog has been updated. To view the update, please click here.]
Great news everybody!!!
The owner of the Incision Shield, Scott Joy, just offered me 10 FREE Incision Shields to give out to patients preparing for open heart surgery due to heart valve disease (e.g. severe aortic stenosis, mitral valve prolapse).
If you [...]
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