[Update: Everybody, Thanks for your quick response! I now have more than enough volunteers to help with the beta launch! Cheers! Adam] 
After several months of planning, I’m finally getting ready to launch a brand new, online application designed exclusively for heart valve surgery patients and caregivers around the world.
My hope is that this free program will help folks like YOU [...]

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Karen just sent me an excellent question about breast support after open heart surgery.
She writes, “Adam - Okay, so I’m going in for heart valve surgery due to severe mitral regurgitation next week. Ummm. I know you didn’t have any issues with this. But, can your female readers help me better understand bra use after [...]

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I just received a question about the Ross Procedure for aortic valve replacement from Evelyn.
She writes, “Adam - The stenosis in my aortic valve is getting worse and I’m starting to feel the symptoms. My valve has been upgraded to severe stenosis from moderate status and it looks like surgery is in my future. I’m [...]

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One of the critcal learnings from my heart valve surgery experience was:
The patient (or their caregiver) must, at times, be tenacious. We must, at times, ask questions that may or may not be silly. We must, at times, stand up for ourselves and our hearts. Ultimately… we must, at all times, be our own, best advocate.
I am reminded [...]

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Since my heart valve surgery, I have been fascinated by the strategic, corporate acquisitions of leading device manufacturers in this industry.
In fact, I began writing about the ongoing consolidation of heart valve manufacturers years ago. As of late, the “urge-to-merge” has really focused on the minimally invasive technologies for both heart valve repair and heart [...]

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I guess on a day like today, I use humor as a coping mechanism.
That said, laughter is the best medicine… So, here is some pretty good medicine!
These excerpts are taken from a book called Disorder In The American Courts. Attorneys and their witnesses actually said these exact words in court - believe it or not:

ATTORNEY: [...]

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Waking up today is never easy.
When I see the September 11 on my clock, I know I need to stop and think.
I also need to… remember.
Specifically, I remember Scott Weingard, my friend and fraternity brother. Among all the goodness in Scotty, he had an infectious laugh (more like a giggle) and positive outlook on everything. [...]

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Dr. Vince Gaudiani has provided us with several insightful videos in the past. As you might recall, we recently featured Dr. Gaudiani’s two-part video series about heart valve surgery. Given Dr. Gaudiani’s 25-year career as a cardiac surgeon, this video was applauded by our patient and caregiver community.
Yesterday, I learned from Dr. Gaudiani that he [...]

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I just received a very interesting question from Rick about dizziness after heart valve surgery.
Rick writes, “Adam - On August 7, 2009, I had mitral valve repair surgery. Two weeks after surgery I am home and walking four times per day around our neighborhood. Everything feels good except when I first stand up from a [...]

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Okay. It’s time for some good ole’ heart valve trivia.
The question is, “How many people are diagnosed with heart valve disease each year in the United States?”
a. 300,000 people
b. 500,000 people
c. 3,000,000 people
d. 5,000,000 people
e. 30,000,000 people
To see the answer, scroll below the picture of the diseased mitral valve leaflets:

According to a recent, population-based study, [...]

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