I just received a great question from Taylor about heart valve replacement and heart valve repair options. Specifically, Taylor is curious to learn more about the Port Access System for the surgical treatment of aortic stenosis.
Taylor writes, “Hi Adam - I’m 62 years old and my cardiologist thinks I need heart valve replacement surgery due [...]
Heart Valve Replacement
Heart Valve Replacement News and Info
Archive for October, 2009
“Boo!!!” Says Ethan, The Scary Spider
Posted in October 31st, 2009
by Adam Pick in About Adam Pick
I was walking up to my house earlier today… When this super, scary spider tried to attack me!!!
Instead of biting me, the spider started kissing and hugging me. Then, I realized it wasn’t a spider at all. It was Ethan, my six-month old son, enjoying his first Halloween.
Happy Halloween Everybody!!!
Ethan, Robyn and Adam
P.S. [...]
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Video: More Applause For Cardiac Rehab!
Posted in October 29th, 2009
I really, really, really encourage patients to attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after heart valve surgery.
As I personally learned during my early recovery, cardiac rehab can greatly enhance the physical and mental well-being of patients while minimizing post-operative issues like cardiac depression.
New medical studies and patient stories (e.g. Charles Harrall) continue to illustrate [...]
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“Are Flu Shots and Swine Flu Vaccines Safe After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Jackie
Posted in October 28th, 2009
by Adam Pick in Post-Operative Care
Considering the recent Swine Flu outbreak, I’ve received several emails about flu shots and heart valve surgery.
I just opened a note from Jackie that reads, “Hi Adam - I recently had mitral valve replacement with a pig valve due to severe regurgitation. I’m curious to know if there is any reason I should not [...]
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At 85, After Tissue Valve Replacement And Pacemaker Implant, Connie Keeps On Walking!
Posted in October 23rd, 2009
I just received a great patient story from Connie Batich. Considering that Connie’s note touches on so many elements of heart valve surgery - diagnosis, symptoms, second opinions, angiograms, vent tubes, a-fib, recovery - I thought you might appreciate reading about her experience. Here is what Connie wrote to me:
Adam,
We both had heart valve surgery. [...]
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“Metallic Taste After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Robin
Posted in October 23rd, 2009
by Adam Pick in Post-Operative Care
I just received a set of emails from Robin about a metallic taste in her mouth after heart valve surgery. So you know, Robin is not the only patient to send me questions about this strange, surgical after taste.
In his first email, Robin writes, “Ever since my aortic valve replacement surgery I have had a [...]
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Edwards SAPIEN Valve Provides A Boost To Patients & Profits
Posted in October 23rd, 2009
Edwards Lifesciences, the world’s largest heart valve replacement manufacturer, continued to impress industrial and financial analysts after it reported another great earnings report earlier this week.
The company, based in Irvine, California, saw its profits more than double thanks to rising sales of replacement heart valves - including its new valve, known as the Edwards SAPIEN [...]
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Friday Fun: Transforming Subway Stairs Into A Piano In Stockholm?
Posted in October 23rd, 2009
by Adam Pick in Announcements
Happy Friday!
I’ve been lucky to spend time in Stockholm - mostly for work. In the summer, it is absolutely beautiful. In the winter…. Burrrrrrrrrrrr… It’s mighty cold and dark.
Unfortunately, I missed this “fun experiment” on their public transit system. I hope you enjoy what happens when The Fun Theory plays around with the stairs of [...]
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Adam Says, “Thank You! New Website Features Almost Here!”
Posted in October 22nd, 2009
by Adam Pick in Announcements
Hey everybody,
When I launched this website years ago, I had two fundamental goals:
My first goal was to educate patients and caregivers about the realities of heart valve surgery.
My second goal was to empower you to make the right choices given your diagnosis and prognosis.
Over time, these goals have turned into one of my life passions. [...]
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“Bleeding Gums, Coumadin & A-Fib After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Laura
Posted in October 22nd, 2009
by Adam Pick in Post-Operative Care
Given the recent post about endocarditis, swine flu and heart valves, I’ve received several emails about these topics. Laura just sent me an interesting question asking for your help about dental cleanings, gum bleeding and atrial fibrilation.
Laura writes, “Hi Adam, I had double valve replacement surgery a little over a year ago and have been [...]
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