As a follow-up to our last conversation about aortic valve replacement re-operations, Brian just sent me an interesting question about replacement devices that require leaflet repair. Brian writes, “Hi Adam – My mitral valve was replaced 9 years ago. Unfortunately, after experiencing some symptoms, an echo showed that I need it fixed again due to [...]

Great news everybody! I just learned that Jeff Shebovsky, from Windermere, Florida, had a successful Ross Procedure yesterday. The double heart valve surgery was performed by Dr. Paul Stelzer at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Although Jeff was asymptomatic, a bicuspid aortic valve resulted in severe aortic stenosis. Jeff, Carol, Brooke, Erica & [...]

I just received an interesting question from Jon about the durability of heart valve replacement devices. He writes, “Adam – I know that the bulk of your patient questions are in regard to upcoming surgeries.  But, for those of us who have already had surgeries — like myself who had aortic valve replacement two years [...]

In case you missed it, Dr. Marc Gillinov and Dr. Steven Nissen were just on the Tavis Smiley show on PBS. It’s a great interview that addresses several issues specific to cardiac disease including prevention, lifestyle choices, healthcare reform, diet, exercise, medical advances, workplace incentives, myths and treatment. If you are interested to learn more [...]

When starting a post like this, I don’t really know what to say… Or, how to say it. That said, I am very sad and sorry to inform our community that Kelly Nugent passed away on Wednesday.  As Katrina, her cousin, shared with me, “Kelly fought a long, hard fight after experiencing multiple, post-operative complications [...]