Aneurysms Blog
By Adam Pick
“Can Dacron Grafts Calcify After Aortic Valve & Aneurysm Surgery?” asks Nikki
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: January 19, 2023
I just received several great questions form Nikki about the Dacron grafts that may be used during heart valve surgery to replace a life-threatening aortic aneurysm. Nikki asked me, “Hi, Adam. My son had a bicuspid aortic valve repair and an aneurysm repair with a Dacron graft. Will this graft last forever or does it eventually calcify? Will he eventually require another operation during his lifetime?”
Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement vs. Bentall Procedure: What Should Patients Know?
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: August 23, 2022
Patients with leaking aortic valves and aortic aneurysms are often confused about the treatment options available to them. To learn more about the different therapies available to these patients, we were very fortunate to film a “Surgeon Roundtable” with Dr. Eric Roselli and Dr. Marijan Koprivanac of the Cleveland Clinic. In this video, Drs. Roselli and Koprivanac, two leading cardiac surgeons who specialize in aortic valve surgery, share valuable insights specific to Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement and the Bentall Procedure.
Dilated Aortic Root Progression: A Concern for Desmond?
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: August 18, 2022
I recently jumped on a Zoom with Desmond, a 33-year-old patient from Ireland who was just diagnosed with a dilated aortic root. Given the life-threatening concerns of aortic aneurysms, Desmond had several important questions. One of those questions was, “Will my dilated aortic root progress to need surgery?”
No More “Walking Time Bomb” for Tom After Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement
By Adam Pick on July 12, 2019
Being diagnosed with severe heart disease can be incredibly dislocating for patients, their family and friends. That dislocation is often amplified when the diagnosis is unexpected and the patient is asymptomatic.
“Will Exercise & Heart Valve Surgery Cause My Aorta To Grow?” asks Joseph
By Adam Pick on March 29, 2018
Aortic aneurysms can be life-threatening. You might recall that an aortic aneurysm pre-maturely claimed the life of John Ritter, one of my favorite comedians best known for his portrayal of Jack Tripper on Three’s Company.
Surgeon Q&A: Top 6 Facts About Aortic Aneurysms & Heart Valve Disease
By Adam Pick on September 28, 2017
Many patients diagnosed with heart valve disease can also struggle with other disorders including atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease. Another co-morbid disease that can have a sudden and fatal impact on heart valve patients is an aortic aneurysm. You might recall that an aortic aneurysm pre-maturely took the life of John Ritter, one of my favorite comedians best known for his portrayal of Jack Tripper on Three’s Company.
Surgeon Q&A: “Is It Common for Heart Valve Patients to Need an Aortic Aneurysm Fix?” asks Patty
By Adam Pick on August 18, 2015
I just received great questions from Patty about heart valve disease and aortic aneurysms. In her email, Patty writes, “Is it common for patients with heart valve problems to also need a fix for an aortic aneurysm as well? If so, why? Also, what is the best treatment for patients needing valve and aneurysm surgery?”
“If My Aortic Aneurysm Needs Fixing, Can You Save My Aortic Valve?” asks Ishmael
By Adam Pick on April 9, 2015
Many patients with valvular issues — especially bicuspid aortic valves — also have ascending aortic aneurysms.
“Will An Enlarged Aorta Return to Normal Size After Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement?” Asks Mary
By Adam Pick on August 4, 2014
I just received several excellent questions from Mary about bicuspid aortic valve replacement, aorta size and heart valve replacement devices. In her email, Mary writes, “Hi Adam – I want to know whether an enlarged aorta returns to normal after bicuspid valve replacement. Also do you have an opinion as to which is better, bovine or mechanical valve. Thank you.”
Free eBook: Download “Advances in Aortic Valve & Aneurysm Surgery” by Dr. Allan Stewart & Me
By Adam Pick on July 18, 2014
Great news!!!
Surgeon Q&A: Understanding Aortic Aneurysms & Valve Disease (including Bicuspid Aortic Valves) with Dr. Eric Roselli
By Adam Pick on April 28, 2013
As we learned in the recent video about atrial fibrillation, other cardiac disorders can accompany a heart valve disease diagnosis. For example, many patients in our community were also diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm.
“Can Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery Occur With An Aneurysm Of The Ascending Aorta?” By Dr. Richard J. Shemin
By Adam Pick on February 2, 2011
I am very excited to introduce the first of several “Surgeon Video Blogs” that were filmed at the 47th annual Society of Thoracic Surgeons meeting earlier this week.
After “Waiting Too Long”, David Has Heart Valve Surgery Before Aneurysm Ruptures
By Adam Pick on November 23, 2009
Here is some great patient advice from David about (i) treating heart valve disorders in a timely fashion and (ii) being your own, best patient advocate. David wrote to me:
Mike’s Aneurysm and Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery – A Weekly Synopsis
By Adam Pick on February 10, 2009
Mike just had open heart surgery to correct an aneurysm and leaky heart valve. I thought you might enjoy reading about Mike’s positive outcome and his incredibly positive attitude. Here is what Mike wrote to me:
Aortic Root And Aortic Valve Replacement – Taylor Shares Lots Of Good Information
By Adam Pick on January 24, 2008
This is just great.
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Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Doolabh is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern who specializes in minimally-invasive heart valve surgery.
