Aortic Valve Replacement Blog
By Adam Pick
Doctor Q&A: What Are The Future Advances In Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?
Written By: Allison DeMajistre, BSN, RN, CCRN
Medical Expert: Brent New, MD, Chief of Cardiac Surgery, Methodist Healthcare
Reviewed By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: September 19, 2024
In a little over a decade, the utility of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for the minimally-invasive treatment of severe aortic stenosis has exploded. The number of TAVR therapies has soared from 4,600 in 2012 to over 100,000 cases in 2023, according to reports.
Stroke Risk & TAVR: What Should You Know in 2024?
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: July 31, 2024
With the increasing usage of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat patients with aortic stenosis, we wanted to learn more about the stroke risk associated with this minimally-invasive technique that does not require an incision to the patient’s chest or ribs. Stroke complications have been cited as the “Achilles heel” of TAVR.
Doctor Q&A: What Should Patients Know About TAVR?
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: July 10, 2024
Hey everybody!
Clinical Trial Alert: New Medtronic Evolut Low-Risk TAVR Findings!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author and Website Founder
Published: May 29, 2024
Big News!
Research Alert: New 5-Year Safety Outcomes for On-X Mechanical Aortic Valve at Low INR
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: May 16, 2024
At the recent American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) meeting, Dr. Marc Gerdisch presented new findings for the long-term safety of the On-X mechanical aortic valve at a low International Normalized Ratio (INR). INR is a standardized method to assess the degree of anticoagulation in the blood. This is critical for patients who receive mechanical valve replacements as they require lifelong anticoagulation (e.g. use of blood thinners) to prevent clotting which could lead to a stroke.
“Can I Get TAVR If I Already Had A Stroke?” asks Joel
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Medical Expert: Marc Gerdisch, MD, Chief of Cardiac Surgery, Franciscan Health
Published: November 16, 2023
In our ongoing discussion about stroke risk associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), I just received a great question from Joel. In his email, Joel writes, “Hi Adam, I have had aortic stenosis for about 3 years. My cardiologist sent me to see a surgeon last week. I also had a stroke about 3 years ago in addition to a heart attack about 30 years ago. I watched a video of yours with Dr. Marc Gerdisch about stroke risk. My question is, ‘Am I a good TAVR candidate being that I already had a stroke?’”
Research Alert: The Ozaki Procedure for Aortic Valve Patients
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: June 18, 2023
I just received a great question from Paige about the Ozaki Procedure. Paige asked me, “Hi, Adam. I’m 29-years-old and I have a bicuspid aortic valve. I also have an aneurysm. I’m thinking about starting a family in the next few years. After meeting with three different cardiac surgeons, I was offered a newer technique as an alternative to a tissue or mechanical valve. That technique is the Ozaki Procedure. What is the latest update about this procedure?”
Medical Advances: The Y-Incision Annular Enlargement Procedure
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: June 7, 2023
Patients needing an aortic valve replacement due to stenosis, regurgitation and/or a bicuspid aortic valve might be shocked to learn new research that heart valve replacement devices may not be properly sizes when implanted during surgery. As a result, the patient may not get the full benefit of a properly sized heart valve and the patient may need an accelerated reoperation due to device failure.
Surgeon Insights: Advanced Surgical Techniques for Aortic Valve Reoperations with Dr. Roselli
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Medical Expert: Eric Roselli, MD, Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Cleveland Clinic
Published: May 18, 2023
The idea of a “one-and-done” operation to fix heart valve disease is beyond attractive. However, the reality is that many patients with valvular defects may need two or more operations throughout their lifetime. For that reason, it is critical that patients and their medical teams establish a long-term plan for the management of valvular diseases including aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation.
“Advances in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement” Webinar Now Available!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Medical Experts: Howard Herrmann, MD, and Robert Li, MD from Penn Medicine
Published: February 8, 2023
Great news! Our live patient webinar, “Advances in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)”, was downright amazing with over 300 patients connected in real-time!
Artivion Stops PROACT Xa Clinical Trial Evaluating On-X Mechanical Valve With Apixaban
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: November 29, 2022
Artivion has stopped the PROACT Xa Clinical Trial evaluating the safety-and-effectiveness of the On-X mechanical valve with apixaban as a blood thinner to prevent clotting. The PROACT Xa clinical trial was designed to evaluate whether patients could safely receive an On-X mechanical valve without the lifelong monitoring requirements of warfain, the only approved blood thinner for mechanical valves.
“What About Unicuspid Aortic Valves?” asks Leslie
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: September 20, 2022
I just received several interesting questions from Leslie about unicuspid aortic valves. She emailed me, “Hi Adam – What can you tell me about unicuspid aortic valves? How are they treated? Are they genetic? If so, should I have my family screened?”
Email Bag: “What About Stroke Risk, TAVR and Age?” asks Jeff
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: August 16, 2022
As a follow-up to our recent post about stroke risk, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and cerebral protection, I just received an interesting question from Jeff.
TAVR & Stroke Risk: Top 5 Facts for Patients
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: August 11, 2022
Patient interest in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains incredibly high for people with aortic stenosis. As you may know, TAVR does not require an incision to the patient’s chest or ribs. In addition, patients do not go on the heart-lung machine and some patients are in the hospital for just one day.
Heart Warrior Spotlight: Sonny Gets Outpatient Valve Replacement Reoperation!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: October 14, 2021
It’s one thing to be told you need heart valve surgery.
Patient Webinar: Surgical vs. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: June 28, 2021
TAVR Innovation: Navitor Gets CE Mark Approval in Europe
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: June 11, 2021
The use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices for the treatment of aortic stenosis has soared in recent years.
Ari & Dr. Roselli Form Special Heart Valve Surgery Bond!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Medical Expert: Eric Roselli, MD, Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Cleveland Clinic
Published: April 23, 2021
I am beyond happy to share that Ari Mintzer, 46, just had a successful aortic valve re-operation at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday. So you know, Ari needed a “re-do” because his 14-year old tissue valve was failing from aortic stenosis and regurgitation.
Is That Really Jeff’s Bicuspid Aortic Valve?
By Adam Pick on December 14, 2020
I don’t know about you… But, when I was first diagnosed with severe heart valve disease, I had no idea what a heart valve looked like. I really didn’t even know what my heart valves did. All I knew was that I was diagnosed with a heart murmur when I was five years old. That’s about it.
Amazing! Jerome Flashes a Heart-Felt “Thumbs-Up” From the ICU!
By Adam Pick on October 7, 2020
How far will the wonderful patients in our community go to inspire one another?
