Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog – Page 53
Surgeon Interview: Dr. Husam Balkhy Extends Robotic Surgery To Aortic Valve Replacement
By Adam Pick on July 7, 2010
This is an exciting time for the medical treatment of diseased heart valves. As demonstrated in prior blogs, unique technologies are rapidly evolving to correct heart valve disorders including stenotic aortic valves and regurgitant mitral valves. That said, conversations specific to minimally invasive heart valve procedures often stimulate exciting clinical and patient possibilities.
Dr. Husam Balkhy
On this note, I recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Husam Balkhy at the University of Chicago. As you may remember, Dr. Balkhy has been intimately involved in the adaptive use of the Da Vinci surgical robot for aortic valve replacement surgery.
If you are interested in learning more about the current and future use of robotics for aortic valve replacement, please read the interview notes provided below:
Rapid Growth Continues At Heart Valve Journals… Thanks To Trevor & Company!
By Adam Pick on July 7, 2010
If you have yet to visit our new social network, Heart Valve Journals, I would encourage you to stop by. Since launching this new community, thousands of patients and caregivers have used this online network to meet, support and stay in-touch with each other.
At 22 years of age, Trevor Nelson is one of the younger patients to benefit from the unique features of Heart Valve Journals. If you have some time, please click here to visit Trevor’s journal. As you will soon see, Trevor has posted 30+ journals, 10+ pictures, and received 150+ comments in his Guestbook.
Best of all, Trevor is doing very well one month after aortic valve surgery!!!
Keep on tickin’ Trevor!
Adam
Top 6 Questions About Dr. Roselli’s Internet Chat
By Adam Pick on July 6, 2010
My inbox is overflowing with great questions about Dr. Eric Roselli’s chat scheduled for today, Wednesday, July 7 at 2pm (EST). That said, I will use this blog to answer the six, most common questions about this special event:
QUESTION 1 – Can I still register for the event?
Answer: Yes, you can still register for the event. To sign-up for the event, simply click this link and follow the instructions.
QUESTION 2 – Is the online chat free? Or, do I need to pay?
Answer: The event is completely free for everybody.
“What Do Calcified Heart Valves Look Like?” Asks Tanya
By Adam Pick on July 6, 2010
I just received an interesting question from Tanya about calcified heart valve leaflets.
Tanya writes, “Dear Adam – I am hoping you can help me better understand my diagnosis of mitral stenosis. The doctor mentioned that I am moderate-to-severe and could be facing surgery soon. The cardiologist also said that my valve may be calcified. I’m curious…. Do you have any pictures of a calcified valve? Thanks! Tanya”
Calcified Mitral Valve
“Do You Have A Question About Aortic Valve Surgery?” Asks Adam
By Adam Pick on July 5, 2010
If you are preparing for or recovering from aortic valve surgery, here is a great way to get your questions answered from a surgical expert. This Wednesday, July 7 at 2pm (EST), Dr. Eric Roselli, one of The Cleveland Clinic’s leading heart surgeons, will answer your questions during a special online chat.
Registration for the chat: If you would like to participate in the free online chat this Wednesday with Dr. Roselli, simply click here to register!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Steve’s Top 7 Tips For Patients!
By Adam Pick on July 3, 2010
I just received this insightful email from Steve, who recently had heart valve surgery. I thought you might really enjoy it… So, here it is:
Steve Miller – Heart Valve Replacement Patient
Dear Adam – Congratulations on getting that article published in The Chicago Tribune! Also, thank you for writing such an informative and helpful book. I am a nine week recipient of a St. Jude’s mechanical aortic valve. It is working well and I am on my way to full recovery.
I would like to share the following tips, thoughts and ideas – many of which you previously mentioned – to stress their importance to fellow patients.
“What Is The Normal Size Of An Aortic Valve?” Asks Emma
By Adam Pick on July 2, 2010
I just received a question from Emma about the normal size of an aortic valve.
She writes, “Hi Adam, I’ve been diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis although I am asymptomatic. I believe I’m on the path to surgery as my echo shows a valve area of 0.9. I’m curious. What is the normal size of the aortic valve? Thanks for all you do! Emma”
Be Still My Beating Heart…
By Adam Pick on July 2, 2010
I am a huge fan of all types of music – from classic rock to jazz to country to opera to new age. I even play a few instruments including the guitar and bass.
On that note (pun intended), it was 1987 when I first listened to Sting’s second solo release, Nothing Like The Sun. On that cd, there was an incredibly soothing song that would eventually become one of my favorites. That song is “Be Still My Beating Heart”.
I’m not sure if you have similar musical tastes to mine. But, given the theme of this blog and its interesting lyrics, I figured it might be fun to share this calming song with you. Simply press the play button below and make sure the volume on your computer is on.
If you are curious, here are the lyrics:
“Be Still My Beating Heart”
Be still my beating heart
It would be better to be cool
It’s not time to be open just yet
A lesson once learned is so hard to forget
Be still my beating heart
Or I’ll be taken for a fool
It’s not healthy to run at this pace
The blood runs so red to my face
I’ve been to every single book I know
To soothe the thoughts that plague me so
I sink like a stone that’s been thrown in the ocean
My logic has drowned in a sea of emotion
Stop before you start
Be still my beating heart
Restore my broken dreams
Shattered like a falling glass
I’m not ready to be broken just yet
A lesson once learned is so hard to forget
Be still my beating heart
You must learn to stand your ground
It’s not healthy to run at this pace
The blood runs so red to my face
I’ve been to every single book I know
To soothe the thoughts that plague me so
Stop before you start
Be still my beating heart
Never to be wrong
Never to make promises that break
It’s like singing in the wind
Or writing on the surface of a lake
And I wriggle like a fish caught on dry land
And I struggle to avoid any help at hand
I sink like a stone that’s been thrown in the ocean
My logic has drowned in a sea of emotion
Stop before you start
Be still my beating heart
Have a great 4th of July weekend!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
You Are Helping Save Victor’s Life!!!
By Adam Pick on June 30, 2010
On March 31, we donated $5,000 to the Gift of Life charity to help children born with heart defects. The donation was raised thanks to (i) purchases of my book and (ii) sponsorships from surgeons, clinics and medical device manufacturers.
Today, I learned that our donation will help Victor Manuel Saravia, a 12-month old boy from El Salvador that is very ill. Here is a recent picture of Victor:
Thank You, Media Planet & The Chicago Tribune
By Adam Pick on June 30, 2010
As strange as this sounds… In today’s edition of The Chicago Tribune I find myself on the cover of an educational magazine titled “Cardiovascular Care”.
“When Can I Sleep On My Tummy After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Nicole
By Adam Pick on June 29, 2010
I just received an interesting question from Nicole about sleeping on your stomach after open heart surgery.
Nicole writes, “Adam – I had my mitral valve repaired 2 weeks ago. The surgeon used a sternotomy, so my chest is still sore. I’m a tummy sleeper, so I’m not sleeping well. How long until I can sleep on my stomach? Thanks! Nicole”
Registration Instructions: Dr. Roselli’s Live Internet Chat – Wednesday, July 7 At 2pm (EST)
By Adam Pick on June 28, 2010
Great news!
You can now register for Dr. Eric Roselli’s upcoming chat titled, “Aortic Valve & Aorta Surgery”, scheduled for Wednesday, July 7 at 2pm (EST).
This special, one-hour session, hosted by The Cleveland Clinic, will provide you with direct access to one of their leading heart surgeons.
If you would like to join this free online chat, you must register at The Cleveland Clinic website. Here are the actions needed to register. Please follow these step-by-step instructions. It’s a little bit tricky so you may want to print out these instructions.
“Will I Be Wearing Compression Stockings After Heart Surgery In The Intensive Care Unit?” Asks Dave
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: November 7, 2023
I just received a question from Dave about the use of compression stockings after heart surgery.
Dave writes, “Adam – The time is here. I’m going in for mitral valve repair (not replacement I hope) due to severe mitral regurgitation and an enlarged heart. Yesterday, I was at a barbecue when a friend told me that I should expect to be in annoying compression stockings after heart surgery – when I wake up in the intensive care unit (ICU). Is that true? Thanks, Dave”
Surgeon Interview: Dr. Jai Raman Discusses Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Treatment
By Adam Pick on June 26, 2010
Several weeks ago, I shared the touching story of William Luna’s high risk valve repair. Shortly thereafter, I received several emails about minimally-invasive procedures and Dr. Jai Raman — the surgeon who performed William’s procedure.
Given your interest in these topics, I contacted Dr. Jai Raman, Chief of Cardiac Surgery, at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Luckily, a few days later, I found myself chatting one-on-one with Dr. Raman. I thought you might like to read the highlights from our discussion:
Adam: Thanks so much for taking time to speak with me today. I’d like to ask you a couple questions about minimally invasive valve repair and replacement.
Dr. Jai Raman: Adam, it is good to talk to you and learn about the great service you provide to patients and caregivers.
“Should I Get A Teeth Cleaning Before Heart Surgery?” Asks Karen
By Adam Pick on June 25, 2010
I just received an interesting question from Karen about teeth cleaning before heart surgery.
Karen writes to me, “Adam – Next month, I’m going in for valve replacement due to a stenotic aortic valve. I’ve been watching my valve slowly deteriorate over the past 10 years, so I’ve had time to mentally and physically prepare for the procedure. Quick question… I’ve read that I should get a teeth cleaning before heart surgery. Is that true? Thanks for your all you do! Karen”
Friday Fun: Why Do Boys Need Their Parents?
By Adam Pick on June 25, 2010
As many of you know, I’m a newbie when it comes to parenting. As Ethan, my first child is 15 months old now, Robyn (my wife) and I are continuously learning about our new roles as “Mah-Mah” and “Dah-Dah” every day. Along the way, I think Ethan (shown below) may be learning a thing or two from us as well.
That said, when I received this email… I smiled, giggled, chuckled, and ultimately laughed out loud. I thought you might enjoy a few of these images, so here, without further ado is a pictorial collage entitled, “Why Do Boys Need Their Parents?”:
Dr. Eric Roselli’s Interactive Chat Scheduled For July 7!
By Adam Pick on June 23, 2010
I’m hoping this announcement will help those of you diagnosed with heart valve disorders including aortic valve stenosis and aortic valve regurgitation.
On Wednesday, July 7, 2010, Dr. Eric Roselli, M.D., of the Cleveland Clinic, is going to host an exclusive chat titled, “Aortic Valve & Aorta Surgery”, with our patient and caregiver community at 2pm (EST).
Dr. Marc Gillinov Gets 12 Thumbs And 2 Paws Up!
By Adam Pick on June 17, 2010
Over the past few months, Dr. A. Marc Gillinov, a leading heart surgeon from The Cleveland Clinic, has been incredibly supportive of our patients and caregivers. Not only did Dr. Gillinov host an exclusive Internet chat with our community, but he quickly responds to many of your questions that I forward to him.
Don Spencer with Dr. A. Marc Gillinov
Recovery Update: Barbara Walters Is “Feeling Great”, Walking Around New York City
By Adam Pick on June 17, 2010
As many of you know, Barbara Walters had heart valve surgery in May due to severe aortic stenosis.
Like many patients, Barbara has been rather private about her recovery and the details of her aortic valve replacement surgery. While I continue to receive patient emails requesting her surgeon’s name and valve replacement choice (tissue, mechanical or homograft), I often reply with, “Sorry, I don’t have anything new to share since my last update.”
Kato Pomer, 92, Has A New Lease On Life Thanks To… The MitraClip
By Adam Pick on June 3, 2010
At 92, Kato Pomer recently became one of the oldest, highest-risk patients to receive the MitraClip, a new minimally invasive treatment for severe mitral regurgitation, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Kato Pomer, 92, Mitral Valve Repair Patient
Recently, I was fortunate to meet and interview the psychiatrist, the teacher and the artist at her home in Los Angeles, California. Considering the widespread interest in the MitraClip and Kato’s unique story, I thought you might like to review the highlights of my interview with her.
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