Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog – Page 53
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.
“Can A Tricuspid Valve Be Repaired?” Asks Eva
By Adam Pick on May 30, 2010
I just received a question about tricuspid valve surgery from Eva. She writes, “Adam – Can tricuspid valves be as easily repaired as mitral valves?”
To help answer Eva’s question, I just found a great video.
Medical Tourism Update: Ros Travels To India For Mitral Valve Repair
By Adam Pick on May 27, 2010
In a very short time, Heart Valve Journals has become an online epicenter of patient-to-patient communication specific to heart valve surgery. Using this free Internet tool, patients can share their experiences while engaging in meaningful discussions with other patients around the world.
Ros Hernmarck – Mitral Valve Repair Patient
Now Shipping Paperbacks Internationally!
By Adam Pick on May 27, 2010
Over the years, I have received many patient and caregiver requests for paperback copies of my book from countries including Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Finland, Germany, Japan, Chile, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand and more.
Paperback Copies Go Global!
Unfortunately, I faced a few technical and shipping challenges finding an affordable way to send the book to other countries. For that reason, I have traditionally offered international readers an eBook version of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery.
However, that officially changed today!
Thanks to Andy, my programmer, and the United States Postal Service, my book can be sent to over 150 countries using an automated payment and mailing service. All international packages will be sent using Global Priority Mail and should reach most countries within 4-8 days.
If you have any interest in reading a paperback copy of the book, please click here to order your copy. A few books just went out to Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and Kenya.
I hope this helps all the international patients and caregivers out there!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
“Are You On The Heart-Lung Machine Longer During Robotic Valve Surgery?” Asks Nina
By Adam Pick on May 13, 2010
I just received a very interesting question from Nina about robotic heart valve repair and the heart-lung machine (also known as the “pump”).
Heart-Lung Machine Diagram
Barbara Walters Recovering From Heart Valve Replacement Surgery (Updated)
By Adam Pick on May 10, 2010
In case you missed the Monday edition of “The View”, it was announced that Barbara Walters will be having heart valve replacement surgery sometime this week.
Although Walters knew of her upcoming heart valve surgery for sometime, her co-hosts on The View (Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Joy Behar and Sherri Shephard) received the news Monday morning — shortly before viewers did.
“What Does Mitral Stenosis Look Like?” Asks Ted
By Adam Pick on May 10, 2010
Ted just sent me a very appropriate question about mitral valve stenosis.
He writes, “Adam – I’ll be going in for mitral valve surgery due to stenosis next month. I’m doing my best to cope with the reality of open heart surgery. Quick question… Do you know what mitral valve stenosis looks like? Thanks for everything, Ted”
Mitral Valve Stenosis – Calcified Leaflets
“Happy Mother’s Day!” Wishes From Ethan
By Adam Pick on May 9, 2010
Ethan, my one-year old son, wants to say “Happy Mother’s Day!” to all the moms and grandmas!!!
Robyn, my wife, and I also want to wish the moms a very special day. 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day!
Ethan, Robyn and Adam
Video Reminder To… Embrace Life
By Adam Pick on May 8, 2010
Sam Swerdlow, a recent aortic valve replacement patient from Oregon, just sent me this incredibly innovative and thoughtful video. I hope you enjoy it and remember to… embrace life.
[video64]h-8PBx7isoM[/video64]
Have a great weekend!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Teddy Bears For Open Heart Surgery Patients?
By Adam Pick on May 8, 2010
I was just surfing the Internet when I came across a furry teddy bear designed for… Yes, you guessed it…. Recovering open heart surgery patients.
After rubbing my eyes (and shaking my head a bit), I then noticed the teddy bear had a little zipper on his chest that opened to reveal a stitched heart.
On one hand, I thought, “Seriously? That can’t be real.” Then, when I noticed the price tag, I knew for sure this fluffy creature was definitely very real.
It turns out that the Mended Heart Bear is part of a line of get-well bears from Bummer Bears. This company makes teddy bears for patients recovering from broken bones, appendix removals and heart surgery.
What will they think of next?
Keep on tickin!
Adam
“How Long Were You In Cardiac Depression?” Asks Mark
By Adam Pick on May 6, 2010
I just received a great question from Mark that relates to cardiac depression after heart valve surgery.
Mark writes, “Adam – Thanks for your book and website. It’s pretty amazing what you have done for so many patients who need heart valve surgery. As for my question, I am nine weeks post-surgery. I feel like my mental health is declining due to the operation (and other family issues). I’m having more bad days than good days. I’m curious… How long were you in cardiac depression? Thanks, Mark”
Interactive Heart Valve Anatomy Tool At MyHeartValveChoice.com
By Adam Pick on May 4, 2010
In response to our recent discussions about the progression of heart valve stenosis and rheumatic heart valve disease, I have received several emails about the anatomy of the heart and the anatomy of our heart valves. Most of these inquiries have come from patients recently diagnosed with some form of severe valvular disorder.
Interactive Heart Anatomy Tool
To help those patients (and perhaps you) learn more about human heart anatomy, you may want to visit www.MyHeartValveChoice.com. This website, which officially launched last week, contains an interactive section that describes heart anatomy and helps answer three key questions for patients and caregivers:
Bob Uecker, 75, Recovering From Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 4, 2010
In 2009, the global news wires were filled with stories about public figures undergoing heart valve surgery. As you might recall, Robin Williams, Barbara Bush, Ed Koch, Elizabeth Taylor and many other well-known people had heart valve repair or heart valve replacement surgery last year.
Bob Uecker – Heart Valve Surgery Patient
“Is Rheumatic Heart Valve Disease Common?” Asks Frank
By Adam Pick on May 2, 2010
I just received an interesting question from Frank about rheumatic heart disease and heart valve surgery.
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Doolabh is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern who specializes in minimally-invasive heart valve surgery.
Heart Hospital Map
Search for heart hospitals that specialize in heart valve treatment.
