Glen's Guestbook

Hi Glen, My husband had a minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery done at a center if excellence (severe regurgitation, anterior leaflet, at the A2-A3 leaflets, 2 broken chordae and 2 stretched chordae replaced with Goretex chords). The severe leak returned 9 months later, appears to be a new broken chord, but we (and doctors/surgeons) cannot say for sure what caused the valve to leak again. So a re-do surgery is likely for him sometime in the future, which would likely be more difficult due to scar tissue. It is much better to get the surgery pre-planned as carefully as possible. If we were to do this again, we would probably try to get a 3D TEE done, which provides the best imaging of the leak before the surgery.

My AVR happened a month after we had hoped. Just know that all the preliminary tests etc. will help the surgeon know and plan exactly for your procedure. Good luck!!

Glen my wife and I both had valve surgery at Mayo. I had to wait 5 months for my appt after my wife had aortic valve replacement. It was frustrating but the wait was worth it. we have nothing but good to say about Mayo.Still some nerves involved. To make things easier I would recommend Hotel Aspen across the street from st Marys That way not problem with parking which can be a hassle. Good luck you are in good hands.

Dear Glen, I wish you the best at your evaluation at Mayo. From everything I've heard you'll receive top notch care at Mayo. It's great that your valve problem was discovered now so you're able to find a great surgical team. They will fix it for you. You seem to have taken great care of yourself throughout all the years of monitoring your heart. Keep doing that and you'll enjoy a smooth recovery. You'll feel better with each passing day and week. Best wishes, Patty