About Me (In My Own Words)
Thankfully for a very astute primary care physician 30+ years ago, who detected a murmur, I have been under the constant and watchful eye of a local cardiologist in Traverse City Michigan. I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve and a slightly enlarged aorta. As the years progressed, the aorta went to 47mm, but more concerning was from my last echo that showed I had entered the realm of "severe" aortic stenosis. I always thought that the aneurysm was going to drive my surgical procedure but it turns out that it was the bicuspid valve that finally made the call. This was in October 2024. I consulted with a well-known local cardiologist in Traverse City who unfortunately was retiring. I was also given the name of a cardiothoracic surgeon down in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan who my wife and I visited and we were very impressed with his demeanor and certainly his reputation. I am 61 years old and in January will be going to Ann Arbor to have the Ross Procedure performed by Dr Shinichi Fukuhara. This appealed to me for a few reasons first of all I would want a tissue valve at the least.
My age certainly makes it feasible that I would have to have a tavr or valve done at some point in time in the future if I went with the tissue valve. The Ross Procedure basically is utilizing a lot of my hearts own original equipment along with some donor tissue. Therefore, virtually eliminating the need for me to have another valve replacement at some point in time in the future. Of course the Ross Procedure will be a game day decision but I'm hoping that we're able to go with plan A. If not I will get a tissue valve and move on down the road of life!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Williamsburg, MI
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My surgery date is:
January 21, 2025
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Ross Procedure
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