Kathy Kahsar - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

445 days ago

I have bicuspid aortic stenosis which has moved into the moderate category. I live in Cincinnati and have a great cardiologist. We have not discussed surgeons ...Read more

I have bicuspid aortic stenosis which has moved into the moderate category. I live in Cincinnati and have a great cardiologist. We have not discussed surgeons at this point and doing my own research at the hospital I will use (Christ, if I choose a Dr here in Cincinnati), I was wondering if there is anyone from my area that has had this surgery and gone to Christ Hospital and what surgeon, experience, etc.was? My next choice would be Cleveland Clinic. Same questions and any recommendations for surgeons who are very proficient in this surgery.
Thanks for any input.

Grace Mason Hi Kathy!
We are neighbors and if you go to Christ Hospital you will want to talk with Dr Geoffrey ... Read more

Grace Mason Hi Kathy!
We are neighbors and if you go to Christ Hospital you will want to talk with Dr Geoffrey Answini. He's an excellent surgeon and he is very kind.
I opted to go to Mt Sinai in NYC because Dr El-Hamamsy had performed more than twice as many Ross procedures as Dr Answini and I decided that was what I wanted if my valve was not repairable (it wasn't)
I also met with Dr Roselli at CC and he is a top surgeon at CC.

Kathy Kahsar Hi Grace! Thanks for info. I saw his name on Christ website. I was in mild stenosis for many years so ... Read more

Kathy Kahsar Hi Grace! Thanks for info. I saw his name on Christ website. I was in mild stenosis for many years so just starting the process of really trying to research in depth. I’m fairly sure mine is going to be replaced and don’t know what procedure. Of course hoping to be able to have the best and least invasive surgery. We shall see! I seem to be asymptomatic and don’t see cardiologist until June when another echo will be performed. My Cardiologist is Joel Forman. Are you familiar with him. I live in Anderson Township and use Christ Outpatient Center in my area.

Grace Mason I was followed for 20+ years for an ascending aortic aneurysm and regurgitation of my aortic valve. L ... Read more

Grace Mason I was followed for 20+ years for an ascending aortic aneurysm and regurgitation of my aortic valve. Like you I had no symptoms so I was avoiding surgery, even seeking second opinions to find a surgeon that said I could continue waiting.
I would recommend seeking more than one opinion because every surgeon has their preferred types of surgeries and thus sometimes different opinions on what procedure they would consider for you.
It is a very personal choice on what valve and procedure is right for you, but YOU will know when you know ☺️.
I am not familiar with Joel Forman. I have seen the same cardiologist for 20+ years. Dr D.P. Suresh at St E in NKY. I did have my left heart catheterization(a test done before surgery looking for any blockage in the arteries)with Dr Joseph Choo at Christ Hospital.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have and if you ever want to meet up to talk, I am open to that too 😊