Archives

For a bicuspid aortic valve, is minimally invasive AVR or conventional AVR better?

Either technique is good. In my opinion, the choice ideally belongs to your surgeon who should explain why one approach...

How different is heart valve replacement from CABG?

Heart valve replacement and CABG are different procedures, depending upon the condition of the heart. Both operations required more than...

Will my bicuspid aortic valve require replacement?

Based on the limited information available, it is likely that you will need replacement of the aortic valve within the...

Are there any robotic procedures for pulmonary valve replacement on a person with Tetralogy of Fallot?

I have not heard of any robotic options for your request, nor could I imagine having the proper angles to...

Is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) an FDA approved operation?

Yes, this procedure has been FDA-approved for the last two years. The major risk apart from death (from any procedure)...

What kind of life span and quality can a 72-year-old man expect after AVR?

Replacement of an aortic valve in a 72-year-old patient can be accomplished with low risk and provide a comfortable life....

Are there reliable, safe, minimally invasive repairs available for paravalvular leak?

Though not time tested, paravalvular leaks have been successfully closed by the insertion of >1 Amplatz plugs (typically used to...

Is a new angiography necessary for my aunt?

Any coronary patient with fatigue should be evaluated by their physician to answer this question. Fatigue can be a side...

Are transcatheter repairs of mitral or tricuspid valves being done?

At present, transcatheter tricuspid repairs are off label and require the hospital to get a variance from the medical service. ...

Can / should a postop leak of a heart valve be repaired?

Unfortunately prosthetic valves sometimes develop small leaks around the sewing ring, even with the best surgical technique, if the tissue...

When is an operation necessary on an ectatic aorta?

Many factors determine the need for surgery on the aorta. The degree of expansion is a prominent factor. The anatomic...

What, if anything, can help my son sleep better? He hears the clicking of his valve.

Unfortunately the sound of some heart valves can be heard by some patients and can interfere with sleep. Sleep aides...