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Ken Travels to Kentucky for Endoscopic Mitral Valve Repair

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: February 17, 2026

Over the past few months, I have been fortunate to support Ken and Ginny Grant from Virginia. Ken is a mitral regurgitation patient who was recently told that his leaking valve had progressed from moderate to severe. Ken needed surgery. After researching his treatment options, Ken wanted a minimally-invasive mitral valve repair. However, Ken struggled to find a local heart team to perform that unique operation.

As you can see and read below, I am happy to share that Ken just had a successful endoscopic mitral valve repair performed by Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang at St. Elizabeth Health in Northern Kentucky.

Dr. Castillo-Sang, Ginny and Ken Grant

Ken and Ginny Say...

With their permission, I am happy to post Ken and Ginny's latest update:

We are so thankful that Dr. Castillo-Sang was recommended to us! Prior to surgery, we had two video conferences with Dr. Castillo-Sang. He showed us actual surgeries of mitral valve repairs that would be similar to Ken's operation. After showing us the video of those operations, Dr. Castillo-Sang then explained every detail of the healing process. Dr. Castillo-Sang is genuine and kind. He provided us excellent explanations that a "layperson" could easily understand.

Prior to Ken's discharge, Dr. Castillo-Sang showed us before-and-after echocardiograms of Ken's heart. We could see how well Ken's heart had improved in a matter of days. In our opinion, given Dr. Castillo-Sang's background, research, and experience, we believe Dr. Castillo-Sang is one of the top mitral valve surgeons in the country.

Today is our first entire day home. Ken is feeling great! Dr. Castillo-Sang and the entire team at St. Elizabeth Health treated us like we were "movie stars".

Dr. Castillo-Sang, Ken Grant, Patient, St. Elizabeth Health Cardiac Team

Ken, Ginny, Dr. Castillo-Sang and the St. Elizabeth Heart Team

Fyi, Dr. Castillo-Sang came to visit Ken 3 to 4 times a day -- sometimes starting at 3am. Dr. Castillo-Sang showed us the three dimensional (3D) camera that he used for the endoscopic, minimally-invasive surgery. The staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit were incredibly attentive and always willing to go the "extra mile" to make sure Ken was comfortable. Dr. Castillo's medical team helped to prepare us for the surgery and are keeping close tabs on Ken to make sure all continues to go well.

Thanks so much Adam! You, your website, and your book are an invaluable resource for patients.

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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