I recently received an email from Julie that contains several concerns specific to blood banks and heart valve surgery. If you are a patient or caregiver preparing for heart surgery, I encourage you to continue reading this post.

Yes, I'm going to keep stressing this point for all the future patients and caregivers reading this blog...

The day before patients enter the hospital for heart valve surgery, they usually pack a travel bag.

It's a troublesome, patient dilemma..

On the topic of preparing for heart surgery...

Jamie just asked me, "Adam - My mom has been diagnosed with aortic regurgitation. The cardiologist told her that her aortic valve is clogged. As a result of the clog, she is being scheduled for more tests and a potential valve repair or replacement. Does this sound right?"

Considering that a cardiac catheterization is on Time Magazine's "Top 10 Scary Medical Procedures", I am always looking for good patient information to dispel the fear associated with this procedure. (FYI, many heart valve surgery patients have a cardiac catheterization prior to valve repair and valve replacement operations.)

If I had to define the process of being diagnosed with heart valve disease in one word, I would use the word "dislocating". I'll never forget my initial diagnosis from Doctor Bad Bedside Manner. And, I'll never forget those strange feelings of, "Oh my gawwwwd. Is this really happening? Open heart surgery? Am I going to die?"

In the past, we have discussed blood bank safety and concerns about blood transfusions during heart surgery.

If there is one question I alllllllllllllllll-ways ask patients preparing for heart valve surgery, it is the following, "Did you get a second opinion?"

Looking back on my aortic valve replacement procedure, I remember several, distinct moments of physical and mental confusion. I might even consider that confusion as "dislocating" considering the process of having heart surgery is so foreign to regular, every-day life.

Prior to heart valve surgery, patients are faced with many, many, many questions. One of those questions is specific to potential blood loss during the operation. That question is, "Would you like to donate your own blood? Or, use blood from the hospital blood bank?"

So you know.... I am not the best when it comes to organized religion.

Yesterday, I received an interesting email from Karen, who has been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. Her cardiologist told her that an angiogram will be needed prior to surgery. Karen's questions to me were about the exam and angiogram risks.

I write this blog nearly 20 years after open heart surgery. In 2005, I had a double heart valve replacement surgery via the Ross Procedure.

Earlier today, I received a great patient email that reads, "I'm scheduled for heart valve surgery in two weeks, can you please tell me what is the usual prep for open heart surgery?"

There are many ways to diagnose diseased or defected heart valves. One of the simplest methods to diagnose problematic heart valves is to listen to the patient's heart beat through a stethoscope.

Recently, I received an email from Taylor Browning. Taylor is going to be having an aortic valve replacement in March, 2007. He has selected an artificial valve and the surgery will be conducted by Dr. Craig Miller at Stanford.