The evolution of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has transformed from a crazy idea to a life-saving therapy during the past 25 years. Throughout that time, many dedicated doctors, research staffs, clinical specialists and medical device companies joined forces to bring about a "new age" in minimally invasive, valvular therapy that does not require an incision to the patient's sternum or ribs.

I am overly excited to share that Dr. Luis Castro, a leading cardiac surgeon at MarinHealth Heart and Vascular Institute in Marin County, California, just received his 103rd patient testimonial at his surgeon profile.

I am happy and honored to announce that Dr. Patrick McCarthy just became the first surgeon at HeartValveSurgery.com to receive 100 patient testimonials at his surgeon profile!!!

I am very excited to announce that Weill Cornell Medicine (Weill Cornell) just launched a new Heart Valve Microsite at HeartValveSurgery.com!

One thing I love about being a part of this community is seeing and hearing wonderful patient stories. I often tell Robyn, my wife, I'm constantly "TMI'd" by this community. (So you know, the acronym TMI, in our family, means touched, moved and inspired. :) )

I am very excited to announce that Rush University Medical Center (Rush) just launched a Heart Valve Microsite at HeartValveSurgery.com!

I am very excited to announce that WVU Medicine just launched a Heart Valve Microsite at HeartValveSurgery.com!

Earlier this year, I was very fortunate to tour the Sentara Heart Valve Center in Norfolk, Virginia. During my visit, I met several members of the Sentara team and filmed an educational video with Dr. Philpott about the concomitant treatment of heart valve disease and atrial fibrillation.

I am very excited to announce that the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital just launched a Heart Valve Clinic Microsite at HeartValveSurgery.com!

I am very excited to announce that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) just launched a Heart Valve Clinic Microsite at HeartValveSurgery.com!

In 2009, after launching the Surgeon Finder, my inbox quickly filled-up with patient recommendations for Dr. David Adams. As I reviewed the recommendations, I noticed something... Every post was uploaded by a mitral valve repair patient.

Two years ago at the TCT conference in San Francisco, I was very fortunate to connect with Dr. Jason Foerst, an interventional cardiologist that specializes in transcatheter valve therapy. When we met, Dr. Foerst was going through the process of launching a Heart Valve Clinic -- which is no easy task.

[Update: Please note that Dr. Allan Stewart is no longer performing surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital.]

I am very excited to announce that Carilion Clinic just launched a Heart Valve Clinic Microsite at HeartValveSurgery.com!

Finding a great surgeon and experienced cardiac center is beyond critical for patients needing heart valve surgery. However, the process of acquiring trusted and reliable information about medical providers can sometimes be an uphill battle.

As we have previously discussed, the heart valve surgery process -- from diagnosis to recovery -- can be isolating for patients.

[Update: Please note that Dr. Allan Stewart is no longer performing surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital.]

As a patient, I distinctly remember the questions that raced through my brain when I learned that I needed open heart surgery. Those questions sounded a little something like "How do they fix my valve?" and "What will the recovery be like?" and "Will it hurt?" and, of course, "Is heart valve surgery safe?"

I am very excited to announce that the Inland Empire Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Bernardine Medical Center just launched a new Heart Valve Clinic Microsite at HeartValveSurgery.com. So you know, many patients from our community -- including Fred Stieg, Eugenie Magana and Charlene Wasson -- have had great surgical outcomes at St. Bernardine.

Over the past 9 months, I've been very fortunate to meet several surgeons from Piedmont Heart Institute in Georgia. As you might recall, I recently attended a medical mission in the Dominican Republic with Dr. Federico Milla and Dr. John Gott.