Ole's Profile

I was born with coarctation of the aorta and had the coarc removed when I was strong enough for anesthesia at 2 months old. Having survived that surgery, I have since prospered and am leading a normal life. Normal, that is, with the exception of regularly scheduled visits to the cardiologists office. At my most recent visit in October my aneurysm was measured at 5.2cm. I was then referred to UW Medical Center for a CT scan. The CT scan measured it at 5.6cm. My cardiologist, Dr. Joseph Condon, recommended Bentall surgery. From there it was on to Overlake Medical Center for heart catheterization and surgical consults with Dr. Aldea at UWMC and Dr. Barnhart at Swedish Heart and Vascular Center. It was essentially a dead heat between the surgeons, but I chose Dr. Aldea due to his immediate availability. I scheduled the aortic root replacement with direct coronary implant surgery for 11 December. That way I can recover and be ready in time for the holidays. I will be eternally grateful for the love and support of my rock, my gorgeous wifey Heather.