Steve's Posts

My surgeon repaired my mitral valve, implanted an annuloplasty band, closed the patent foramen ovale, and closed the left atrial appendage all endoscopically through one small incision between two ribs without rib spreading. However, effectiveness does depend on the surgeon's own skills and training and some surgeons are undoubtedly more effective using a large sternotomy incision than using an endoscope and a small incision since it is more difficult to perform. But if you have the choice from someone qualified, what would you prefer? Likewise, some surgeons and anesthesiologists often remove the breathing tube before you leave the OR, others never do. If you have a qualified surgical team, what would you prefer? Patients often have options they are not aware of and are not told of. I know one man who was told he could only be treated with a sternotomy and bypass grafts. He literally drove down the road and by chance came upon the clinic of Dr. Alan Wolf near Atlanta who successfully treated him with a small incision and stents. But the other docs simply said there were no other options available in modern medicine. This is the disinformation patients sometimes confront and accept. So if you have the time and do not need emergency surgery, it can be very worthwhile to find out the treatment options.

Steve - I completely agree. I was fortunate enough to meet a surgeon who simply told me that he never learned or became proficient in the mini-t and that's why he continued to do the mini-sternotomy. He even gave a glowing endorsement for the other surgeon I was considering. Sadly, you don't get that kind of honesty from everyone in the profession. Heart surgery is big business and there's pressure to keep the revenue up. All I can say to prospective patients is do your homework. I'm very sad to read about all the people who are going through long, painful recoveries when many may have been able to avoid it.

You guys make a good point- different surgeons are experienced in different techniques & procedures & we should be aware of this. For instance, I consulted a surgeon who could repair my mitral valve but was not experienced in the maze procedure- which having had afib, I wanted. I went on to find one qualified to do both procedures. I wanted a less invasive procedure, but could only have a full sternotomy because of some previous radiation treatment to the area-for the record I had no pain - no problems getting out of bed or chairs, no pain sneezing - the sternotomy was a perfectly good way to go for me.

So far so good for me after a robotic mitral valve repair. Very few scars and no leak. Would agree with Steve that it is worth researching the surgeon. I spent 6 months trying to find who to do my repair. Four and half months post surgery I am on holidays in Seville and bike riding and walking every day without issue. Feel better than my old self and I was asymptomatic going into the procedure. Good luck to all on their heart journey.