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Then vent tube is no fun at all. It's better if you have prepared yourself that you will be waking up with this giant tube down your throat. After my first surgery I didn't realize I would be waking up with this tube in my throat so I was really scared. Not too mention that I was strapped down...

michelle Even people with all of their native valves have stroke risks. You're risk increases only slightly -- I don't know the exact figures -- by having a tissue valve. If you think you are having TIAs or you are throwing yourself off mentally by worrying about a stroke, ask your doctor if...

Hi Victoria, I would just like to echo Bob's sentiments. There are reasons a surgeon would recommend a bovine valve in a young patient. There are reasons a surgeon would recommend a mechanical valve as well. Dr. Colvin is one of the most well respected valve surgeons in the country. If I...

Fly sticky strips are usually the most effective. However, they do make this electric tennis racket like thing. It looks like a small tennis racket except that the strings are metal instead of cat-gut. You charge it up and turn it on and a low elctrical current moves through the metal strings...

LV Hypertrophy, I believe, is the thickening of the wall of the left ventricle. It thickens in people with stenosis or regurgitation (I think) because the extra work it has to do. Sorry I don't know anymore about it. I remember I had LV hypertrophy before my surgery and it has subsequently...

I haven't slept a full night without waking up since my first OHS seven years ago. I've gotten completely used to it. Either it will pass or he will get used to it. Best, Brad

I have talked to surgeons who very strongly believe in the David Procedure and some who are very skeptical/pessimistic about it. I think that if you have a surgeon who is conservative about when he will apply the procedure that would be a good thing. You don't want a repair if it isn't going to...

Susan, Sorry, I should not have used such harsh language. I let my frustration on this subject get the better of me. Please do post the results of your follow-up regardless of the outcome. Brad

There is a very clear trend between high cholesterol and plaque formation in one's arteries. It is one of the most well documented correlations in modern medical science. Of course there will be exceptions to the rule, but to use those rare exceptions to try to give evidence against the...

Statins are the most successful cholesterol drug ever developed. They have added millions of years onto the lives of people all over the globe. Perhaps they are currently over-prescribed, but that is only because of their overall very high efficacy and low rate of side-effects. I cannot...

Just so sad. I have no words.

A terrible tragedy. I was shocked when I went on to cnn.com and saw the story.

Being off coumadin for three days is a serious risk. Much worse than any "bleeding" risk associated with being on coumadin during your extraction. As others have said, if you can't find someone to do it while you are on coumadin at least have some bridging therapy. The last thing that you want...

This is an excellent and important study. A number of people that frequent this site have undergone multiple operations and suffered from bouts of A-fib. Thank you for posting this. Perhaps this technique will become commonplace over the next decade. Brad

A-fib is fairly common. Yet, I am still sorry that Kevin, you, and your whole family have to go through this. I will be thinking of all of you. brad

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/08/health/08heart.html Very recent article about heart attacks in a recent issue of the NY Times entitled "Lessons of Heart Disease, Learned and Ignored." I thought it appropriate and interesting reading for this thread. Brad

Hey Everyone, Just a story of encouragement for anyone in the waiting room that considers themselves an athlete. I have been involved in competetive athletics for basically my entire life. When I underwent my first AVR at the age of 17 I was scared that I would never be able to play any of my...

I understand your husband's nervousness. I don't think I will ever be able to get another echo without being anxious. Both of you are in my thoughts. Good luck. Brad

Hi again Bill, It seems to me that it would be difficult, if not impossible to repair (and especially replace) the pseudo aneurysm without removing the valve. Obviously, a surgeon would know the answer to this question best. Strech is correct for the most part. In older patients aortic...

I've had three and have never taken antibiotics. Brad