50th Anniversary of Heart Valve Surgery

[Ross]

I'd like to remind everyone that today marks the 50th anniversary of the first heart valve implantation. It kind of marvels one to sit and think of the progress, and sometimes like of it, during these past 50 years.

I know today is bittersweet for RCB, not sure how Dick is thinking of things today, but both of them have been around for most all of it.

 

[ottagal]

Thank you for the 50th anniverary reminder, Ross! I keep telling my family that if I had this condition 50 years ago I probably wouldn't be here to tell the 'tale'. It is great to be alive!

Thank you to all the 'pioneers' who underwent valve replacement surgery when it was in its infancy stages and before it was considered a 'common' procedure. You are brave souls!

 

[Ross]

Yes, back then, if you had the problems we do, you'd be writing your last will and purchasing a cemetary plot. Today, thanks to Dr. Harken and a few others, we have life and solutions for this otherwise death sentence.

 

[Duffey]

Today's anniversary should be celebrated by hundreds of thousands of valve recipients around the world.

 

[sue943]

It should be, but regrettably not many people will know that it is the anniversary today.

 

[neil]

agree with all above posts..........we are so lucky

 

[dick0236]

I'd like to remind everyone that today marks the 50th anniversary of the first heart valve implantation. It kind of marvels one to sit and think of the progress, and sometimes like of it, during these past 50 years.

I know today is bittersweet for RCB, not sure how Dick is thinking of things today, but both of them have been around for most all of it.

Ross, I knew this was the 50th year but I didn't know March 10 was the day. I can remember talking with a cardiologist when I was in my early 20s (about 1960) about this kind of surgery. I was advised that the surgery was too new and the risk too great. Six years later, a cardiologist at UofKY medcenter told me that my risk of NOT having surgery was far greater than the risk of surgery. Even back then, the risk of not surviving surgery was only about 6-7%(as I recall). Obviosly I'm glad I took his advice and had the surgery. I had an interesting telephone conversation, a couple years ago, with my surgeon about surgery in the "olden days". Medical advances have really reduced the risks of this type of surgery.

Incidently, the "rest of the story" about that first heart valve recipient, Philip Admundson, is very interesting. He lived an active life for 10 years and died not because of the valve, but because he fell off a ladder. I was given that story by Edwards Lifesciences, the inventor of the "grandaddy" Starr-Edwards valve. That is one more example of having the surgery and living a normal life.

 

[olefin]

Wonder how many life's have been saved in the last 50 years due to valve surgery.
Thanks Ross.

And thanks to Dick for sharing your very interesting story!

 

[Mentu]

Ross, your reminder is very poignant. This is also the month 54 years ago that my grandfather died with Aortic Stenosis at the age of 48. Especially during this past year, I've wondered about how different our family would have been if valve replacement had been an option for him. His death left a big hole in our family. The wonderful thing to ponder is the hundreds of thousands of families that have been kept whole by valve replacement. We are a fortunate lot, indeed.

Larry

 

[Luana]

Wow! Thanks for posting this, Ross.

Luana

 

[hall]

Very much appreciated to see the progression! Would not be here otherwise. Sobering thoughts.

 

[Bina]

Many thanks to those early pioneers.

 

[Ross]

Well maybe the rest of the world doesn't care, but that's alright, we've been there and done that and WE DO!

 

[Superbob]

Hooray for the pioneers! We owe you a big debt of gratitude.

 

[George]

"Something" told me to stop by here today. Lo & Behold, it's the big 50th Anniversary Day! WOOHOO!!! 1 week from tomorrow is the 45th anniversary of my first open heart surgery to repair Tetrology of Fallot. It was done by Dr. Albert Starr, co-inventor of the Starr-Edwards valve. My pulmonary valve was also replaced by Dr. Starr 5 years ago this coming September 9th. Wow...how time marches on, eh?

 

[Marguerite53]

And I was wondering why I was having such a good day!!! I just felt special all day today!!! Thanks for letting us know, Ross. And thanks to all those early heart patients who were brave enough to let something be tried on them. And to the brilliant, stubborn, dedicated medical professionals who persevered and brought us new lives...... here, here!!!!

I'll be drinking a toast at dinner and I know that my family will be smiling!

Excellent day, today!!!

Marguerite

 

[JAMES W]

Thanks for the reminder Ross.....Woohooooo.....50 years..."Ain't it Great".....

 

[njean]

Happy 50th Valversary to all those early, heart patients everywhere who paved the way for the rest of us!

Salud!

 

[Ross]

Incidently, the "rest of the story" about that first heart valve recipient, Philip Admundson, is very interesting. He lived an active life for 10 years and died not because of the valve, but because he fell off a ladder. I was given that story by Edwards Lifesciences, the inventor of the "grandaddy" Starr-Edwards valve. That is one more example of having the surgery and living a normal life.

Correction:

Mr. Admunson was not the first recipient. That honor goes to Dr. Harken’s patient who had his surgery on March 10th, 1960. Mr. Admunson was Dr. Starr’s second implant in September 21 of 1960 after Dr. Starr’s first pt. died of CE shortly after surgery. It is kind of “inside baseball” how the surgical community decides what is considered “successful”, but generally Mr. Admundson is considered the third successful implant after Dr. Nina Braunwald’s pt. was implant next day after Dr. Harken’s first.

 

[palmaceae]

Wow, that is the same day of my AVR, 1st year for me though!