CC Surgeon needed, minimal invasive, mitral valve, OnX

[Hot Rod Harry]

I just got my insurance taken care of, and I'm ready to get the ball rolling.

I reserve the right to change my mind, but I have decided that the OnX valve appears to fit my needs, and best serve me in the future.

I would like the minimal invasive surgery, for quicker recovery. The 2 Dr's on my list are Dr Petterson, and Dr Gillnov. I do have a referal for The Cleveland Clinic, and I need to know which one of these specializes in minimal invasive mitral valve replacement with the OnX. Thank you.

 

[Hot Rod Harry]

Speaker_-_Dr__Pettersson: 2. Minimally invasive surgery after previous surgery, would be less safe. Minimally invasive approach requires that there is no or minimal scar tissue around the heart.

I have heard different here on the board, but Dr Petterson states that minimal invasive would be less safe in someone such as myself who has had a previous surgery?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Speaker_-_Dr__Pettersson: 2. Minimally invasive surgery after previous surgery, would be less safe. Minimally invasive approach requires that there is no or minimal scar tissue around the heart.

I have heard different here on the board, but Dr Petterson states that minimal invasive would be less safe in someone such as myself who has had a previous surgery?

That's VERY Interesting... and confusing..

Dr. Pettersson is certainly one of the Best of the Best so he must have his reasons. You may want to ask him for a more detailed explanation.

Dr. Petracek at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN is known for his use of the (minimally invasive) Thoracotomy Approach (through the ribs). He does about 200 per year so you may want to see if he would talk to you by telephone. Alternatively, you could arrange for an office visit. Once his office staff know you are a valve patient in need of future surgery, all they require is a copy of your latest tests (echo, cath, whatever else you may have on CD or VHS) and they will set up an appointment fairly quickly. NO referal needed other than the above. Last I heard, he was a "St. Jude" (only) proponent.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Hot Rod Harry]

That quote was taken from a CC web chat with Dr. Pettersson, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/webchat/pettersson100307.aspx

I've also spoken with his office today, and was told that because I have already had repair, I may not be a candidate for minimal invasive.

I'll know more shortly, as records are being sent today, and I'll know more after these have been reviewed... The ball is rolling.