DaVinci method - AVR?

[donnamarie]

Has anyone had the "DaVinci method" of surgery for an AVR? Is there such a thing? Someone mentioned to me that they only surgery for AVR is good 'ol open heart surgery. I talked to a nurse at Lankenau Hosptial (Philadelphia) who I thought she said that the docs try to do minimally invasive surgery on all patients, but sometimes they have to do it the old fashioned way. Maybe I misunderstood her? Since I already have a 10" scar from the mastectomy, I was hoping for something a little smaller to go with it!

 

[Phyllis]

Donna, here's a thread on the DaVinci method: http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19280&highlight=DaVinci+method
Dick had minimally invasive- 3-4" sternum scar. They can only do minimally invasive if you do not need bypass as well.

 

[donnamarie]

Thanks, Phyllis! You are so sweet to talk on behalf of your hubby!

 

[readsforfun]

Hi Donna:

I had my aortic valve replaced 5 months ago (minimally invasive), and it was done by a wonderful surgeon who had "trained" on the DaVinci Robot surgery for two years previous. If I remember correctly, when I asked him about whether or not he could do my aortic valve replacement with the "robot" he replied that they could not do aortic valve at this point, but were using it regularly for the mitral valve. Hopefully, this will change soon if it hasn't already.

Best of luck to you. This site was a God send for me and I'm sure it will be for you too. Truth be told, anticipation was the worst part of the whole procedure for me.

Jan

 

[donnamarie]

Hi Donna:

I had my aortic valve replaced 5 months ago (minimally invasive), and it was done by a wonderful surgeon who had "trained" on the DaVinci Robot surgery for two years previous. If I remember correctly, when I asked him about whether or not he could do my aortic valve replacement with the "robot" he replied that they could not do aortic valve at this point, but were using it regularly for the mitral valve. Hopefully, this will change soon if it hasn't already.

Best of luck to you. This site was a God send for me and I'm sure it will be for you too. Truth be told, anticipation was the worst part of the whole procedure for me.

Jan

Thanks Jan - you are so right - waiting is the worst part. I remember the worst part of the breast cancer was not knowing if it was cancer - the time period between the biopsy and diagonosis - awlful.
I sure am praying that they do the Davinci for AVR at the hospital I go to!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hi Donna:

I had my aortic valve replaced 5 months ago (minimally invasive), and it was done by a wonderful surgeon who had "trained" on the DaVinci Robot surgery for two years previous. If I remember correctly, when I asked him about whether or not he could do my aortic valve replacement with the "robot" he replied that they could not do aortic valve at this point, but were using it regularly for the mitral valve. Hopefully, this will change soon if it hasn't already.
Jan

Very Interesting information about the DaVinci Robot.

Does anybody know if it can be used for MVR when there have been previous Sternotomies (e.g. for ByPass or AVR)? or if there has been Radiation Damage to the chest / heart?

'AL Capshaw'

 

[donnamarie]

I had my appt with my 2nd opinion guy. He confirmed everything my first doctor said - I need the aortic valve replaced. He told me I do have a bicuspid valve - somehow that made me feel better knowing it isn't something I did to myself. He asked where I was thinking of going and when I told him Lankenau, he said right away "well, Dr. Goldman is the valve guy to go to there - best in his field". I've had a patient, OR nurse and now a cardiologist recommend this guy - I don't think I could get any better recommendations! I have an appt for 9/21 (my husband's birthday! weird) Is there a typical timeframe to expect? We talked a little about the minimally invasive procedure and he said to put it in the doctor's hands - ask him what he prefers to do and if I'm a candidate for it. So now 3 weeks of waiting! Ugh!

 

[Phyllis]

Donna, the waiting is the hardest part- try to concentrate on how good you are going to feel when this is behind you and you can start a new healthy life. Be sure and let us know when and if you have a date and best wishes for your appointment with Dr. Goldman.

 

[nickm3]

Hello Donna, another Philly area cancer survivor here that has had AVR surgery and is very close to a redo of that same valve. I realize my redo may be a little more complicated than a first time AVR but Br. Bavaria at HUP might be someone you want to get a 2nd surgical opinion from. His experience and talents might be overkill but who doesn't want the best available.

Good luck where ever you choose to go.


Nick