Minimally invasive mitral valve repair .

[LoriZee]

I posted awhile ago...mentioning I have had three OHS...1993 had my Mitral, Aortic valve replaced and a ring around the Tricuspid.
Now they're telling me my Mitral valve is leaking...I just cannot believe it...not another surgery...That would be number four.

I researched and found that the University of Maryland seems to be quite a hospital.....My surgery was done at Presbyterian Hospital, Philadelphia and that surgeon is also well known. Dr. Hargrove...

I talked to this surgeion Dr. Grammie at UOMaryland and he is interested to talk to me...I am waiting for my Cardiologist to send all my records so he can evaluate them, and thinking of making an appointment to see him. Quite a trip as I live in NJ, but I need a second opinion......Just imagine no more breaking the rib cage...
Has anyone been through this procedure....thanks
Lori

Try this site, they seem to be amazing at this Hospital.

http://www.umm.edu/heart/

 

[Nancy]

My husband Joe also sprung a leak in his mitral mechanical and had to have it repaired. His surgeon used the HeartPort method which goes in through the side between the ribs, using a couple of very small incisions, and a larger one in the groin. His recovery was much easier than with the standard procedure. He had already had two previous sternum surgeries, so this was ideal for him.

Sounds as if the surgeries are similar.

 

[LoriZee]

Hello Mark

Hello Mark

So happy to hear you're doing great. Keep up the good work.

What is bothering me is I know the surgery is safer, but usually the repair tissue valves. I am quite frightened because mine is already mechanical....

That is why I wanted a second opinion... This doesn't usually happen from what I hear, but it sure did with me.

I am waiting patiently for the doctor in Maryland to read all my doctor's file...then I will decide.

Good Luck Again,
Lori

 

[LoriZee]

Hello Nancy

Hello Nancy

Looks like Joe's been through the mill too. Heart surgery has definitely come a long way. Not having to crack the ribs has to be much better and faster healing.

Tell Joe I hope they can fix my leak...lol

Lori

 

[Nancy]

Mamsram and bvdr also had minimally invasive surgery, and Duchess Bear, we also had a family friend who had HeartPort for removal of a myxoma tumor, by the same surgeon as Joe had.

 

[terry40]

Hi Lorizee

Hi Lorizee

The Cleveland clinic, is one of the best in the country.

If you are planning to go out of state, that place should be considered also.

I don't live far from Presbyterian Hospital, or any of the other great Philly hospitals, but I elected to have my surgery at Deborah where they do things the old fashion way, cracking open the chest.

I wish you luck in finding the right surgeon and hospital, I 'm not sure how I'd be facing a fourth surgery, or even a second. Your one brave lady.

Terry40

 

[LoriZee]

Thanks Terri

Thanks Terri

Thanks for your good wishes. I have a lot to think about.

It's not the physical part of it...I can hopefully handle that...It's the emotion with my family that gets me upset.

Well, I will see what happens, and will keep this forum posted.

Good Luck to you too.

Lori

 

[bvdr]

Hi,

I hope if this surgery is needed it will be your very last and you have many years of good health afterwards!

I did have the heartport procedure for my mitral valve replacement. I'm not sure I would do it again. They did have to remove a portion of a rib and rewire it in afterwards. The incision is not below my breast, it is across the lower part.

I was able to drive after two weeks and had basically no restrictions after a month.

There are doctors who specialize in minimally invasive heart surgery. Dr. Glower at Duke is one of them and he is an excellent surgeon. We are so fortunate in this country to have so many choices.

 

[LoriZee]

BVDR

BVDR

Oh, I didn't know that sometimes they have to remove a rib or part of it...ugggggg

That's why I thought this procedure would have been easier...no cracking of the chest...

I will see what the doctor says when the time comes.

Lori

 

[Nancy]

Lori-

I don't think it's usual to have a rib broken or removed. We asked that very question of Joe's surgeon prior to his surgery and he said they spread the ribs, and that is exactly what was done. The same procedure was done by the same surgeon with a family friend, and she was extremely happy with the recovery and the incision which was hidden under her breast. Joe's incision was under his breast area also, and I cannot even see it now.

Good experiences here.

 

[LoriZee]

Thanks Nancy

Thanks Nancy

That's what I want to hear....good experiences...lol

Thanks,
Lori

 

[alicia]

The Dr that did my first open heart surgery broke a rib in the process and it was done using a Davinci robot. The Dr did nt tell me. I found out by accident when I had a chest xray done prior to my second open heart surgery. My mitral valve started leaking again 6 months after having the robotic surgery and I ended up with cardiomyopathy,congestive heart failure and all kinds of heart rythum problems. If I had to do it again, I would go ahead and do the standard surgery even IF I have to have a third OPS. Good luck to you. 4 OHS have got to be tough, Keep us posted.

Alicia

 

[Abbanabba]

I had both my sternum cracked open and a rib removed (lower l/hand side) in my original surgery.

Was thinking the other day though... wouldn't it be easier to crack a couple of ribs than the entire sternum..? Maybe they could take a few more out and replace them entirely with a little hinged door so that next time they could just "open" it up for easy access and save us all the trauma..!!!