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sandy

Hi Everyone.. I had a visit w/ a Dr. Robert Guyton at Emory University Hospital this past week. He does about 100 types of these surguries(mostly valve and cor. bypasses) a year. I felt comfortable with him and where all this would happen--Emory University Hospital. Does anyone out there know about him and would be willing to share their thoughts about him and Emory? I ask him lots of questions( thanks to all our forums!) and did ask about minimally-invasive surgery. He does those types but did say that he thought recovery was perhaps more painful because of broken ribs and deep breathing that is required after surgery. Can anyone chime in on this issue? Thanks in advance. Sandy
 
Hello Sandy,

What kind of surgery are you having?

Whatever it is, I'd be inclined to get at least one more Surgical opinion, or more. I'd be looking for someone who does LOTS (>200 / yr) of VALVE surgeries. It would be a plus if the surgeon had lots of experience with your particular valve (aortic, mitral,...) AND your First (and Second) Artificial Valve Choice (St. Jude mechanical, On-X, Bovine Pericardial, or one of the improved Porcine types of valves).

I had my ByPass surgery performed by a respected Local Heart Surgeon. When it came time for my Aortic Valve Replacement, I went to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a surgeon well known for much more complex Heart Surgeries. He informed me that he had performed hundreds of Aortic Valve Surgeries.

'AL Capshaw'
 
Hi Al, I am having aotic valve replacement surg. because of moderate to severe stenosis w/ some regurgitation. I am asymtomatic and never knew I had a problem until a few years ago when I was in for a medical clearence for an elective procedure I was planning on having( it was quickly veoted) I have been monitered since and I am beginning to have some thickening of my left ventricle wall and slight enlargement of my heart. My cardio tells me I need to get this surgury soon so as to prevent more damage. So, I am looking for a surgeon. I have not talked to anyone else yet. I have researched valve types and feel a tissue valve would suit me as I am a very active equestrian and can be prone to being bumped around abit. I understand the issue w/ tissue valves not lasting but am willing at this time to cross that bridge down the road. My main concern right now is to find the right doc to do this deed. I am nearly 61 years old and want to get on with my life(I have 3 grandsons to teach to ride!) How did you find your specialist? Thanks in advance for any help. Sandy
 
To Texhearusa,
Your post is insulting to many and very racist. Raised in Texas with strong roots there, thank goodness I know you are not representative of intelligent citizens of this great state.
MrP
 
In my opinion, anybody having this surgery should get at least a second opinion from a highly experienced cardiothoracic surgeon who has a particular interest in aortic valve surgery and has done a high number of AVR's. I'm not sure where exactly to draw the line on what constitutes a high number but a good place to start is with someone who decided some number of years ago (whether 3 or 10) that he was going to make a name for himself as an aortic specialist and who has done hundreds or thousands of valve surgeries.

Emory consistenty ranks among the top heart hospitals in the country.
 
Sandy, welcome to the group!

Sandy, welcome to the group!

Can't answer any of your questions, but did a quick search for a thread started a few months ago on minimally invasive.

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15069&highlight=minimally+invasive

Hope it helps answer some of your questions. Hugs. Janet

P.S. to Mr. P. Thanks and you are so right! Don't let him get your goat, though, as I think he thrives on that kind of thing. Must be one sick puppy! Just ignore him and maybe he'll go get his cheap thrills elsewhere! :D
 
As Long As You Are Comfortable With Your Doctor . Yhat Is The Most Important First Step. :)

LETTITIA
 
Thanks everyone....I have an appt. w/ another doc who's specialty is avs and miminally invasive! Thanks for the encourgment to look further. You guys are amazing!!! HUGS... Sandy
 
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