Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog

The “Close To My Heart” Project - Part II

Adam Pick — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:17:34 +0000

A few months ago, I posted a note about a special project for women heart surgery patients called the “Close To My Heart” project. As you might remember, a Florida-based artist, Angelica Hoyos, was looking to create artistic portraits of female heart surgery patients. Angelica just emailed me an update with some pieces from the collection. [...]

Dr. David Adams Named “Heart Valve Surgeon Of The Month”

Adam Pick — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:39:01 +0000

All, Thanks for your recent nominations regarding the selection of our next “Heart Valve Surgeon Of The Month”. After reviewing your emails and comments, I am happy to announce that Dr. David Adams from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City will be featured as the current “Heart Valve Surgeon Of The Month” at our heart valve [...]

“Can Medication Treat My Heart Valve Disease?” Asks Jimmy

Adam Pick — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:30:54 +0000

Jimmy just sent me a great question about the use of medications to treat heart valve disease. He writes, “Adam - On Friday, I was diagnosed with severe regurgitation due to mitral valve prolapse. I’ve been short of breath for sometime but had no idea it was due to a heart valve problem. My cardiologist thinks [...]

Quick Quiz: Do Quadricuspid Heart Valves Exist?

Adam Pick — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:42:03 +0000

Since it is the Fourth of July weekend here in the United States, I thought it would be interesting to write a blog that connects the number “4″ to heart valves. That said, here goes nothin’… In the past, we’ve discussed the unique anatomy of heart valve leaflets - the tissue flaps that open and close [...]

Happy 4th Of July!!!

Adam Pick — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:24:28 +0000

To all of you in the United States… Happy Independence Day!!! On behalf of Robyn (my wife) and Ethan (our 13-week old son), may your celebration be safe and full of friends, family, picnics, barbecues, hot dogs, hamburgers, and, of course… fireworks!!! Keep on tickin! P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.

“At 82, Is My Mom Too Old For Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Barbara

Adam Pick — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:47:01 +0000

I just received a very appropriate email from Barbara about her mother who is suffering from severe heart valve stenosis. Barbara writes, “Dear Adam - My mother, who is a relatively active lady at 82 years old, was recently diagnosed as needing aortic valve replacement surgery. I’m obviously concerned and somewhat frightened given the invasive nature [...]

What Percent Of Pig Heart Valve Replacements Fail?

Adam Pick — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:10:37 +0000

It is one of the most important decisions for patients as they prepare for heart valve replacement surgery. That question is, “Which type of heart valve replacement device should I choose?” There are several considerations that patients and their caregivers must evaluate relative to this question. Such considerations include durability, patient age, ongoing drug therapy, lifestyle, [...]