Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog

“Off-Pump” Surgical Approach Questioned By New Study

Adam Pick — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:44:20 +0000

I was just reading the New York Times when I came across a very interesting study about the use of “off-pump” techniques for heart surgery. The study, just published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that use of heart-lung machines may actually provide enhanced surgical outcomes (inclusive of pumphead) when compared to beating heart [...]

In Memory Of Valerie Fisher Raley Moriarty

Adam Pick — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:28:05 +0000

It has been a very tough morning for me. Without a doubt, these are the hardest blogs to write. I recently learned that Valerie Fisher Raley Moriarty passed away over the weekend due to complications following her heart valve surgery. Valerie Fisher Raley Moriarty (1980-2009) According to her husband, Valerie experienced multiple organ failure and a heart attack [...]

“Did You Have A Bump At The Top Of Your Incision?” Asks Alice

Adam Pick — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:48:51 +0000

Alice just sent me a great question about incision and scar care after heart valve surgery. She writes, “Adam, I am 55 and had open heart surgery to replace my valve about three weeks ago. Most of my scar looks OK, flat and thin. My concern is the top of the scar — around and above [...]

Video: Competitive Cyclist, Michael Gnatek, Salutes Dr. Massimiano After Mitral Valve Repair

Adam Pick — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:38:38 +0000

As we have seen through the inspiring stories of Teppo Numminen (NHL hockey star) and Aaron Boone (MLB baseball star), several athletes have returned to professional sports after heart valve surgery. Here is a great story about competitive cyclist, Michael Gnatek. At 43 years of age, Michael required mitral valve repair surgery due to a mitral [...]

“Kryptonite” Super Glue For Sternum Healing

Adam Pick — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:32:09 +0000

Sarah just sent me this fascinating story about a new super glue, called Kryptonite, used to accelerate sternum healing following open heart surgery. I thought you might appreciate this medical advance featured in Science Daily: Dr. Paul Fedak - Heart Surgeon & Scientist Canadian researchers have pioneered a new way to mend a patient’s breastbone after open-heart [...]

Friday Fun: Brotherly Love With Charlie

Adam Pick — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:29:26 +0000

Happy Friday! I thought you might like to start your weekend with a giggle. So you know, this video has been played 136 million times through Youtube. Have a great weekend everybody! Adam P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.

Trivia: Who Is The World’s Longest Living Heart Valve Recipient?

Adam Pick — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:48:46 +0000

It is perhaps one of the most common and appropriate questions I receive from patients and their caregivers. That question is, “What is my life expectancy after heart valve surgery?” As we all know, every patient case is unique. But, the research suggests that life expectancy after heart valve surgery continues to improve thanks to incredible [...]