With permission from my patient to post, this remarkable 80-year old woman was on life support just two weeks ago at another hospital where she was deemed high risk for heart surgery and sent home. Her daughter asked to see me for a second opinion.
Six days ago, I performed an urgent triple valve open-heart operation, replacing her aortic and mitral valves, repairing her tricuspid valve, restoring her heart rhythm, while closing her left atrial appendage to reduce her risk of further stroke from atrial fibrillation. A big operation but one that she needed. She is heading back home today to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, all smiles and feeling well.
Take home message… always get a second opinion! You do have options that are worth traveling just a few extra miles for personalized, high-quality care!
Raymond Singer, MD
Chief of Cardiac Surgery
Einstein Medical Center Montgomery
Office Phone: 484-622-2300
Email Address: singerra@einstein.edu
Recent Posts
Why the Heart Team Approach Matters Most
For years, the debate over TAVR versus open heart surgery has shaped cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Raymond Singer shares why the best outcomes come from a collaborative heart team approach focused on the individual patient.
Patient Experience Matters as Much as the Operation
When people think about cardiac surgery, they often focus on the operation itself. But according to Dr. Raymond Singer, the future of heart surgery extends far beyond the operating room. From access to care and patient education to recovery and emotional support, the patient experience is becoming one of the most important measures of healthcare excellence.
I Used to Be an Athlete
After years of long hours, stress, and the demands of a surgical career, Dr. Raymond Singer realized he had drifted far from the healthy athlete he once was. Through consistent lifestyle changes, improved nutrition, exercise, emotional wellness, and the support of modern GLP-1 medications, he lost nearly 60 pounds and discovered that healthy aging begins one decision at a time.
What It Feels Like to Hold a Human Heart
After nearly 9,000 heart operations, Dr. Raymond Singer shares what it feels like to hold a human heart in his hand and explains how studying the remarkable complexity of the heart has strengthened his faith and appreciation for life.
How a Calcium Score Led to Bypass Surgery
When Michael learned his coronary calcium score was 775, he knew something wasn’t right. Although initial stress tests appeared normal, advanced cardiac imaging eventually uncovered severe coronary artery disease with critical blockages. Just 11 days after cardiac catheterization, he underwent successful double bypass surgery and was back home within days, experiencing minimal pain and a remarkable recovery.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Many people think obstructive sleep apnea is simply a nuisance because of loud snoring, but it can have serious consequences for heart health. Repeated interruptions in breathing place tremendous stress on the cardiovascular system and may increase the risk of high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke, and heart attack. Learn the warning signs, risks, and treatment options that can improve both sleep quality and long-term health.
Featured
Pages
- Learn about heart valves.ย Heart Valves
- Read testimonials.ย Testimonials
- Did you know I have a consulting firm?ย Singer Heart/Lung Consulting
- Check out my TedTalk! Defining Success
Links
- Links page with more information about your heart. Links
- Dr. Adam Pick's Site: heart-valve-surgery.com
