​With permission from my patient to post, Greg came to me for a second opinion after having double valve surgery 8 years prior at another hospital in Philadelphia. At that time, he had a biologic aortic valve replacement and a mitral valve repair.

Unfortunately, the biologic aortic valve deteriorated quickly and the mitral valve repair was unsuccessful. Over the past many years, he developed severe heart failure, but was continued to be observed by his original team.

Clearly, his only chance was a redo-double-valve operation, which we performed a little over a month ago at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. His heart failure was so advance that he couldn’t breathe on his own, requiring a tracheostomy.

Now, 6 weeks after surgery, his tracheostomy is out and healed, his voice and his heart strength have returned to normal! After years of suffering, he is now a new person!

Here’s the lesson… always seek a second opinion. I’ve learned in my career that personalized experienced care is the key! You’re never just a number with our team at Einstein!