This video interview is with a 75-year-old patient, on postoperative day #3, after a surgical aortic valve replacement surgery for critical aortic stenosis, combined with a radiofrequency maze procedure for atrial fibrillation.
His aortic valve was replaced with a 25mm Edwards Inspiris Resilia bovine bioprothetic valve. The maze procedure was performed with the AtriCure radiofrequency system, along with placement of a 50mm AtriCure left atrial clip occluder.
The maze procedure treats atrial fibrillation by creating a specific pattern (maze) of scar tissue, redirecting the reentrant electrical currents that cause atrial fibrillation. Clip occlusion of the left atrial appendage reduces the risk of embolic stroke from afib. The success rate for a maze procedure is 80 to 90%, and is well-tolerated.
The patient is being discharged on postoperative day #3, with minimal to no discomfort and in normal sinus rhythm. Surgical aortic valve replacement, combined with a maze procedure, can be performed through a conventional median sterneromy with minimal pain, short lengths of stays, and early recovery.
𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘌𝘥𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘦.
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. Heart Valves
- Read testimonials. Testimonials
- Did you know I have a consulting firm? 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
