Tayshia Hatcher: My name is Tayshia Hatcher.
Dr. Singer: Thank you for allowing us to share your story for educational purposes. You’re 69 years old, and you underwent open heart surgery just a few hours ago. Can you tell us what led to today’s operation?
Tayshia: In November 2025, I suffered a stroke. At first, doctors weren’t sure what caused it. Later, an echocardiogram revealed several small growths on my aortic valve. The concern was that one or more of those growths had broken loose and traveled to my brain, causing the stroke.
Dr. Singer: When we reviewed your case together, we agreed that those growths placed you at significant risk for another stroke. During surgery today, we removed four to five of these benign growths from your aortic valve and were able to repair your native valve without needing a valve replacement.
How are you feeling now?
Tayshia: Honestly, I feel great. It’s only about eight hours after surgery, and I have absolutely no pain while resting. I expected it to be much worse than it was.
Dr. Singer: Many people believe a traditional sternotomy always results in severe pain, but modern surgical techniques have changed that experience for many patients. Your incision is also quite small and positioned low on the chest, making it much less noticeable after healing.
Tayshia: I was surprised by how comfortable I’ve been. The entire experience has been much easier than I imagined.
Dr. Singer: The surgery went exactly as we hoped. We successfully removed the valve growths while preserving your own aortic valve. Because of that, we expect a smooth recovery, and you should be able to return home within just a few days.
How has your experience been at Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital?
Tayshia: The care has been outstanding. Everyone has been professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, and incredibly supportive. I truly couldn’t ask for better care.
Dr. Singer: Tomorrow we’ll remove your chest drain, get you sitting up, and have you walking the halls. You’re an excellent example of how patients can undergo traditional open heart surgery, avoid another potentially devastating stroke, and recover comfortably with modern surgical techniques. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Tayshia: Thank you.
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(𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.)
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The Heart-Lung Machine: A Jefferson Legacy That Changed Medicine
More than 70 years ago, Jefferson surgeon and researcher John H. Gibbon Jr. helped make what once seemed impossible a reality: temporarily replacing the functions of the heart and lungs with a machine so surgeons could operate on a stopped heart.
50 Years Later: A Journey Home
As I prepare for my 50th high school reunion, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has taken me from Cheltenham to college, medical school, surgical training, decades of practice, and ultimately back home to care for the community where it all began.
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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
