>> Mary's heart surgery went very well. I was there for 12 hours until
>> she shooed me outta there to go grab some grub and call some people. >>
>> It wasn't as invasive as split-sternum surgery because it's done
>> entirely via catheters threaded thru major veins from groin and
>> elsewhere, guided by ultrasound, xray, computers and a bunch of
>> technology. It's fairly new and not widely practiced, but already has
>> a better success rate than a more traditional procedure which does
>> require chest entry, splitting and spreading of sternum, and
>> consequent long recovery with significant discomfort and disability >> along the way.
>>
>> It's a complex procedure that can take from 6 to 9 hours, a lot of
>> high-tech kit and I don't know how many people in the operating
>> theater. Hers took six, which I immediately regarded as a good omen. >>
>> Prognosis is sometimes not clear for two to three months but she's
>> already ticking like a Timex, a very good sign.
>>
>> The doc seemed quite pleased with her progress, his performance or
>> both. I intend absolutely no disrespect there, quite the contrary.
>> There isn't a speck of arrogance about this doctor though he is
>> obviously highly respected at this hospital which is among the 100
>> best cardiac centers in the nation. Luck of the draw, we happen to
>> live close. We both like how he presents.
>>
>> All signs were good as of 1730 today. She'll spend the night in ICU
>> and probably come home tomorrow.
>>
>> Thanks to everyone for good wishes and prayers. Mary had a bunch of
>> "prayer warriors" (her term) on her six.
>
>Was that one of the new mitral valve clamps by Abbott?
>
>Steve
Remediation of atrial fibrillation, valves not involved.
The new Abbott mitraclip is an interesting read. It is a heart valve procedure that is also minimally invasive.
Steve