by DrCiuffo | Jul 31, 2015 | Aortic Valve Stenosis, Blog, Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery
Many aortic valve stenosis patients come to me with the false assumption that transcatheter heart valve treatments are preferable to minimally invasive surgical aortic valve replacements. We want to set the record straight that the very best option for most patients is the minimally invasive heart valve replacement. THV treatments come with a large set of risks and is much more dangerous than surgical aortic valve replacements. THV is not approved by the FDA for treatment of aortic valve stenosis unless patients are a very high and prohibitive risk for a surgical AVR. Surgical aortic valve replacement is a much better and safer therapy than transcatheter heart valve surgery in the overwhelming majority of aortic valve disease cases. THV carries a risk of stroke that is up to four times higher than surgical AVR. For this reason, I do not know of any heart surgeon in good faith and in his right mind who would choose a THV rather than a surgical AVR for himself. There is no guarantee that the valve used in transcatheter heart valve surgery will last as long as the bioprosthetic valves currently used in surgical methods. There are not sufficient follow up data to support how long the valve will last with THV. We currently have decades of follow up data on most surgical prosthetic valves. THV has a much higher incidence of perivalvular leak (a leak between the THV valve and the implant site). In surgical aortic valve replacement, perivalvular leaks are extremely rare. If the groin arteries are small or heavily calcified, the risk of serious injuries when the THV catheter is deployed through them... by DrCiuffo | Mar 6, 2015 | Biological or Mechanical Heart Valve, Blog, Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery
If you or a loved one is researching heart valve replacement there are a few different things you need to know about your valve options. Heart surgeons use two types, biological and mechanical valves. There are pros and cons to both mechanical and biological heart valve prosthesis. In order to make an informed decision, please read the following simplified details about each of your options. To learn more and to get an in-depth consultation with expert heart surgeon Dr. Ciuffo – contact us online or call (330) 588-4676. Dr. Ciuffo replaces heart valves with minimally invasive techniques involving a 2″ incision on the ribs or under the breast. It is important to understand fully your options and how it would affect your life so do not be shy about asking questions and making sure you completely understand. For our diagnosis and treatment of patients we consider age, lifestyle, potential future pregnancies, other medical conditions before making a recommendation. Biological Heart Valve Biological valves are made with the valves and tissues derived from animals or human donors. PROS Do not cause blood clotting on their surface, so there is no need coumadin (blood thinner) therapy Replicate the form and function of the normal human valve Treated with special chemicals that delay calcification/stiffening CONS Deteriorate faster in younger patients, so they may need to be replaced Mechanical Heart Valve Mechanical valves are exactly what it sounds like, an artificial tool with a valve mechanism, shown on the right. PROS Lasts for a virtually unlimited time, so there is not typically need for replacement CONS Risk of bleeding/clotting, so life-long coumadin therapy is needed Risks and disadvantages... by DrCiuffo | Jan 7, 2015 | Blog, Minimally Invasive, Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery, Minimally Invasive Heart Surgeons
When people face a diagnosis of severe aortic valve disease, it can be very stressful, emotional, and confusing. It’s easy to lose sight of choosing the best option. Dr. Ciuffo wants to share a quick guide to prospective patients to learn how to ask the right questions and find the right heart surgeon to fit your needs. Aortic Valve Conditions The most common aortic valve conditions Dr. Ciuffo treats are Aortic Stenosis (aortic valve is calcified and cannot open properly) and Aortic Insufficiency/Regurgitation (aortic valve is stretched and cannot close properly). If a diagnosis of one of these given, heart surgery will be needed. To learn more about your options, and specifically minimally invasive aortic valve replacement or repair — read the following questions. Questions To Ask A Potential Surgeon Am I a candidate for minimally invasive aortic valve surgery? And if not, why not? Do you perform this type of surgery? How many of these operations have you performed and with what outcomes? What type of valve or repair do you suggest and why? Could I talk to any of your previous minimally invasive valve surgery patients? An experienced minimally invasive heart surgeon would have no difficulty finding patients willing to share their experience with you. Schedule A Consultation With Dr. Ciuffo Today! To talk with the best minimally invasive heart surgeon, Dr. Ciuffo, call us today at (330) 363-1341 or contact us online and one of our minimally invasive heart surgery team members will be in touch with you... 
by DrCiuffo | Oct 21, 2014 | Articles, Heart Surgery, Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery
Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement Following Barbara Walters’ surgery to treat her aortic valve stenosis, Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement surgery became a more popular term. Her issue was caused by a very common and frequently mistreated heart valve disease in the elderly population of the United States. There is a bias against operating on elderly patients in this country which often denies life-saving procedures on otherwise functional and sharp minded senior citizens. Aortic valve stenosis is a deadly disease that requires immediate attention, and Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo has the experience, skill, and will to help families. What Is Aortic Stenosis? Aortic Stenosis is a condition that causes the aortic valve to be too narrow. This forces your heart to work extra hard to push adequate amounts of fresh oxygenated blood against a tight, barely opening valve. Mechanically speaking, a heart with aortic stenosis develops a much higher internal pressure to assure the same pumping action and output of a normal heart. The risks of this condition can be chest pain, lack of breath, troubled breathing, heart attack, stroke, and death. Why Choose Dr. Ciuffo? Dr. Ciuffo’s experienced staff, dedicated team, and professional surgical experience set him apart from the crowd. His experience with minimally invasive aortic valve replacement is profound. His focus is on skillful surgery, quick recovery, and patient health. The vast majority of our patients are ready to go home in two or three days with specific arrangements for a visiting nurse and physical therapy service. We would be delighted to answer your questions and receive your comments and suggestions. Contact us directly at the office to discuss any specific...
