by DrCiuffo | Jun 21, 2018 | Blog, Dr. Giovanni B Ciuffo, Heart Health
Leaking Heart Valves Patients living with leaking heart valves have more options than ever. A bio heart valve or mechanical heart valve may be the best option to repair a damaged heart. A leaking heart valve not only puts additional strain on the hardest-working muscle in your body, it can lead to aneurism or separation and further damage to your heart. Mechanical Heart Valve One option patients may be offered is heart valve replacement. A mechanical heart valve has several advantages. Primarily, there is little to no risk of the valve itself being rejected by the body. A mechanical valve may not wear out as quickly as a bovine (harvested from a cow) or porcine (harvested from a pig) heart valve. Patients may, however, require blood thinners when living with a mechanical heart valve. How Long Do Pig Valves Last in Humans? The answer varies. The valves last an average of seven to ten years in patients over 65. Conditions affecting the metabolism of calcium in the body, especially in children and young adults, increase the chances and the speed of failure of a bio heart valve. Bio Heart Valve A bio heart valve, which is harvested from either a cow or pig heart may be implanted either using a structure called a stent, or may be “stentless.” The likelihood of a bio heart valve failing depends on the individual patient’s condition and a number of other factors. Your doctor can help you decide which type of valve is right for you when considering bicuspid aortic valve replacement options. Biological Heart Valve Pros and Cons The primary advantage of... by DrCiuffo | Oct 24, 2014 | Blog, Inoperable Aortic Aneurysms, Inoperable Aortic Valve, Inoperable Coronary Disease, Inoperable Heart Surgery Patients, Inoperable Mitral Valve
As we age, we all worry about what the news doctor might deliver, especially about the heart. When your doctor hands you a terrible diagnosis, giving you the seemingly life-sealing fate of simply living with your “inoperable aortic valve” condition, it can seem like the end of the world. But, as Dr. Ciuffo has described in detail throughout his website, “inoperable” is typically more descriptive of the traditional heart surgery methods, rather than your heart’s ability to be operated on. Get A Second Opinion For An Inoperable Aortic Valve Diagnosis Now! It is extremely important to your health to get a second opinion, especially in such a sensitive and life-threatening area. Dr. Ciuffo has been using the most cutting edge technology with his extensive experience to perform successful, minimally invasive heart surgery procedures for “high risk” and “inoperable” heart surgery patients. Read Gwen’s success story, the “inoperable” patient with lung cancer in her 70s who Dr. Ciuffo performed a successful aortic valve replacement on and who recovered quickly to enjoy many more years living life to the fullest with her family. Inoperable Aortic Valve Condition Becomes Operable The minimally invasive aortic valve procedures performed by Dr. Ciuffo are an amazing options for patients who have previously been told their heart condition is inoperable. Minimally invasive procedures are performed through a small two inch incision between the rids, eliminating the need for breaking bones, the heart-lung machine, or blood transfusions that are typically needed in traditional heart surgery methods. Read patient testimonials to get a better idea of Dr. Ciuffo’s surgical expertise and how it works. First Steps After Diagnosis After you receive a high risk... 
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...
