by DrCiuffo | Dec 30, 2022 | Advanced Heart Surgery, Aortic Valve Replacement, Blog, Dr. Giovanni B Ciuffo, Heart Health
A normal functioning aortic valve has three leaflets, usually referred to as cusps, and is positioned at the end of the left ventricle. This valve is the main pump that delivers oxygenated blood to the entire body. An aortic valve replacement is required if someone suffers from Aortic Valve Stenosis or Aortic Valve Insufficiency. These two issues can cause a significant number of problems and can be life-threatening. Understanding the components that are involved in an aortic valve replacement is essential, especially if you are considering one. Dr. Ciuffo takes the time to consider your specific situation before moving forward on a treatment plan. If you are looking for this information to guide you through decisions regarding your healthy heart, this is a great place to start. Today we take a deep dive into aortic valve replacement, so you can have the knowledge you need. When to Consider Aortic Valve Replacement As already mentioned, there are two reasons why someone would need an aortic valve replacement. When suffering from aortic stenosis, the valve is narrow, causing it to be more challenging for the blood to go through. Basically, the muscle in the heart begins to thicken, causing a hissing sound, which is oftentimes confused with a murmur. With aortic valve insufficiency, the valve tends to “leak” when it is closed. This makes the heart work twice as hard to make the blood flow correctly and in the right direction. To repair this, doctors have created a minimally invasive technique that is much safer and easier on patients. What to Consider for an Aortic Valve Replacement Since the breastbone is... by DrCiuffo | Dec 15, 2022 | Blog
When you are enjoying an athletic activity, you will notice your heart beats faster than when you are just resting and reading a book. When you exercise, your body may need three to four times your average cardiac output. This happens because your muscles need more oxygen when you exert energy. So what causes pulse deficit, and what is it? Pulse deficit is when one finds a difference in count between heartbeat and peripheral pulse. So what causes pulse deficit in people? In this blog, we will address what pulse deficit is, its causes, how to take a pulse, symptoms, and treatments. What is Pulse Deficit? Pulse deficit occurs when the heart is contracting, and the pulse is not reaching the periphery. Pulse deficit can be dangerous if not treated properly, this is especially true if heart conditions run in your family. No need to worry because once you know the signs and what causes pulse deficit, you will know to reach out to a doctor to get help for yourself or a loved one. Taking a Pulse If you are wondering if your family member has a pulse deficit, it is important to know how to properly take a pulse. You can begin taking a pulse by putting two fingers on a person’s neck or wrist. When Measuring Pulse in Someone’s Wrist: Have the person’s arm held out straight, with the palm of their hand facing upwards Place your first finger and middle fingers on their wrist, near the base of their thumb Pull out a clock that shows your the seconds clearly, count how many beats you... by DrCiuffo | Jan 5, 2017 | Blog
Bloodless heart surgery is a type of procedure that is different from traditional heart surgery. Originally developed to comply with the religious beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses, bloodless heart surgery is now common and has many benefits and advantages over traditional heart surgery. Bloodless Heart Surgery Over the years, Dr. Ciuffo has developed very effective clinical strategies and routines that have made bloodless heart surgery a reality for most of our patients. Bloodless heart surgery care is an increasingly popular choice for all patients that need surgery in a growing number of medical institutions. This is because it is a lower risk for sick or elderly patients. The benefits surrounding bloodless heart surgery relate to the following steps: Carefully preparing the patient and other pre-surgery precautions Utilizing a precise and meticulous technique during surgery Completing a thorough follow-up after surgery Avoiding potential side effects and complications related to blood transfusions How it Works Here are some of the ways that this type of heart surgery avoids the need for blood transfusions: Extra Corporeal Circulation (the heart-lung machine) with or without blood storage. The entire blood volume can be kept in circulation at all times, in compliance with the principles and beliefs of the Jehovah’s witness community. Beating Heart Surgery technique for coronary artery bypass. It avoids using the heart-lung machine and helps us maintain a better ability to coagulate and stop bleeding after surgery. Blood Salvage. A “cell saver” machine collects, filters, and returns the patient’s blood to his/her own circulation. A closed circulation loop with no storage can be maintained at all times. Intraoperative hemodilution: some of the patient’s... by DrCiuffo | Nov 10, 2016 | Blog
Bloodless heart surgery can be a viable option for those patients deemed “inoperable,” who are old or frail, or who can’t have regular heart surgery due to religious reasons. As opposed to traditional heart surgery, bloodless heart surgery actually has certain benefits related to the careful preparation of each patient for bloodless heart surgery, the precise and meticulous technique during surgery, the thorough postoperative follow-up, and the avoidance of potential side effects and complications related to blood transfusions. Preparation Before Surgery The preparation before bloodless heart surgery is integral to the success of the procedure. First, Dr. Ciuffo will determine if there is any evidence of spontaneous bleeding or anemia. The most common causes of chronic anemia are related to bleeding from ulcers in the stomach or intestine, bleeding from diverticulosis, heavy menstruations, primary anemias. A hematology or gastroenterology evaluation can be requested as necessary. Next, Dr. Ciuffo will administer medications such as Erythropoietin, Iron, and Folic Acid to stimulate the patient’s production of more red blood cells. Ideally, each patient considered for surgery should be treated to ensure a healthy hemoglobin level. Lastly, your doctor will create a surgical strategy to minimize the risk of bleeding while accomplishing a complete, thorough treatment of the heart condition. Blood Sparing Techniques Bloodless heart surgery is known for how minimally invasive it is. Dr. Ciuffo uses techniques that avoid breast bone cutting that could lead to postoperative bleeding. These techniques include: Extra Corporeal Circulation (the heart-lung machine) with or without blood storage. The entire blood volume can be kept in circulation at all times, in compliance with the principles and beliefs of the Jehovah’s witness community. Beating Heart Surgery technique for coronary... by DrCiuffo | Dec 19, 2014 | Blog, Bloodless Heart Surgery, Dr. Giovanni B Ciuffo, Heart Surgery, Inoperable Heart Surgery Patients, Jehovah Witnesses, Jehovah's Witness
After being diagnosed with a rare, considered inoperable, tumor in the left ventricle of her heart and given only a few months to live, 26-year old Australian Madalyn Copcutt was not ready to give up on her life. Her tumor was considered inoperable because of her status as a Jehovah’s Witnesses and she would not be able to accept blood transfusions. The newlywed traveled over 11,000 miles to see expert cardiac surgeon, Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo at the Mercy Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) who is the Medical Director of Mercy’s Minimally Invasive and Bloodless Heart Surgery program. Even after all surgeons in Perth concluded that her surgery would not be possible, Dr. Ciuffo performed the bloodless heart surgery on October 31 at Mercy Medical Center and Madalyn was discharged on November 3, with all positive results indicating the tumor removal was successful. Read more about Madalyn’s surgery at the Mercy Medical Center in the Akron Beacon Journal and on Mercy’s own blog. Dr. Ciuffo’s Mission For Bloodless Surgery Dr. Ciuffo has stated that he’s “made it his mission to do bloodless surgery,” citing that his experience shows patients who do not take blood transfusions live longer and do better than traditional heart surgery patients. Dr. Ciuffo’s complex cardiothoracic experience ranges 15 years with operations for over 500 Jehovah’s Witnesses and hundreds of patients from all over the world. Contact Dr. Ciuffo For Bloodless Inquiries If you are a Jehovah’s Witnesses looking for bloodless surgery, or anyone with an interest in the minimally invasive and bloodless techniques Dr. Ciuffo employs, please call his office (330) 363-1341 at or contact him...
