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Post by graybeard on Jun 21, 2009 9:33:34 GMT -6
A friend has been facing the knife for over two years, while getting five second opinions. He settled on the guy at Long Beach Memorial, who does robotics. Instead of cracking the chest open like a dead chicken, they slip the tools between the ribs. A valve was repaired, not replaced.
He was released on the third day, and looks and feels good.
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Post by agito on Jun 21, 2009 13:41:30 GMT -6
yeay progress....
or is this the beginning of robots eating hearts out everywhere! run away run away!
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Post by unlawflcombatnt on Jul 1, 2009 23:40:57 GMT -6
A friend has been facing the knife for over two years, while getting five second opinions. He settled on the guy at Long Beach Memorial, who does robotics. Instead of cracking the chest open like a dead chicken, they slip the tools between the ribs. A valve was repaired, not replaced. He was released on the third day, and looks and feels good. Graybeard, Do you have any more details on that? I've seen diagrams of percutaneous valve insertion and repair, but never anything inserted through the ribs. Typically percutaneous devices would be inserted through a large artery, such as the femoral artery, and then moved up through the aorta into the heart. Alternatively, they could be put in through the subclavian artery (deep to the clavicle or collarbone), or possibly through the carotid artery in the neck. Note: I'm not an expert on any of this, I've only read about it. (I'm an internist, and I don't do any surgery, other than a rare laceration closure. However, I have put in a few central venous lines, so I'm somewhat familiar with what's involved with percutaneous procedures.)
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Post by graybeard on Jul 8, 2009 11:29:18 GMT -6
Talked to Tommy again this morning, and he confirmed the entry was between ribs under his right arm. That caused the only discomfort he's had. He mentioned micro valve surgery, and the da Vinci robotic machine. www.memorialcare.org/medical_services/heart-care/heart-surgery.cfmOne of the knives Tommy consulted is at Hoag, who discounted the new way. Just this week, his gal called to offer the micro surgery.. GB
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Post by unlawflcombatnt on Jul 8, 2009 12:14:51 GMT -6
Thanks Graybeard. They've certainly got a very interesting and detailed video on the procedure with Dr. Bethencourt, also giving a pretty good explanation of how the heart-lung machine works. Here's the most direct link to the video of the heart valve surgery. (And, yes, he does cut directly into the heart from the external incision in the thorax.) www.or-live.com/MemorialCare/1791/event/rnh.cfm?webcast_status=live&player_status=ready
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Post by graybeard on Feb 23, 2010 18:41:27 GMT -6
I'm bringing this thread to the front because of the misleading Canadian thread. Hoag in Newport Beach and other highly respected hospitals are still breaking chests open unnecessarily.
GB
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