Expert Q&A : Heart Disease

Dr. Allen Raczkowski practices Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery at Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Arizona. Renowned as the world's leading robotic cardiac surgeon, Dr. Raczkowski uses a special technology, the Da Vinci robot, which enables him to perform delicate procedures such as valve repairs and coronary artery surgery, producing better results, and offering patients a better quality of life in much less time than traditional heart surgery. Dr. Raczkowski graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine with an MD and has been in the profession for over 30 years. Visit him online at www.bannerhealth.com.

Are there any alternatives to heart bypass surgery?
Coronary artery bypass is the gold standard for coronary artery disease. However, there are many other ways to treat it.

My mother is undergoing surgery to have a mechanical heart valve. What is the lifespan of a mechanical heart valve?
Mechanical heart valves are made of pyrolytic carbon, similar to industrial grade diamond. It is very hard and wears very little.

What happens when a heart valve is leaking, and what is the treatment?
A leaky valve (also called an Incompetent valve) means that a portion of the blood flow moves backwards to the normal flow. If the backward flow is too large, heart failure can result.

My dad, 60, has a weak blood vessel behind the heart - an aneurysm waiting to happen. They said it was non-operable. Could this be something he could live with for years?
Repair of these aneurysms has changed drastically with the advent of endoluminal stent grafting. Read the doctor's full answer.

My father had a quadruple bypass in 1999. Recently, they found 2 grafts that were 100% blocked and 2 that were 100% open. The doctor no stent or bypass is needed because his body created new vessels. Should we be concerned?
Your father is fortunate that this flow is present and that the grafts are not needed to provide it. Read the doctor's full answer.

What size does an aorta aneurysm need to be to be operated on?
Traditionally, aortic aneurysms are operated on when they reach 5 cm -- but it depends on other factors. Read the full answer.

My mother described an incident that sounded like a stroke but which left her only a bit dazed. I think she may have had a mini stroke. Should she see a doctor as soon as possible?
You haven't related exactly what your mother described, but if any of the details do match what you have heard about strokes, by all means she should see her doctor at once. Click to read Dr. Connolly's full answer.