New Heart Valve Technique Offers Hope to Suncoast Heart Patients
11/22/2016
by Alix Redmonde, WWSB ABC-7
November 22, 2016
The original article and accompanying video can be found here
SARASOTA CO., Fla. (WWSB) - It has been more than a month since the first patient of Venice Regional Bayfront
Health underwent surgery to replace a failing heart valve. Richard G. Korda of Rotunda West said his chest pain of
many years resulted in stents, and a recommendation of bypass surgery.
Korda says further diagnostic tests revealed he had a failing heart valve.
Dr. Joseph Lamelas, former Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center Miami Beach developed
the minimally invasive technique to repair and replace heart valves.
Dr. Lamelas journeyed to the Suncoast to collaborate with Dr. Roberto Cervera of Venice Regional Bayfront Health, who did some modifications to advance the technique.
The two surgeons performed the successful surgery on Korda.
A month later Korda said he feels great. "And it's fantastic, I feel much better, I don't have any pain, this is
number one. No pain."
"The minimally invasive approach is done through a two inch incision between the ribs just
going through the muscle and working between the ribs and do the entire operation," Dr. Lamelas explained.
"The conventional approach is making an incision right down the middle of the chest, going through the sternum
with a big saw that opens the chest, and the entire rib cage and thoracic cavity is completely spread open.The
heart is totally exposed and the operation requires a lot of cardiac manipulation and a lot of work directly on the
heart."
Dr. Lamelas explained the procedure opens the door for high risk, overweight or elderly patients, and many
more.
Patients with multiple diseases or disorders, even high risk patients like diabetics who may be at risk if the chest
is opened. The operation is performed with specialized instruments, including some that Dr. Lamelas said he
developed.
Dr. Cervera said that data shows the minimally invasive technique is a game changer for patients with
pulmonary problems.
"And there's other data that shows that they bleed less and their renal problems are less than having to go
through the breast bone," added Dr. Cervera.
The recovery time is far less explained Dr. Cervera. Just a few days in the hospital, a minimal scar, and patients
can go back to their normal activity in just a few weeks.
Dr. Lamelas is embarking on a new medical journey, leaving Miami and has accepted a position at the Texas
Heart Institute where he will continue his work.
Dr. Cervera performs surgery at Venice Regional Bayfront Health.
Both doctors stay in touch and continue to collaborate on advancing medical techniques.
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