In Complex Surgery, A Second Opinion Counts
Bev Scully, 59, had known since college that she had a congenital heart defect that would eventually require surgery. But she didn’t know that the defect was slowly damaging her aorta, placing her at risk for a life-threatening condition called aortic dissection.
Scully was born with a bicuspid aortic valve--instead of three leaflets that open and close the valve, she had two. Initially, a surgeon recommended a mechanical valve, which meant she would have to take a blood thinner for the rest of her life. Not satisfied with that option, she researched physician and hospital statistics on heart surgery. She also sought a second opinion, which is how she met Vibhu Kshettry, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with the Minneapolis Heart Institute®.
“This is my body and my health, and I’m glad I was able to find a doctor I was comfortable with,” said Scully.
Tests reveal more than one problem
In his evaluation of Scully, Kshettry found a bulge in the aorta that could result in aortic dissection, a sudden tearing of the aorta. He also found a congenital abnormality in her right coronary artery. Suddenly, Scully was dealing with several problems, not just one.
The good news was that Scully was in otherwise excellent health. Regular exercise had long been part of her lifestyle, and she had no evidence of coronary blockages. In addition, Scully had great confidence in Kshettry. “He really listened to me, and we came to a good conclusion about the surgery,” she said.
Kshettry suggested replacing the defective valve with a tissue valve, which meant Scully could avoid taking a daily blood thinner. “I try to individualize my recommendations to patients because no single treatment works for everyone,” said Kshettry. “I like to work with patients to give them some choices that are right for them.”
Complex procedure: experienced team
Scully’s surgery occurred in March 2007. In addition to the valve repair, Kshettry replaced the damaged aorta with a graft and bypassed the defective coronary artery. Kshettry noted that the combination of procedures made Scully’s surgery extremely complex. “But at the Minneapolis Heart Institute®, we are experienced in performing the most complex procedures and we have the infrastructure and technology to support the work we do,” he said.
After completing cardiac rehabilitation, Scully quickly returned to her active lifestyle, which included a recent trip to Uganda.
Part of her recovery also includes attending the Women’s-Only Cardiac Support Group at the Minneapolis Heart Institute®. The support group includes speakers on a range of topics and information about nutrition and exercise. “It has also helped me connect with women who have had similar experiences,” said Scully. “It helps to have a forum where your feelings are acknowledged as normal.”
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Finding Online Health Information You Can Trust
Never has so much information--and misinformation--about health and disease been so easily available to the consumer. Searching the Internet for reliable, accurate and unbiased information can be frustrating and time-consuming. The following tips can direct you to trusted and quality health information Web sites.
A reliable Web site usually meets three guidelines:
- It is not trying to sell you anything. There are no “patient testimonials” or “treatment cures.”
- It is updated frequently. Health information is constantly changing. The site should reflect the most current research. Most Web pages post the date of the last review or update at the very bottom of the page.
- It has sponsorship and contact information that is easy to find. Who is responsible for the information and what are their credentials? Does the information appear to be someone’s opinion rather than a fact? The site should have a phone number or physical address.
Web site addresses can also offer clues to the accuracy of the health information. The address usually starts with http:// and ends with an extension like .com or .org. These extensions hint at a site’s integrity.
- .com is a commercial site. Information or products may be for sale. Consider why this site might be communicating this information to you.
- .org is usually a not-for-profit site. The information was prepared by an organization such as the American Heart Association.
- .gov is a U.S. government site. The information is from government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control or the National Institute of Health.
- .edu is a site that may or may not be prepared by a university or college. If the Web address includes a tilde (~), the information is probably not endorsed by the university or college that prepared the Web site.
The popularity of a Web site is certainly not a guarantee of quality or medical reliability. Nor does the information found online replace your doctor’s advice. If you find something of interest on the Web, share it with your health professional so that together you can determine if the information applies to you.
Recommended sources of online health information:
Maple Apple Crisp
When you think of fall, think apples. It is the time to take a crunchy, juicy bite. On average, people eat about 19 pounds of fresh apples a year and for good reason. Apples are a tasty, nutritious choice.
Apples have no fat, no cholesterol and little sodium. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber at 5 grams per medium size apple. Most of the fiber is soluble fiber that helps lower blood cholesterol, while its insoluble fiber helps move waste through the intestines. Another benefit is the high level of the antioxidant quercetin in apples. Antioxidants promote heart health by scavenging free radicals that can damage blood vessel walls.
So grab an apple for a simple healthy dessert or, for a special treat, try this Maple Fruit Crisp. 
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Ingredients:
7 cups sliced, peeled apples (about 2 1/2 pounds of Granny Smith apples)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
Dash of salt
1/3 cup regular oats
1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup trans fat-free stick margarine
Yield: 6 servings |
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°
Combine maple syrup, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Add apple slices and mix well. Spoon the apple mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish, coated with non-stick cooking spray.
To prepare topping, combine oats, flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl; cut in chilled margarine with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the apple filling. Bake at 375° for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Calories: 275, Total Fat: 7 g (saturated fat 1.75 g, no trans fat), Protein: 1.7 g, Carbohydrate: 52 g, Cholesterol: 0 g, Sodium: 80 mg, Fiber: 3.4 g.
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