Penn Medicine mitral valve program expansion at Doylestown Health advances minimally invasive care

The Penn Medicine mitral valve program at Doylestown Health has made significant strides in cardiac care, thanks to the integration of surgeons with extensive experience in minimally invasive access to the heart and its valves. These advances in surgical technique and technology have resulted in a consequent doubling of cardiac surgical procedure volume by comparison to previous years at Doylestown, and a tripling of the number of mitral valve surgeries.

According to national patient follow-up data, minimally invasive surgery results in fewer short and long-term complications than open valve replacements and a more durable solution for patients when performed correctly. Additionally, because minimally invasive approaches avoid sternotomy, a requisite of open-heart surgery, the procedures quicken recovery and allow patients to resume daily activities sooner.

 

The effectiveness of the comprehensive care approach at Penn Doylestown Health is well illustrated in a recent case of Mrs. T. An independent 83-year-old woman suffering from severe mitral valve regurgitation due to degenerative valve disease, Mrs. T's condition had progressively worsened, leading to new-onset atrial fibrillation, significant weight gain, limb edema, and increased shortness of breath.

Upon examination, her cardiologist, Francis William Grzywacz, MD, and cardiothoracic surgeon, Anthony Tran, MD, determined that surgery would be the best course of action.

Dr. Tran successfully performed complex repair of Mrs. T’s mitral and tricuspid valves and conducted a biatrial ablation with left atrial appendage exclusion to manage her atrial fibrillation.

Mrs. T's post-operative recovery was remarkable.

Extubated within hours, her inotropic support was gradually reduced. By the seventh day post-operation, she was discharged in good health.

Following her discharge, Mrs. T underwent cardiac rehabilitation and has since maintained an active lifestyle with no signs of heart murmurs or heart failure. Regular echocardiograms confirm normal ventricular function and no signs of recurrent mitral or tricuspid valve insufficiency over a year since her operation.

The Penn Medicine Doylestown Health difference

Penn Medicine Doylestown Health is committed to patient safety, quality, and innovative treatments, as exemplified by The Woodall Center for Heart and Vascular Care. The center has been recognized in four categories of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Public Reporting Initiative, including Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, Aortic Valve Replacement with or without concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Mitral Valve Surgery. This recognition underscores our dedication to superior healthcare.

Clinical consult and patient referral

Francis William Grzywacz, MD, and Anthon Tran, MD, see patients at Penn Medicine Doylestown Health in Doylestown, PA. Physicians interested in referring patients may call 877-937-7366, or refer a patient online.