Overview: The PEARS procedure is an acronym for a new method, involving open heart surgery, for treating proximal aortic root dilation and represents a novel, personalized approach – utilizing an external stent – to address a complex and often lethal disease of the aortic root. Introduction We are all familiar with the story of Isaac […]
5 Lessons from Actor Bill Paxton’s Untimely Death
Recently, the world was saddened to learn of the surprising death from stroke of another famous Hollywood celebrity from heart-related issues. On February 25, 2017, we learned that Mr. Bill Paxton passed away following complications following open heart surgery. Bill Paxton was famous for acting in a number of Hollywood blockbuster hits including “Twister”, “Aliens” […]
Aortology: The New Science of Aortic Disease and Treatment
Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it. – Confucius Editor’s Note: This is not the original blog post that I had intended to provide for you, but I am compelled to share this “big picture” discussion with you as a way of helping everyone appreciate the current state of affairs regarding the aorta […]
Double Trouble: Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)
Let’s discuss what is a bicuspid aortic valve. The main valve of the heart – the aortic valve – is an incredibly beautiful structure with a level of design complexity that even the brilliant Renaissance artist and scientist, Leonardo da Vinci, marveled at. All medical students and physicians have studied heart anatomy and know about […]
The Unfortunate Case of Alan Thicke
[Editor’s note: Download the related podcast to this post on The Dr. Grayson Wheatley Show. iTunes or Android.] This past week we have all struggled to make sense of the sudden and unexpected passing of the famous and beloved Hollywood actor, songwriter, game and talk show host Alan Thicke. This has been even more difficult because of […]
Aortic Surgery in Cuba
Image(ing) Is Everything
In every presentation that I give – whether it is in the United States or internationally – there is a common theme that I emphasize with the audience. The theme is: With regards to treatment of aortic diseases such as aortic aneurysms or aortic dissections, “Imaging is Everything”. What do I mean by that? When […]
Meet Cullen Timmons – Diagnosing His Own Aortic Aneurysm
I want you to meet Cullen Timmons. His story – relative to aortic aneurysms – is a remarkable case of astute thinking and serendipity. Cullen is a 26-year old, active, healthy medical student at the University of Virginia who was taking an elective called “Advanced Physical Diagnosis”. As part of that class, he placed a […]
Do you have an aortic aneurysm? The case for aortic screening.
Do you have an aortic aneurysm? One of the most unique features of aortic aneurysms is that they can develop without any warning signs. Think about it: Most diseases or disorders develop slowly over time and once the disease has “progressed” to a certain stage, then the “effects” of the disease manifest themselves. This is […]
Meet Isaiah Austin
Isaiah Austin is an inspiration to us all, and particularly to patients with Marfans Syndrome. Isaiah was a star basketball player at Baylor University in Texas. Last year, he completed an all-star performance as the center on the men’s basketball team. All he had ever wanted to do and worked tirelessly was to play professional […]
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