Cleveland Clinic

Hi All:

My brother had a dissected aorta and emergency surgery 4 years ago almost to the day.  He was scheduled for further surgery this past Tuesday, but they cancelled it at the last minute due to the blood test for HIT (Heparin-induced thrombocytepenia) was too high and they were not willing to operate due to probable fatal results.

His hematologist has told him that he probably should go to the Cleveland Clinic to have surgery done.

The surgery scheduled was for an redo aortic root, and I believe a possible replacement valve.  It is complicated with a basteremia infection, which has caused endocarditis.

My question is this.  He and his wife are thoroughly worn out at this point with all the different direction they are getting, and quite frankly, are financially stripped.  I am hoping they choose to go to the Cleveland Clinic, but would like to hear anybody's experience with them so I can relay the messages to them that they should go.

They have been told that there are not many hospitals that would be willing to do surgery on him due to the fact that he is allergic to Heparin because he would most likely fail.  I know there are synthetic Heparin substitutes out there, but believe that the CC would be the place to go for him.

Can anybody please weigh in on this and give me some opinions?

[Med Help]

Dear Kjack,

This is a Patient-to-Patient Forum and is not monitored by doctors from the Cleveland Clinic.  We suggest you re-post your question in the Doctor-to-Patient Heart Forum.

Med Help International

[kjack12046]

I understand this is a patient-to-patient forum.  I am asking for opinions from people who have gone to Cleveland Clinic for heart surgery and their experience with them.

I believe asking other patients is the best way to get information.  Thanks.

[anacyde]

This isn't heart related, but CCF saved my father's life when he was a teen.  He had a "mysterious illness" that no one locally could figure out.  Immediately CCF diagnosed him with Chrons and began managing it.  While doctors locally told him he would never have a career, children or a normal life and would lose most of his bowel to the disease - CCF had a better outlook for him.  Now, nearing 60, he's had a very normal life indeed, with the exception of some surgeries over the past 40 years.

Just a thought.  People come from around the world for good reason.  I think it's worth a try, and I wish you the best.

[Momto3]

Hi kjack,

I have not had surgery at CC.  However, I was referred to CC by my own cardio (from another major Cleveland hospital) when she thought I might be in need of mitral valve surgery.  In so many words, she said, "That's the place to go, they do it best."

As a side note, I recently used the CC "contact us" form to ask about another major surgical procedure and the doctor called me at home!  He was more than willing to answer my questions and share information with me.  It's definitely a place with a great reputation for cardiac care.

I wish you and your family the best as you seek out the best medical care. You are a great brother and friend to help in finding the right place for your brother's treatment.  Keep us posted.