Heart: Michael R. Petracek, MD of the Saint Thomas Heart Institute at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN, will perform a minimally invasive mitral valve replacement under direct vision through a right thoracotomy during a live webcast on December 7 at 4:00 pm CT. (5:00 PM ET / 22:00 UTC)
Dr. Petracek's mitral technique is done without cross-clamp under cold fibrillation through a 2-inch incision. By eliminating ischemic time, Dr. Petracek is able to reduce post-surgical complications and patient recovery time. Dr. Stephen K. Ball will co-moderate the live presentation, review valve selection criteria, surgical considerations, and address real-time web audience questions during the hour-long program.
Each year, over 120,000 Americans undergo valve replacement surgery. Newer 3rd generation tissue valves provide excellent hemodynamics and improved durability. Their flexible stent provide surgeons with safe and easy implantability. Finally, they allow patients to maintain the quality of life they have come to expect and to enjoy active lifestyles without the risks of anticoagulation therapy.
Dr. Petracek is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He received his Doctor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins and completed his cardiothoracic training at Vanderbilt University Hospital.
The Saint Thomas Heart Institute is one of the top five cardiac programs in the nation. Saint Thomas Health Services is a family of hospitals united by the single mission to provide spiritually centered, holistic care that sustains and improves the health of the communities it serves. Saint Thomas Hospital was founded in 1898 by the Daughters of Charity. Today, the 541-bed facility, with more than 3,500 employees and 750 physicians on staff, provides adult specialty health care to more than two million residents of Middle Tennessee, Southwestern Kentucky and Northern Alabama.
This educational event is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT)
