my surgery on TV??

[John Cochran]

I was recently approached by the abc TV affilliate in Minneapolis who would like to do a feature story on my up-coming aortic valve replacement (CryoLife SynerGraft aortic valve). The interest is mainly in the advances in tissue engineering, and how this new valve can, over time, actually become the recipient's own living tissue.

I was fine with this idea until they asked if they could film the actual surgery. My surgeon of course would have a major say in this, but my first reaction was "no way." I don't mind them doing a story with pre- and post-op interviews, but I'm not sure what showing the surgery would do to add value to the story.

The main reason I'm willing to think about this is that tissue engineering has so much promise, and the general population hasn't really even heard of it. Plus, it may give some people a new/better option than they knew existed.

I am not sure I want my family and friends exposed to any of the gory details, but I thought I would ask this group if anyone can see any real value in showing actual surgery? Thanks in advance...your opinions count for a lot.

--John

[ALCapshaw]

What a GREAT OPPORTUNITY John !

It's a great opportunity to help educate the public about Heart Health and the wonderful strides being made to allow those of us afflicted with previously fatal conditions to be given the chance for a long and productive life. (Not to mention a little notoriety for youself which is not a bad thing :-)

Last fall, one of the local Heart Surgeons made a presentation to our chapter of Mended Hearts discussing advances in their techniques and procedures. He showed slides of their latest pride and joy, a heart stabilizer, in action, which allows them to do Beating Heart Bypass Surgery, avoiding the additional trauma and effects of being on the Heart Lung Machine.

He also showed slides of how they extract the sapheous (sp?) leg vein laproscopically, thus avoiding the long and sometimes 'uncomfortable' leg incision and scar. I found these pictures to be informative, educational, and not the least bit 'gory'. They conveyed his topic much more readily than all the words he could have ever spoken.

Pictures dramatize the 'action' in a way that words never can, providing an indellible visual memory that captures people's attention. You can see some examples of Bypass Procedures at www.HeartSurgeons.com and click on Procedures, then CABG. The sections on valve procedures are illustrated but do not contain any pictures.

John, this is your opportunity to become something of a local celebrity and to help educate the public about a topic that is Very Dear to our Hearts (pun intended). My vote: GO FOR IT !

'AL'

[ALCapshaw]

One more reason to do the TV appearance John:

You can put in a plug for ValveReplacement.com,
allowing many more sufferers to find the support
and information they need to carry them forward
towards a better quality of life.

Don't let this opportunity slip away !

'AL'

[Perrster]

Go for it!

[Ross]

Wow, our very own TV Celebrity right here at VR!

I think I would let them John. You know they won't do all the filming in the O.R., Maybe some snippets here and there. There is only so much that they could show anyhow. This is where a short amount of time can be used in your favor.

I'm sure it stunned you and I imagine your asking yourself alot of questions, but I don't see any real harm in it. It's still your choice though regardless of what we say. I'm wondering why they don't do a story on 2 others beside yourself. Sort of get a picture from different individuals and outcomes as well.

What ever decision you make, it will be the right one!

[hensylee]

Dear John, when you came in , bet you didn't know a plug nickel about valve replacement surgery, did you? Think of all the others coming along behind you that don't know, either. That's why they end up here! You could do so many a great favor by having the actual surgery televised. We can never have too much education. This would be a grand opportunity to pass along the experience. And maybe the family would appreciate it, too. God bless

[Jean]

John, I join in with a go for it. Most of the medical documentaries I have seen show little or nothing other than the incision site. They are not gory and are very educational. I know I keep my ear open for cryo-life (name, spelling?) news as it might well be a choice if I need a second surgery for my homograft. You'll be asleep anyway. If you do it, let us know when and where it might show up.

[mainframe]

Another vote in favor of "go for it"

Chris

[BrooksM]

If Dr. King was comfortable with it I would go for it. It is an extremely personal experience but sharing it could help many people. The piece should have balance though (time given to show the alternatives, mech. , porcine, Ross , etc.) The Synergraft is what we have chosen but it still is not right for everyone. It's obvious to all here your generosity and we will be behind whatever decision you make.

Hey, maybe this would be some extra incentive for them to get you your valve in a timely fashion.

Good luck with everything buddy,

Brooks McIntyre

Severe AI, Planning Synergraft AVR with Dr. Zehr at Mayo

[John Cochran]

It sounds like the "ayes" have it! It is very difficult to control how a story like this comes out. The media does what it does for its own reasons, which rarely coincides with what we all think should be fairly and accurately reported. Bottom line is that there is only a small amount that I can do to "steer" a story like this. Fortunately, some of the media folks involved are friends and would be willing to take some editorial input. But, as you all pointed out, the benefits to potential heart patients outweighs the hassles.

I should have mentioned that this came about because of an unrelated conversation I had with a TV reporter. I have a novel coming out late this summer (suspense/thriller) that deals with stem cell research and tissue engineering gone awry: Kidnappings, political intrigue...the standard suspense stuff. When I casually mentioned during this conversation that I personally would be benefiting from tissue engineering research, plus the fact that my son had just had valve surgery...these kinds of coincidences make reporters salivate. So, I will make sure I get a "plug" in for ValveReplacement.com, which, with all the great people here, is probably the biggest benefit any heart patient could find! Thanks to all of you for your input!

[Mara]

John-
Do you need an agent?

I wish I had a video of my surgery, but then I am a complete hypochondriac and would love to see the operation!

See what your surgeon and the hospital say!

we can all say we knew you when you were just one of the "little people"

-Mara

[Ross]

I share your thoughts on how much "steering" can be done and admit that it bothers me some. I would assume that you would get some sort of legal contract out of them? I sure wouldn't leave it "open ended" for them to do as they please. Just something I thought about. Ignore me if you'd like.

[Perrster]

We all look forward to being with you before, during and after your surgery.

You will no doubt get to sign a "talent release."

If you wish, have the Producer contact me or give me his/her e-mail address and I would gladly send them a "complimentary" vr.com t-shirt. I'm having a few extras made.

Regards,

[hensylee]

When your book comes out, would love to look it up. That's my sort of novel - keep one at bedside and generally another in living room, Cornwell, both Kellermans, Hoag, etc . All sorts of mysteries, intrigue is my cuppa tea.Be sure to let us know.

[gary]

Part of my own decision to proceed which was accompanied by minimal apprehension was the TLC or the Dissovery health channel's "The Operation" series which had several Valve replacement surgeries on their schedule conveniently prior to my own.

I taped them and watched them repeatedly and the interviews a few weeks later and months later with the recipients were outstanding, very encouraging.

However. I kept wondering if it slowed the surgical team down in completing the surgical procedure as fast as humanly possible.

My main concern I had from the start was the time I would spend on the pump. If that was increased by precious minutes in any way, shape or form, I would have been against it had it been offered to me. My time on pump was 43 minutes.

You may want to ask about it, and if it lengthens your time on the pump factor it into your decision. The distraction to the surgeon seems like it could also be a factor as well. I wanted mine with full attention on the procedure once the pump was started.

[Mara]

Dear John-
Just a few thoughts from my mom whose job is to do public/media relations at a hopstial. She figures that the hospital won't allow the tv crew in the operating room. Too much liability for the hospital. What if the sterile filed is broken, what if something goes wrong (God forbid)? there are a million reasons why the hospital would not allow a tv crew in the operating room. Plus, she believes no reputable surgeon would allow it either. The surgeon wants all hands on their jobs and minds on the work, no distractions. Most surgeons just want to get on with the surgery, it's high-stress enough without tv goobers hanging around. Several years ago her hospital had the birht of the Dilley sextuplets and no t.v cameras were allowed in the delivery room. Video of the births was taken by the hospital. But even now they don't do that. Even local celbritys who have babies at the hospital are not allowed tv crews in the delivery room because of privacy laws.

Plus, I uncovered a few things, in my lawyer-mode, under the new HIPAA regs that figure the hospital would not allow a tv crew into your operation. So, I bet it will all be pre and post-op interview stuff with animation of the surgery. Plus the CryoLife guy showing the valves. Good luck!

[Zipper]

I echo the others, John. If your surgeon approves, I say "Get Ready For your closeup"...Best of luck to you !

Joan

[sylviayasgur]

hi john!
there isn't anything i could possibly add to what the others have said....i know dr's are sooo nervous (malpractice and all) that i would tend to agree with mara and they probably won't allow the film crew in the operating room.
if it affects the length of time you will have on the pump or how slowly the surgery will go, as gary said, that would help streer me in the other direction.
i am a very squeamish person and can't stand watching those things, even on film, but i think i would have benefited from a pre-surgical intro on film. we've all researched and seen these things on line, but i think seeing an actual film would have given me more info in detail.
about your upcoming book, please let us know when it comes out. sounds like something i'd like too.
whatever you decide to do, i hope you are comfortable with the decision; it's such a personal one.
good luck and be well, sylvia

[McCln]

Please, if approved by surgeon, go for it. You could educated a lot of people. You are a good person. Hang in there. You will be alright.


Caroline
09-13-01
arotic valve replacement
St judes valve

[Mb]

Rock on.....well done!

Marybeth

[John Cochran]

My first concern was about the issues with a TV crew filming surgery--sterile conditions, delays, distractions to the surgical team, etc. Apparently, this particular TV crew has already filmed at this hospital...an actual heart transplant. Anyhow, I will have a serious chat with my surgeon about this. I do know that hospitals often inquire if it is OK for THEM to film your surgery for educational purposes, so there must be ways to introduce a camera in sterile conditions without interfering with or distracting the surgical team. Believe me, I don't want to be on a heart-lung machine even 30 seconds longer that absolutely necessary! One friend did point out something I hadn't thought of: If the surgery is filmed, there is a good chance that the whole surgical team will strive to do every little thing perfectly; however, my guess is that these peoples' professional lives already embrace as much perfection as is humanly possible, so I'm not sure that really makes a difference. I've decided it is OK with me, but the call will be made by my surgeon and the hospital. It did dawn on me that CryoLife might already have some footage of this surgery which could be used in the story, so I'll look into that.

Thank you all for your thoughts on this topic...you helped me be comfortable in making this decision. If indeed this proceeds with filming, I will try to get a copy, and make it available to pre-op folks on VR.com as a "loaner tape."

[John & Joann]

I have been involved in medical video. It may be possible for the TV Crew to be in a balcony with a barrier for sound, air flow, infection, etc.

My vote would be to let the doctor make the final decision. Maintain legal rights for you to release when and where the footabe is utilized.

God Bless!

[srwieland]

Some people I know have requested that their surgeries be videotaped because they considered it as a hedge against screwups and evidence if needed for a malpractice suit! I also know that ordinary videotaping is sometimes allowed on behalf of the patient and not just the hospital.

But, of course, that is very low tech compared to the kind of production you're confronted with.

I wanted to see a Discovery video of VR before my surgery, but was unable to. However, I did see one about a month after surgery and now am not sure I would have done as well to have seen it beforehand. The power saw for cutting and vise for pulling apart the breastbone, what to speak of cutting into the heart itself, was a lot more reality than I think I was prepared for at the time!

Good luck and God bless, John. By the way, if you see those CryoLife people, ask them why they think my new SynerGraft valve is leaking after less than a year post-op.

[John Cochran]

Steve,
I e-mailed you a while ago with some research on why your valve may be leaking. It was research from the Lerner Biomedical Intstitue (The Cleveland Clinic Foundation's biomedical arm) about pulmonary homografts placed in the aortic position. Perhaps you didn't receive it?

For the benefit of others, I'll put my biomedical engineer hat back on and explain. Steve has a CryoLife Synergraft PULMONARY valve placed in the aortic position. This surgery was performed before aortic SynerGraft valves became available. Steve reports that his valve now has (mild?) leakage.

The placement of the pulmonary valve in the aortic position is done in the Ross Procedure; however, this is a patient's own pulmonary valve (autograft) and is living tissue capable of "remodeling" itself to withstand the higher pressures within the aorta (the pulmonary valve is normally subjected to lower pressures than the aortic valve). But in Steve's case, the pulmonary valve was a homograft (from a donor) treated with SynerGraft technology. This valve could not remodel until it has been repopulated with the patient's own cells...which may take some time to occur.

The Lerner Biomedical Institute's research showed that a pulmonary homograft in the aortic position is subject to much more "flexing" than an aortic valve. When the implantation includes the root, the flexing over time may result in distortion of valve cusp alignment, hence the leakage (the latter comment is my personal interpretation of the data). The link to the research abstract is:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10678373&dopt=Abstract

The problem is not likely that there is anything fundamentally wrong with the valve, but rather that it has distorted some. As the valve repopulates and becomes living tissue, perhaps it may remodel some...but this is pure conjecture on my part. This is all new territory, and those considering this technology should all be aware there is no long-term track record.

Steve, I hope your situation improves, but I felt the need to respond to your implication that the problem was somehow CryoLife's.

--John

[srwieland]

Wow! Thank you very much, John. I'll show that info to my surgeon and cardiologist. Do you have the original text? I just emailed you with my new email address. It is srwieland@alltel.net. I also updated my profile on this website, which explains why I never got the notices I just to get about subscribed threads, etc.

Oh, well. For now, I'm definitely doing better. If my body and this valve do rise to the occasion and remodel enough to avoid resurgery, that would be big news for me and for CryoLife! My surgeon doesn't expect it, but there's always a little hope.

Thanks again, John.

[jackc]

John,

As a former biology teacher, I share with those who say go for it!!
Any chance a person has to educate others is a glorious opportunity to do good for others.
Best of luck in your surgery and future "hollywood" career!!

Jack ( Welland )

[John Cochran]

Jack,
Thanks for your input...I think I'm going to do it. As far as the "hollywood" career--what, you didn't see me on TV defending O.J.???

[Don]

John, go for it. I need the input for my 2'nd AVR in 2013. I don't think that you will be able to control the output one bit, but hey .... Perhaps you will be able to weave the scenario into your upcoming novel. Best wishes, Don

[Gail in Ca]

John,
I have my video of my avr done 6/00. I think the camera was attached to the surgeons head some how.
I think it's cool and am glad to have it. My surgeon didn't hesitate when I asked for a video of my avr. It starts with him cutting thru the ascending aortic graft that I got in 89. Then it proceeds with the removal of the old porcine valve and then stitching the new mechanical up in readiness for placement, then it just stops before the valve was placed which was a bummer as I was thinking that would have been the best part to see. Then it starts up again when the valve was already done and they are sewing up the graft.
Then the end. I was amazed at all the sewing involved!
I say go ahead and have it videotaped, cause you will want to see it after it's all over.
Gail

[MarkU]

I would have jumped at the chance to get my AVR taped. I was both curious and fascinated by the entire process and had watched a couple of other AVR videos prior to my own surgery.
I found out too late that several of the operating rooms at my hospital have video cameras installed and they frequently do record surgeries (not only for educational purposes, but also for protection against malpractice charges during high risk procedures - I was told off the record.) They told me later that they probably would have recorded my surgery if I had known to ask ahead of time.



:)

[Rain]

If the surgeon is comfortable with it... I'd "go for it" in a heartbeat. :)

I'd love to have a video of my heart surgery... I'd like to watch it. And who knows..... it could provide valuable details later in life.

Rain