Recent content by susieq

Hello Luana and everyone, I've heard it's sometimes possible to go outside of Kaiser, if for example the head of cardiology O.K.s it. Also, in some places Kaiser has no thoracic surgeons on staff - for example, in Sacramento Kaiser contracts with Mercy General Hospital for thoracic surgeries...

Hello Luana, I've heard that minimally invasive mitral valve repair with an experienced surgeon, without the da Vinci robot, is generally preferable in older patients as use of the robot increases cardiopulmonary bypass time. Thanks for all the comments. I've been hearing a lot of positive...

Hello Ross, Great quotes :-). She's in excellent health, doesn't smoke and has walked a lot most of her life since she's never gotten her driver's license. She's under a lot of stress because she's the primary caregiver for her husband who has progressive dementia/Alzheimer's. Thank you, Sabine

Hello everyone, My name is Sabine and my mother-in-law (age 84) is trying to decide whether or not to have mitral valve surgery. Her cardiologist says they will try to repair the valve first, but if that's not possible will opt for replacement. She is at Kaiser San Rafael; recommended surgeon...