Patient Stories

In Japan, a 74-year-old gentleman who is a children’s artist began to feel short of breath in 2003—this is his story as translated by Professor Ono. Medical tests revealed severe aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation as well as mitral valve stenosis and atrial fibrillation. Why the patient decided to have mechanical over tissue and why…

I am a retired Engineer (Bsc,Msc,C.Eng) and I live in Europe. When I heard in 2005 at 66 years old that my aortic heart valve had to be replaced because of calcification, I decided to find out which manufactured heart valve would be the right replacement for me taking into account that the end of…

My experience of heart valve surgery is that I can’t believe what my body went through. I was non-symptomatic except for a heart murmur that got louder during the 12 month period between physicals. I was experiencing mitral valve regurgitation at an elevated level, but yet didn’t feel my energy level, endurance, activity level, or…

I’ve been active pretty much all my adult life. I especially enjoy bike riding. Even in my cold climate I manage to ride year-round to some degree. I often do centuries and also race my mountain bike. Last fall 6 weeks after a 100 miler and 2 weeks after a 15 mile mountain bike race,…

Congratulations to Minoru for completing his first marathon after receiving an On-X Heart Valve! He competed in the Nagano Olympic Memorial Marathon and completed it with a time of 4 hours and 57 minutes on the 15th of April, 2012, with an average heart rate of 145 beats per minute. We are delighted to hear…

I was born with BAV and had it fixed with an On-X heart valve (hopefully for life). I am a competitive, drug free, powerlifter and hold a 2011 deadlift record in the US in 100% RAW in my weight and age class. It has been 10 weeks post surgery and I am already back to…

Congratulations to Randy! …on completing his first race post surgery on May 20, 2012. The race consisted of 15 mile bike ride in Rhinelander, WI and Randy finished 156 out of 167 in overall finishers. We are delighted to hear of his great accomplishment and wish him continued success in his future endeavors! To read…

In April 2012, at 33 years old and happily married with 2 children aged 2 and 4, I was diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation. My name is David and I am from South Africa. As I knew nothing about heart valve problems, I just simply assumed I could take a few pills and all will…

I was diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis ten years ago. Late November 2011, my cardiologist informed me that surgery would be needed soon. I went to see my surgeon and he asked what I would like to hear from him in regards to what type of valve to use. Because of research I had done,…

My recovery has gone very well. I’m 51, in good physical condition, and went into surgery with a positive outlook. My surgeon credits that as an important part of things, and I in turn give full credit to him and On-X for saving and extending my life. My condition — a calcified biscuspid heart valve…