Other device-makers are working on developing their own valves. And a heart surgeon at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore says he thinks that bypassing the diseased valve could be a better way to go.
In the journal Circulation last month, surgeon James S. Gammie reported that using a new valve embedded in a bypass graft "reliably relieves aortic stenosis," or narrowing of the valve.
Gammie said he did not need FDA approval because he was using approved devices.
Yesterday morning, before his surgery at Penn, Miller was joking around with his three children and his wife. He was happy that the day had finally arrived, and hoped that he could soon be able to return to his barn near Longwood Gardens where he rebuilds tractors.
He wants to play with his eight grandchildren without having to catch his breath.
"They tell me as quick as I get this thing in me, I'll be able to breathe well again," he said.
Yesterday evening, Bavaria reported, the surgery had gone well, with no complications so far.
Contact staff writer Josh Goldstein at 215-854-4733 or jgoldstein@phillynews.com.
