JOHN CROSS - MITRACLIP PATIENt, 2017

“I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY HEART FELT GRATITUDE TO YOU AND YOUR STAFF FOR SUCCESSFUL MITRACLIP PROCEDURE CONDUCTED AT HOAG HOSPITAL ON OCTOBER 2nd, 2017. LAST YEAR WAS A DREADFUL TIME FOR ME AS I STRUGGLED WITH NUMEROUS HEALTH ISSUES, THE MOST SERIOUS, HEART FAILURE DUE TO MITRAL VALVE FAILURE CAUSED ME HORRENDOUS GRIEF AS I WAS BASICALLY JUST SURVIVING. GOING UP THE STAIRS IN MY HOME, I HAD TO SIT DOWN FOR FIVE OR TEN MINUTES TO REGAIN MY BREATH AND STRENGTH. NOW THANKS TO YOUR PROCEDURE, IM ABLE TO TRANSCEND THE STAIRS AND GO ON ABOUT MY BUSINESS.

YOU HAD INDICATED PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY TAKE ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE HOURS, BUT SUCCESSFULLY IT WAS COMPLETED IN TWO HOURS AND I WAS BACK HOME THE NEXT DAY WITH An INVIGORATING NEW OUTLOOK TOWARDS THE FUTURE.”

Ellen mcguire - watchman patient, 2017

“i am an active 72 year old woman. i was surprised to learn that i had afib (atrial fibrillation) because i had no symptoms. i knew that meant that i was at a higher risk for a stroke and that i would spend the rest of my life on blood thinners. i have a balance issue and can easily fall. being on blood thinners was really unsettling to me. and the thought of a stroke - well, need i say more?

i was referred to dr. jorge castellanos at newport heart. he did a great job of explaining a new option for me - a watchman device - which would be implanted in the opening of the left atrial appendage in my heart and prevent clots from going to my brain. he explained that it would not cure my afib but would give me two valuable benefits: i would not have to take powerful blood thinners after the procedure and that my stroke risk would be lowered to that of the general population.

he carefully detailed the procedure and answered my questions. i felt very comfortable with dr. castellanos’ experience level with watchman. he participated in the clinical trial studies for the approval of this device.

for me, i realized that the benefits of implanting the watchman far outweighed the risks of living without it! the entire procedure was easy, painless, and relatively non-invasive. each stage was exactly as dr. castellanos explained.

i am thrilled and i would highly recommend watchman to others who would benefit from it. i love to travel and now i can go to countries and places that i thought were off my list forever. i participate in more activities because i am off blood thinners. there is nothing like peace of mind.”

mary desloover - tavr patient, 2015

“as you are all aware, i had a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (tavr) procedure performed on october 27th.

it was a relief to have this procedure and know i wouldn’t have to endure the much more invasive open heart surgery. the following day i had echocardiogram, and to see the blood flowing through my aortic valve with no obstruction was remarkable. i was able to get back to a normal routine in a matter of days.

even after two weeks, it’s difficult for me to comprehend the complexity of this procedure and the ease with which it was performed at hoag. i couldn’t have asked for a more competent or caring team in which to literally ‘place my heart’! everyone involved was obviously very skilled in what they did and made sure i was receiving the very best care.

i just want to pass on my thanks again to each of you and the entire heart & vascular team for taking such good care of me!

dr. castellanos - your constant support and “fighting” for me really kept my spirits up. i didn’t want anyone but you to do this procedure. you are the best!”

Julie Christman - tavr patient

“at first, i thought being tired was just my age, after all i was 76. but as the months went on, i slept more, took shorter walks and then i noticed shortness of breath. after a month i couldn’t walk more than a few steps and was out of breath.

i went to see my doctor and after a cardiac ultrasound, i found out my heart valve was basically closed.

i went to see dr. jorge castellanos, a cardiologist. he explained the tavr procedure and i decided if approved, i really wanted dr. castellanos to use this method to do my surgery. there was no down time compared to open heart surgery.

from the first day after my tavr, i felt like a new person. in two weeks, i was walking 3o mintes a day, no naps and full of energy. i would tell anyone who needs the surgery done to think tavr! i have a whole new world open to me because of jorge m. castellanos, m.d., mpp.

thank you, dr. castellanos.”

gerald ostrowsky - tavr patient, 2017

“i had my tavr procedure on december 5th, 2017. this is an amazing technology! i feel like my old self again.

twenty years ago, i underwent a homograft to replace several inches of my aorta at the aortic root to correct an aneurysm. the aneurysm was accompanied by a regurgitating aortic valve which was also replaced.

fortunately, the aortic valve lasted until the tavr procedure came into being. instead of facing another very risky open heart surgery to replace my faulty valve, i spent only two days in the hospital and am back to normal activity.

my deepest thanks to Dr. castellanos and the entire surgical team for helping me regain my health. i will forever be grateful for their skill and dedication to my well-being.”

orville marlett - tavr patient, 2017

“i am writing to tell you how thankful i am to you, and how pleased i am with the aortic valve replacement (tavr) that you performed for me just two weeks ago.

before the procedure, my heart had a strong murmur, indicating a strong chance of black outs, of which i did experience one, and possible death within a short time. it limited my usual activities, and i had breathing problems with even a short walk.

your tavr procedure to replace my aortic valve went very well. i did not experience any pain at all, either in the preparation or the performance of the procedure. i was placed under a light anesthesia whereby i was sort of half awake, and i had no pain. the procedure lasted about 1.5 hours, and i couldn’t believe it when i was in the recovery room. i even asked my nurse when the procedure was going to start.

i recovered very quickly at the hospital and was able to come home the day after the procedure. i have been home now for two weeks, and i seem to be fully recovered. i have resumed my usual activities, calisthenics, walking, driving my auto, handling my own financial affairs, doing some legal and tax work, attending performing arts productions, attending spanish class and reading. i couldn’t be more pleased with the tavr procedure you performed for me, and although i am now 99 years old, i feel i have a new opportunity for a long and productive life. again, thank you very much.”

Roger garret - tavr patient, 2019

“my experience with tavr was great. for about five months before, i was growing increasingly fatigued to the point that i was unable to perform most normal tasks. i was unsteady, short of breath, and had almost no energy. when the tavr procedure was carefully and clearly explained to me by peggy morley at hoag and dr. castellanos, it was obvious that it was going to be my best bet (and maybe only) solution.

i felt very much a part of the process all along and was kept informed from beginning to end as to what was happening. the preparation was simple and my family and i were kept informed throughout the day of the procedure. i had complete confidence in dr. castellanos because of his knowledge and training in tavr, as well as his willingness to patiently answer all of my questions. he immediately met with my family after the procedure to assure them that all had gone well. the staff at hoag was excellent in caring for me during my overnight stay.

it took about two weeks to regain my energy which was longer than expected. there was a lot of bruising in the groun which i was assured was normal. now, one month later, i am back to my former active self and do most things that i could do six months ago. this procedure was simple (from my perspective) and complete as a result of this amazing new medical technology and the competence of the doctor and the hoag staff.”

robert singer - Tavr patient, 2018

“tavr flipped a switch in me. before the procedure i had difficulty doing even moderate activity. walking up stairs, working in the yard and going for walks with my wife, even talking and sleeping were difficult activities. i just didn’t have that much energy. i sat and read a great deal. we were on a cruise ship, but i always used the elevator when moving about.

the tavr procedure took place and i was home approximately 22 hours after the surgery. i immediately felt better than i had in several months. the day after i was discharged, my wife and i walked around our neighborhood for 45 minutes and i felt none of the previous symptoms. four days after that we walked for over three miles and i felt none of the previous symptoms. i have since worked in the yard and will begin returning to the gym. i feel there is nothing i can’t do now. my friends and family really can’t believe the difference and with no side effects or complications.

i highly recommend tavr for anyone needing a heart valve replacement. it will change your life!”

Josephine cordero - mitraclip patient, 2019

“i am so pleased with the mitraclip i had inserted. before i was having a very hard time breathing, sleeping, and i couldn’t walk far without stopping to catch my breath. now, with the mitraclip, i’m feeling 100% better, i’m feeling very normal in every way.

thank you very much dr. castellanos, and dr. burstein.”

Audrey simenz - tavr patient, 2019

“I still cannot believe the difference in how well i now feel, just a few weeks after dr. castellanos performed my tavr procedure to take care of my severe aortic stenosis. my cardiologist at newport heart, dr. bonnie gainer, had been monitoring its progression for several years and until a couple of months ago i believed had no symptoms. but when an ultra sound showed the stenosis was now severe, dr. gainer said it was time to do something about it, namely to have a tavr. she inquired about symptoms. i told her about the recent breathlessness when walking, and the tight-pressured feeling in my chest i was feeling lately, she reassured me this was not due to old age, or being out of shape. she referred me to dr. castellanos, who is also in the same newport heart group and has performed hundreds of these procedures. i immediately made an appointment with him.

dr. castellanos could not have been more kind as he informed me of the risky situation i was in if i did not do something about it. he explained in detail what tavr did and how it worked. i made the decision to go ahead right away and arrangements with the hoag tavr team started.

in the following weeks, i met the members of the team at hoag who could be working with dr. castellanos for the tavr. appointments were made for several tests that were needed. i had blood tests, an ultrasound, angiogram, pulmonary test, met with the other tavr team doctors and so on. every time i went to hoag for tests i was met with peggy moseley, the tavr n.p. who “mothers“ you gently through these preliminaries and answers all questions or concerns you might have, encouraging you to call at her any time if necessary. she was incredibly helpful and supportive.

when the day of surgery arrived, everything went seamlessly in pre-op. dr. castellanos visited me to answer any questions and to make sure i was comfortable. following his visit, the anesthesiologist introduced himself and again made sure i was comfortable and explained what he would be doing. he also checked on my previous experiences with anesthesia and assured me that my sedation only needed to be light, as my leg, where the incision would be, would be numbed.

later during the surgery, he was behind me at my head and let me know from time to time what was going on. his calm reassuring voice made the whole experience totally without stress. after surgery and a short period of observation, i was taken to my room for my overnight stay. with wonderful nursing care, i was ready to go home late that afternoon.

since the tavr, my symptoms have completely disappeared and energy i didn’t know i had has returned. mentally and emotionally, i start each day with renewed vigor. and every day i give thanks to dr. castellanos and the hoag tavr team, and to dr. gainer who set me on the right road to better health. my heart will be forever grateful.”

Wesley nelson - tavr patient, 2019

“Prior to having tavr surgery i could not walk 100 feet without pausing for breath. Climbing one flight of stairs would cause me to stop and catch my breath for several minutes.

I had tavr surgery on july 18th, 2019 and am now walking a half mile twice daily; going a bit further each week.

Dr. castellanos and the surgical team were fantastic in counseling me in the days prior to surgery and in post-op follow-up. I have told everyone that I was really lucky to have the “A” team on my side. Thank you!”

Edward Oleson - tavr patient, 2018

“On february 2nd, 2018 i went to dr. sarah elsayed with shortness of breath and she ordered many tests. On March 3rd, 2018 the tests proved that i have a severely blocked aorta valve that must be replaced.

After more tests in preparation for the surgery, hoag hospital and dr. Jorge castellanos directed the procedure. The procedure was performed on June 26th, 2018 and i was discharged from hoag on june 27th, 2018. I feel the success of my surgery was in the hands of hoag and newport heart medical group. I highly recommend the success of the tavr valve.” 

Clara Mollica - watchman patient, 2019

"Since october 2018 i have been dealing with heart failure, afib, kidney disease and anemia. I have been hospitalized for these issues three times. Having to have dialysis and blood transfusions. Apparently my stomach does not tolerate blood thinner. Dr. levin suggested i talk to dr. castellanos about the watchman procedure. Dr. castellanos was very informative and patient with me since i don't hear well. He even showed me a video explaining the procedure and the fact that i would not have to take blood thinners afterwards. It all sounded good but i was afraid to think of having something inserted in an artery to my heart. So I talked to my kidney doctor and my primary care doctor. They both agreed it would be a good thing for me to do, so I agreed to have it done.

My fears were put to rest. The hospital and doctors were outstanding. The procedure only took about an hour. I stayed overnight for observation. I had no pain and am happy to have had it done. No more blood thinners. I would recommend that anyone having some of the issues i have to go ahead and have it done. Thank you, Dr. Castellanos.”

Philip Collins - tavr patient, 2019

“I had a very (sic) aorta valve and could hardly breathe, using the tavr they repaired the valve, put in a new stent in a blocked artery. Four days later they put in a new valve using tavr. It was also simple with minimum discomfort. I was out of the hospital and was able to do my usual chores within two weeks. A great new surgery. An absolute ten.”

Karen Peoples - Watchman patient, 2019

“The watchman procedure was beneficial to me in that it prevents a stroke and then I no longer take the drug “xarelto”. The surgery was relatively painless with only slight discomfort when the blood in the vein of my leg was coagulating and healing. With minimal effect of the anesthesia, recovery was complete in 24 hours. I found the hospital staff to be thorough and accommodating. I'm a physically active person. My energy levels remain fairly high.”

Kurth Krause - Tavr patient, 2019

“My experience with my tavr procedure has been excellent to date. my doctors and their staff fully explained the procedure and it’s associated risks. while i never experienced symptoms due to my severe aortic stenosis, the relief that the new valve is functioning perfectly, virtually eliminating the risk of the original valve failure, is appreciated. and the fact that i have avoided the risks of open heart surgery is crucial.

since the tavr, i continue to experience no symptoms of fatigue or shortness of breath. i was able to play golf just 8 days after the procedure.”

Natalie mcgann - watchman patient, 2019

“i’m an active 92 year old woman who suffered two strokes due to a-fib. i am otherwise healthy.

the watchman procedure was recommended to me by my cardiologist and dr. castellanos. i was very nervous to have this procedure done and it was difficult for me to decide, but i finally did.

my procedure was done at good samaritan hospital and my staff was friendly and took good care of me. my procedure was quick and i went home the next day. i felt great right away and i am happy that i decided to do it. i was in good hands.

i am delighted to recommend the watchman to anyone! it will likely protect them from having future strokes.”