His chest felt like his son was lying on it. His doctor recommended a procedure that's "crazy even to heart surgeons."
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Paul DeGeorge, a 49-year-old New Jersey Transit police officer, experienced severe chest pressure and discovered he had a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital heart defect that required surgery.
- DeGeorge underwent a complex Ross procedure, where his healthy pulmonary valve replaced his defective aortic valve, and a cadaver valve replaced the pulmonary valve, allowing for better long-term outcomes and fewer lifestyle restrictions.
- The six-hour surgery was successful, with DeGeorge recovering quickly and returning to full activity, including work, coaching, and jiujitsu, feeling better than ever 18 months post-operation.
- Ongoing follow-up care is essential, with regular cardiologist visits and monitoring to ensure the pulmonary valve adjusts properly and to maintain
