His chest felt like his son was lying on it. His doctor recommended a procedure that’s “crazy even to heart surgeons.”
Paul DeGeorge, a 49-year-old police officer, experienced a frightening moment when he felt pressure on his chest in the middle of the night. Initially, he thought it was his 4-year-old son, but when he opened his eyes, he realized the sensation was still there. Concerned, he drove himself to the emergency room at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center for tests. After days of uncertainty, it was discovered that DeGeorge had a bicuspid aortic valve, a condition where the aortic valve only has two flaps instead of the usual three.
Dr. Benjamin van Boxtel, the surgical director at the hospital’s Atlantic Aortic Center, explained that most patients with bicuspid aortic valves don’t show symptoms until later in life. DeGeorge’s experience of chest tightness was a significant warning sign that led to the need for major open-heart surgery.
The Ross Procedure: A Complex Solution
DeGeorge faced a decision on how to address his condition. He had three options: a mechanical valve replacement, a bioprosthetic valve replacement, or the Ross procedure. The Ross procedure involves replacing the defective aortic valve with the patient’s own pulmonary valve, followed by a cadaver pulmonary valve replacing the original pulmonary valve. Despite its complexity, the Ross procedure offered DeGeorge the chance to lead a normal life without the need for further surgeries.
Feeling like a “musical chairs of the heart,” the Ross procedure was daunting but promising. DeGeorge opted for this option to regain his health and vitality. The surgery, lasting about six hours, was successful, with DeGeorge showing remarkable recovery soon after.
A New Lease on Life
Post-surgery, DeGeorge’s recovery was swift. Within hours, he was sitting up in bed with minimal pain, and within days, he was walking around. Eighteen months later, he feels better than ever, back to full duty at work, coaching sports, and participating in jiujitsu.
DeGeorge will continue to receive lifelong follow-up care to monitor his heart health. Despite the challenges he faced, he is grateful for the outcome and the opportunity to be present for his family. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and timely intervention in managing heart conditions.
