Patients Share Their Own Stories

 

Cindy Skadahal: Advanced minimally invasive procedure fixes leaky heart valve

In August 2009, Cindy Skadahl went to the doctor for her annual check-up without any worries about her health. Eight years had passed since she beat breast cancer, and she had recently taken wonderful trips to Germany and Colorado, so Skadahl was feeling pretty good.

During her appointment, however, Skadahl's doctor heard something
he didn't like when listening to her heart. A visit to a cardiologist followed, and a diagnosis was confirmed - Skadahl had a condition
called Barlow's Syndrome, which prevented her heart's mitral valve from
closing properly.  READ MORE

 

Ruth Dingess: Mitral valve repair, a-fib procedure provide long-awaited relief

In 1953, Chicago native Ruth Dingess was diagnosed with endocarditis, a condition that cause inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and valves. Only 16 years old at the time, Dingess spent nearly two months in the hospital receiving penicillin and getting used to walking again after becoming so weak from spending so much time in bed. READ MORE