By Heidi Smith, Contributor
Swimming, tennis and long walks are among Victoria Vertacnik’s favorite activities. But in December 2020 she started experiencing shortness of breath during exertion and while lying down at night.
“I knew something was wrong,” said the 70-year-old Englewood woman. “My cardiologist ran tests and said my aortic valve was leaking.”
“A leaking aortic valve allows blood to flow in two directions, rather than directing oxygen-rich blood only through the aorta,” explained James Landis, M.D., an interventional cardiologist with Gulf Coast Medical Group. “If blood flows back into the left ventricle when the ventricle relaxes, the heart becomes a less efficient pump. The condition can become life-threatening, and surgery is often necessary.”
Dr. Landis referred Vertacnik to John Galat, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon also with Gulf Coast Medical Group. Dr. Galat founded and directs the surgical heart program at Venice Regional Bayfront Health. Five days before her appointment with Dr. Galat, Vertacnik felt tingling in her hands, chest pain and shortness of breath while she was driving. She immediately detoured to Venice Regional’s Emergency Department where she was admitted for observation and further tests.
On January 20, 2021, Vertacnik was in surgery to have her aortic valve replaced with a prosthetic valve.
“We used a minimally invasive approach to access her heart, which allowed for a more rapid recovery with less pain,” Dr. Galat said.
In addition to replacing the malfunctioning valve, Dr. Galat closed off the left atrial appendage, or LAA, to prevent blood from pooling and potentially clotting in that area of the heart. If a blood clot escapes from the LAA and travels to another part of the body, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke. Closing off this part of the heart with special clips is an effective way to reduce stroke risk, Dr. Galat explained.
“Our interdisciplinary heart team at Venice Regional performs procedures – from open heart to minimally invasive – that are done at the largest institutions,” Dr. Galat said. “Surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, physical therapists, nutritionists – they are all dedicated solely to our cardiac patients. I believe this continuity of care is best for patients, and I believe they and their families can feel the difference.”
“Dr. Galat’s team cares for patients in a dedicated unit of the hospital,” said Vertacnik, who felt better immediately after surgery. “Everybody was wonderful and took great care of me.”
Two months after surgery, she was taking long walks with no breathing problems.
“Now I’m looking forward to hiking and having fun with my family in New Hampshire this summer!” she exclaimed.
How healthy is your heart?
Find out in just five minutes. Take a free heart risk assessment at GulfCoastMedicalGroup.com/HealthyHeart or call 844-406-1007 to schedule an appointment today. In-person and telehealth visits are available.
John Galat, M.D.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
James Landis, M.D.
Interventional Cardiologist