The biggest health threat across the United States is heart disease, which
claims the lives of 600,000 individuals annually. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently calculated that more than 720,000 Americans have a heart attack
each year, 515,000 of which are a first time heart attack. Torrance Memorial
Medical Center’s world-renowned team of cardiac physicians uses
a selection of unique and specialized procedures in an effort to stop
this epidemic. Dr. John Stoneburner, MD discusses his specialties within
cardiac surgery, as well as his most challenging yet most rewarding surgery
experience.
Heart Hero:
JOHN STONEBURNER, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
What would you say your specialty within cardiac surgery is?
Within cardiac surgery my specialties include minimally invasive techniques in adult
cardiac surgery, mitral valve repair, on and off pump coronary artery bypass, aortic valve
repair and replacement, repair of complex thoracic aortic aneurysms, and
transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Can you describe one patient situation/ scenario that brought you the most
challenge and the most reward?
One patient who comes to mind was an 84-year-old male. Back in December
of 2008, the patient underwent emergency repair of a ruptured ascending
aortic dissection with tamponade (pressure on the heart that occurs when
blood or fluid builds up in the space between the heart muscle and the
outer covering sac of the heart), and repair of aortic valve under circulatory
arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient came to the ER unconscious,
with no blood pressure, therefore requiring inotropic agents (use of drugs
to affect the strength of the heart muscle’s contractions) for resuscitation
and resolution of neurological status. I felt the patient would not survive
without high risk surgery to repair the ascending aorta. There was much
dialog amongst the surgical team and family members regarding the risk
of the procedure given the man’s age. Supportive family members
were present, understood the seriousness of the situation, and wanted
to proceed with the operation. The patient tolerated the procedure well
and the surgery team was pleased with the results. I recently saw the
patient in my office, 5 1/2 years post-surgery. An annual magnetic resonance
angiogram of his chest showed no evidence of recurrent aneurysm and the
patient said he feels great!
YOUR OTHER HEART HEROS: Michael Wyman, MD |
Sang Yong Ji, MD |
Jack Sun, MD |
Christopher Matchison, MD |
Salman Azam, MD | John Stoneburner, MD