George Mammola weighs his decisions carefully, particularly when it comes to having surgery. That’s what he did when, in late 1999, a physician near his home in Wayne, N.J., discovered a heart murmur and further testing revealed aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aorta. The physician recommended heart valve replacement.
“The doctor was kind of aggressive in wanting to treat it with surgery in the next six months to a year, and I was taken aback by that,” he says.
Research First, Surgery Second
Instead of opting for surgery, Mr. Mammola did some research and learned about Cleveland Clinic’s experience in treating heart problems. Initially, he met with James Thomas, MD, Section Head, Cardiovascular Imaging, who assured him that, while his condition should be monitored, there was no need for immediate surgery. He suggested a follow-up visit.
The next year, he saw Brian Griffin, MD, Director, Cardiovascular Training Program, who predicted when his heart valve would have to be replaced – not in six months, but six years.
Mr. Mammola maintained contact with Cleveland Clinic and went there for yearly exams with Dr. Griffin.
“They were very conservative,” Mr. Mammola says. “I waited as long as I could till the valve had to be replaced. Dr. Griffin had pretty much nailed it on the head.”
He was told to watch for any major changes. In March 2005, he suddenly felt winded during one of his normal daily workouts. After checking with Dr. Griffin, he flew to Cleveland the next day.
“My condition had gotten worse, and Dr. Griffin recommended surgery within the next six months.”
Prepared for Surgery
That May, Bruce Lytle, MD, Chairman of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute, performed valve replacement surgery.
Mr. Mammola says he and his family were well-prepared by hospital staff concerning what to expect during surgery.
“The classes regarding follow-up care and nutrition also were exceptional,” he says.
Post-surgery Success
Before returning to New Jersey, he was instructed by the cardiac rehabilitation staff on what to do after surgery.
“I flew home in less than a week and began a pretty aggressive rehabilitation program in Ridgewood, N.J.,” he says. “Eight weeks later, I ran the golf outing for the Garden Academy (a school for children with autism that he helped found), and I also played in it.”
Gratitude for his care and full recovery moved Mr. Mammola and his wife, Virginia, to become annual supporters of the Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute and to recommend Cleveland Clinic to others whenever possible. Three years post surgery and feeling fine, Mr. Mammola advises friends and family that Cleveland Clinic is the best place for their care.
“I had a wonderful experience there, and I have a very high opinion of Cleveland Clinic,” he says. “I have absolutely no doubt that if I had to do it again, that’s exactly where I would go. The services provided by Cleveland Clinic were second to none.”
Story originally featured in the Summer 2008 issue of Catalyst.
To make a gift supporting the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute or any area of Cleveland Clinic, visit iSupport, our secure online giving site, or call Institutional Relations and Development at 216.444.1245 or toll-free at 800.223.2273, ext. 41245.
Related Links
Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute
