Today, my husband James will undergo a surgical procedure to repair two defective heart valves.
The procedure is called Cardiac Catheterization.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute describes cardiac catheterization as:
A long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter is put into a blood vessel in your arm, groin (upper thigh), or neck and threaded to your heart. Through the catheter, your doctor can do diagnostic tests and treatments on your heart.
In James’ case, the procedure is not for diagnostic purpose, but to introduce two artificial cardiac valves. The tube will be put into an artery through his upper thigh and threaded up to his heart. This procedure is quite new, having only recently been approved by the FDA. James’ physicians had ruled out open-heart surgery because of his age and the quadruple bypass he had several years ago.
As with all cardiac surgeries, catheterization carries inherent risks. So I humbly ask that my co-patriots on Fellowship of the Minds say a prayer for James.
I will transmit to you whatever news I have when I receive it.
Thank you, and may God bless you all,
~Eowyn
