In 1997, Anne Donahoe, an active 39-year-old Minnesota mother of two, began
experiencing shortness of breath, lagging energy levels and frequent heart
palpitations. Her problem was diagnosed as mitral valve prolapse.
After weighing her options and her surgeon's recommendations, Anne decided to
enter a clinical trial for a new heart valve that was being conducted by
Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) physician researchers at Abbott
Northwestern Hospital. In July 1997, she received an ATS Open Pivot(tm) 33mm
Standard Mitral valve implant to replace her damaged valve.
The ATS valve is one of several artificial heart valves available for
replacing diseased, damaged or malfunctioning heart valves. "This is a new
generation of heart valve that has advantages based on new technologies. Valve
noise, a bothersome problem for some patients, has been reduced by the ATS
design," says cardiac surgeon Robert Emery, MD, principal investigator for the
clinical trial, which began at MHIF/Abbott Northwestern in early 1997. The valve
was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2000.
 Anne
Donahoe and her mother, Jeanette Kyllonen, received ATS valves in 1997 and 1998,
respectively. Mother and daughter have both returned to active
lives. |
Since 1992, the ATS Medical valve has been implanted in more than 435,000
people worldwide. Most people experience an improvement in the quality of their
life after receiving their new heart valve. "Through ongoing research," says Dr.
Emery, "we hope to lower the level of blood thinners that patients need to take
following valve implants."
For Anne, the results were dramatic. With her new valve, she was able to
resume her very active life - including tai-bo (a form of kickboxing), skiing,
chasing after her youngest child, and hunter and jumper riding competitions, a
challenging sport that Anne has participated in since the age of 6.
 Anne
Donahoe, following her valve surgery, competing in a 1998 horse
show. |
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