Michael's Adult Congenital Heart Team Honors His Wishes

If it’s important to you, it’s Important to us – as a Jehovah's Witness, Michael did not wish to receive blood transfusions when he needed valve replacement surgery. Our adult congenital heart surgery team talked with Michael and leaders in his faith, then devised a plan for him to receive nutrients to build back blood and strength without a transfusion.

Michael was born with Ebstein's anomaly, an issue with the right side of the heart. “Now, later in life, his valve was not working,” said Joshua Saef, MD, adult congenital heart disease. “As part of a clinical trial we replaced his valve using newer technology, the CorMatrix® valve.”

“They set me at ease,” said Maria, Michael’s wife. “They were kind and loving.”

“At Memorial, I found the best team on the planet that are experts in congenital heart disease,” Michael said. “They kept me alive. I would recommend them over and over and over.”