Jim Kelly, 56, from Wheeling, Illinois, was in perfect health until he started experiencing blurry vision.  After a routine physical, Jim was diagnosed with ocular migraines and… a severely leaking mitral valve.  Shortly thereafter, Jim underwent a successful mitral valve repair procedure in Chicago.  Watch Jim’s story to learn about his pursuit of a healthy mitral valve!

Clarissa Alaimo, 53, from Lake Forest, Illinois, suffered from several cardiac issues including mitral valve disease, tricuspid valve disease, and atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm).  Clarissa was always exhausted and could not even walk to her car.  In this video, see how Clarissa’s life changed after she got mitral valve help from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

After two failed mitral valve operations, Paul Powers, from Lombard, Illinois, did not have much hope.  He was always fatigued and short of breath.  Then, Paul learned about a new transcatheter procedure known as a “Valve-in-Valve” operation offered at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  This revolutionary new procedure does not require open heart surgery.  Watch this video to see Paul describe this “low impact” operation.

A result of severe mitral regurgitation, Charlotte Cummings could no longer go on walks in her hometown of Chicago.  She was short of breath and always tired. Then, Charlotte learned about the MitraClip.  For select patients, this new minimally invasive procedure requires no open heart surgery and no heart-lung machine.  Now, Charlotte is walking again and feeling great.  Go Charlotte! Go!