>Well, a few may have their most secret wish come true - looks like I'm going under the knife.
>
>I've had a murmur for years that is getting worse, so I'm looking at surgery to correct the valve.
>
>So looks like I have to make a will, just in case I get one of these few surgeons who believes in soclalized medicine. <s>
>
>So far, I've only figured out who will get my Meadow Soprano videos - I figure those will go to Mike Beane. All other stuff is a toss-up.

I wish you the best Kevin.

FWIW, my ex had an aneurysm while in Afghanistan and had to have a heart valve replacement about 3 years ago. He has a mechanical valve now (the life-time of the valve is supposedly longer than that of a biological valve). It took him a while to get used to the sound of the mechanical valve. There are some drawbacks to a mechical valve like the use of blood thinners for the rest of your life. He didn't have a lot of body fat so the sound is much louder than it is for some. If you stand next to him you can hear it. He's been doing very well ever since the surgery.

Just curious, you don't have to answer, does it involve atrial fibrillation? If so, have you heard of the Ex-Maze procedure? One of my ex's docs is involved in that new procedure so I'm wondering how widespread it is yet and if other doctors are discussing it.