Patient Feedback about Robotic Heart Surgery with Dr. Guy

I was extremely short of breath. I visited my cardiologist and following a echo-cardiogram he asked if I would consider heart surgery? At age 90 I tol

I was extremely short of breath. I visited my cardiologist and following a echo-cardiogram he asked if I would consider heart surgery? At age 90 I told him I would have to think about it. Hr followed up with ,"Would you consider Robotic surgery?" I said yes I would. He then told me about Dr. T. Sloane Guy at Temple University Hospital. I met with Dr. Guy and he did an outstanding job of explaining exactly what I needed to have done and how he would go about doing it. Dr. guy exudes confidence. He made me feel so comfortable I agreed to take the pre-op testing. We met again and he said I was a candidate and in good condition to have the surgery. I asked if would be comfortable doing the surgery at my age and he said absolutely. I can honestly say I entered the hospital and rolled into the operating room completely relaxed knowing it was Dr. Guy who was going to do the surgery. On the third day after surgery I was taking steps in the hallway and feeling no pain. It is two months later now and I'm back to walking a good distance, driving my car anf back to my life. The care I received following surgery was excellent. My every need was taken care of and I left the hospital to go to rehabilitation feeling good. I was very much surprised at how little pain I had during the whole time in the hospital. I would, and have, recommended Dr. Guy to others. He and his team in the O.R. are the answer for anyone needing heart surgery.

For anyone requiring any type of heart surgery, I would highly recommend that they consult Dr, Guy FIRST. He explains everything in great detail in a

For anyone requiring any type of heart surgery, I would highly recommend that they consult Dr, Guy FIRST. He explains everything in great detail in a manner in which is quite easily understood.
My surgery for an aortic valve replacement went smoothy, and now, a month later I am able to easily walk a mile. My small incision is almost completely healed.

Dr.Guy ..... You are simply the \"Mozart of Surgeons\". Thank you from the bottom of my \"heart\".

I feel very fortunate that in August 2012, Dr. Sloane Guy repaired my leaking mitral valve through minimally invasive robotic surgery. During my

I feel very fortunate that in August 2012, Dr. Sloane Guy repaired my leaking mitral valve through minimally invasive robotic surgery.

During my initial consultation, Dr. Guy thoroughly explained the benefits of robotic heart surgery and answered all of my questions. Subsequently, his staff was always available to answer any additional questions from me or my family.

My surgery was textbook and I spent two additional days in the hospital. Six days post surgery, I walked a quarter of a mile with minimal pain and medication. Two and half weeks post surgery I am walking a half a mile twice a day. I find this truly amazing since I know others who underwent traditional mitral valve repairs and they experienced lengthy and painful recoveries.

Dr. Guy has assembled an impressive team to work with him and I felt well cared for and well informed every step of the way. I would strongly recommend any candidate for cardio-thoracic surgery consult first with this highly trained and gifted surgeon.

God bless you Dr. Guy and all who work with you.

Dr.Guy was truly a God send to me when I was admitted into Temple with heart failure that was caused by mitral valve prolapse. I was introduced to Dr.

Dr.Guy was truly a God send to me when I was admitted into Temple with heart failure that was caused by mitral valve prolapse. I was introduced to Dr. Guy and he told me that my mitral valve could be repaired/replaced with Robotic Heart Surgery that would be done by him with the da Vinci Robot Surgical System. I agreed and our short journey began. He was straight forward, honest, compassionate, confident, experienced and he had a great desire to restore my heart to health. He also assured me and my family that he would do everything in his power to save my life if any of the possible risk should occur. I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart...rather my thanks comes from the mitral valve of my heart, with all my heart I say "THANK YOU" Dr. Guy, your surgical team, the da Vinci Robot, and your office staff. To anyone reading this feedback who is in need of Robotic Heart Surgery do not delay do it right away. I highly recommend Dr. T. Sloane Guy you can trust your heart in his hands. Dr. Guy May God bless you, keep you and you are forever in my prayers.

Dr.Guy was truly a God send to me when I was admitted into Temple with heart failure that was caused by mitral valve prolapse. I was introduced to Dr.

Dr.Guy was truly a God send to me when I was admitted into Temple with heart failure that was caused by mitral valve prolapse. I was introduced to Dr. Guy and he told me that my mitral valve could be repaired/replaced with Robotic Heart Surgery that would be done by him with the da Vinci Robot Surgical System. I agreed and our short journey began. He was straight forward, honest, compassionate, confident, experienced and he had a great desire to restore my heart to health. He also assured me and my family that he would do everything in his power to save my life if any of the possible risk should occur. I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart...rather my thanks comes from the mitral valve of my heart, with all my heart I say "THANK YOU" Dr. Guy, your surgical team, the da Vinci Robot, and your office staff. To anyone reading this feedback who is in need of Robotic Heart Surgery do not delay do it right away. I highly recommend Dr. T. Sloane Guy you can trust your heart in his hands. Dr. Guy May God bless you, keep you and you are forever in my prayers.

September 9, 2012When I first met Dr.Guy he said that he had a soft spot in his heart for teachers. Your staff was outstanding and compassionate. Th

September 9, 2012
When I first met Dr.Guy he said that he had a soft spot in his heart for teachers. Your staff was outstanding and compassionate. They made a difficult time in my life easier. Thank you, Dr. Guy and staff, for helping return this teacher back to the classroom. After teaching for 46 years, I feel like the teenagers in my classroom. We look forward to the day you and your staff can visit.

Dr. Guy was truly a God send to me when I had heart failure. He came with a heart of compassion for healig and saving my life. He was straight forward

Dr. Guy was truly a God send to me when I had heart failure. He came with a heart of compassion for healig and saving my life. He was straight forward, professional, compassionate, confident, with the desired out come of prefection humanly possible. Dr.Guy assured me and my family that he would do everything in his power to save my life if any of the possible risk accured,his experience, honesty, trust, confidence, and wisdom helped to deminish my fears. I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart...rather from the repaired mitral valve of my heart, which was totally sucessful. Also, thank you to his surgical team, the da Vinci Robot, and his office staff. And to anyone out there in need of heart surgery I highy recommend Dr. Guy you can trust your heart in his hands. thank God for you and God bless you Dr. Guy you are forever in my prayers.

This was my second valve procedure the first by Dr Guy. The process for evaluation and acceptance as well as the procedure and hospital

This was my second valve procedure the first by Dr Guy. The process for evaluation and acceptance as well as the procedure and hospital care were outstanding. Doctor guy was extremely supportive in my decision process and provided me with all the information and direction that i need to make this major decision, at 85 years of age. Being a lady you may not publish this specific information. I now breath better and am more alert and less sleeply. I would recommend without reservation Dr Guy and his team for any cardiac service.

I had mitral valve repair five weeks ago on June 6, 2012. Today I went to the supermarket and then to the gym where I walked on the treadmill for 20 m

I had mitral valve repair five weeks ago on June 6, 2012. Today I went to the supermarket and then to the gym where I walked on the treadmill for 20 minutes at level three. In fact, I was at the gym three times this week thus far. Tonight I am cooking dinner for my son and his family. If one must have heart surgery, this is the way to go. Not only is Dr. Guy a wonderful surgeon, my experience at Temple Hospital was wonderful. I had excellent nursing care in the ICU. A special thanks to Dr. Brand of the CT team who assured me I hadn't failed "coughing" the day after surgery.

Robotic Surgery is amazing, this surgery requires no stitches, no staples, no large cuts, less hospital stay. I've had Robotic surgery twice. Dr. Guy

Robotic Surgery is amazing, this surgery requires no stitches, no staples, no large cuts, less hospital stay. I've had Robotic surgery twice. Dr. Guy is amazing, people were amazed I had heart surgery after showing my tiny incision which was smaller than an inch. I'm thankful to Dr. Guy and my surgery went well.

Dr. Guy God bless your hands. You answered all my questions and your concern was there which is what patients need when they are not feeling well, you

Dr. Guy God bless your hands. You answered all my questions and your concern was there which is what patients need when they are not feeling well, your staff is absolutely WONDERFUL (Lisa and Debbie) as well as the ladies on the 9th floor. Thank you so much!

Robotic surgery tried but found too much calcification. Was given quadrupal bypass and was walking around the next day and released in three days. Fir

Robotic surgery tried but found too much calcification. Was given quadrupal bypass and was walking around the next day and released in three days. First week was the hardest but after that it was all up hill. A month later I feel about 80% normal. Highly recommend Dr. Guy and his staff!

I consider myself very fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Guy for robotic mitral valve repair. Recovery has been quick. I did not need any pain

I consider myself very fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Guy for robotic mitral valve repair. Recovery has been quick. I did not need any pain pills when I came home. The office staff was very helpful through the whole process. Thank you to Dr. Guy and the surgical team and the office staff.

Last Wednesday, February 29, I was wheeled into surgery around 9AM, knocked out and prepped for a robotic laparoscopic procedure to repair the mitral

Last Wednesday, February 29, I was wheeled into surgery around 9AM, knocked out and prepped for a robotic laparoscopic procedure to repair the mitral valve, and a MAZE procedure to damage the firing node in the left atrium to prevent or at least mitigate the onset of atrial fibrillation. The procedure involved inserting five steel rods in my right chest - two in the breast area, and three under the arm, as well as stopping the heart for five hours and collapsing the right lung for access to the surgical site. Consequently shunts were placed in the groin (right femoral artery) and neck (right carotid artery) to circulate the blood through a heart/lung machine. My right arm was bent back underneath my body and was pinned there for eight hours, which caused secondary issues: extreme pain in the right shoulder (I dislocated it many years ago after weakening it playing HS football). and a deep impingement of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, which caused total numbness, severe swelling, and loss of function of the right arm below the elbow.

The surgery ran long, mostly because the surgeon, Dr. T. Sloane Guy, went to heroic lengths to keep my existing mitral valve rather than cut mine out and install an artificial valve. While the valve flaps were fine, expansion of the left atrium had caused the annulus (the opening the valve controls) to expand past the point where the valve could seal. The plan was to install a titanium ring in the annulus and sew it down to reduce the size of the opening to restore the seal. On opening the heart it was discovered that several of the chordae that retract the valve were damaged and had to be repaired. The mitral valve is a hideously complex piece of work.

Dr. Guy repaired the chordae, wasn't satisfied with the quality of his repairs, and did them over again. These are delicate, button & carpet-thread-thick little strands of connective tissue.

I owe the good Doctor and his staff a beer. Oceans of beer. It would have taken a lot less time and been a hell of a lot easier to cut out that whole mess and sew in one of these:




Because they took the extra time to do this, I do not have to take any blood thinners, (which besides being systemically nasty, require a lifetime of regular blood testing to control blood thinning, and severely limited alcohol intake. And things like aspirin and ibuprofen, which, like alcohol, are natural blood thinners) and likely will only ever have to take aspirin.

Everything was finished about 5-PM. The incisions were so small, and the work so precise, that no additional blood was required during surgery.

I woke up intubated. I am here to tell you that this is no fun, and is, in fact, the most terrifying thing I have ever felt. I was conscious for about an hour, unable to breathe, feeling like my chest was being crushed by a great weight, and tied to the gurney so I wouldn't try to remove the tubes. Which I can guarantee, I would have. I kept struggling to tell the staff working around me, who were cheerfully going about their business, that I was suffocating to death and that they had to do something. The only way to get their attention was to beat on the sides of the gurney with my hands and feet, since talking (or screaming) is impossible. Every once in a blue moon one of them would notice, and cheerfully inform me that I was getting plenty of air (which I clearly was, since I am writing this with less brain damage than expected), and go back to their business. It was like a Monty Python skit gone bad.

It was an hour before I was extubated, and, during that hour, I repeatedly swore a jihad of painful death down upon everyone I could see. And I meant it, too. As soon as the tube was out and I could make something more than a croak I did in fact declaim loudly to the staff, each in turn, of my plans for their demise, but that I was re-thinking this plan, now that I was breathing on my own. Fortunately, they have seen & heard much worse, and were properly amused.

So ended Wednesday. By Thursday afternoon they had removed a chest suction tube and the catheter (o boy!) and had me up on my feet. Never have I been so weak & shaky. I was moved to a regular room Saturday morning from cardiac ICU and discharged Sunday afternoon. During this time the swelling reduced and sensation slowly returned to my right arm and hand. There is minor residual numbness but I don't feel it to be an issue. There is a lot of generalized swelling which will be going down over the next couple of weeks. This was an orthopaedic issue specific to prior injuries to my body of which the staff was not informed. No one knew this could happen, including me.

That I am writing this from home, in relative comfort, less than a week later, is nothing short of miraculous. I cannot even begin to consider where I'd be (still in cardiac ICU) and how I'd feel were this procedure have to been performed via a traditional sternotomy. I sure as hell wouldn't be here, at home, writing this.

I cannot adequately express my admiration and gratitude to the nurses, aides, physical therapy and support staff who worked so very hard, were diligent and so patient with my questions and concerns; the office staff, who put up with a LOT of questions and hypotheticals, made calls, arrangements, and went out of their way to keep me informed, while maintaining a cheerful disposition all the while; the surgical team, who performed brilliantly and wielded this miraculous robotic technology (and kept me intact!) with an expertise I would never have believed possible; to Dr. Guy, for going to what consider to be almost inhuman lengths to save what was mine and minimize the impact of such major surgery on my life. My only regret is that I cannot name everyone involved and thank each of them individually for such an outstanding performance as a team.

Robert Washburne
Thorofare, NJ

P.S. post-surgical ICU/extubation staff: Really. I won't kill you. I promise. You guys were fantastic.

Response: I have gotten many questions from patients wondering why they cannot be extubated (breathing tube removed) while asleep. The problem is that if they are asleep, they may be unable to protect their windpipe and could aspirate (get stuff down the lungs causing pneumonia) and may be unable to breath (which is not good). Our nursing staff work hard to make this as comfortable as possible and most patients have no issues with this. If you are concerned about it, tell the anesthesiologist who may be able to adjust their anesthetic technique to better meet your needs.

may god bless and protect the hands and it self of dr guy..he is the best.

may god bless and protect the hands and it self of dr guy..he is the best.

Dr Guy its about Thanksgiving and i need to say thanks to you and God for saving my life. You are one fine (great Doctor) even though you are Army, bu

Dr Guy its about Thanksgiving and i need to say thanks to you and God for saving my life. You are one fine (great Doctor) even though you are Army, but I do not hold that against you (not Air Force but thats OK) I am doing good - got a long way to go but am getting there. Keep up the great work and the best to you and staff and your family. Keepem flying doc. Wes Cash

I had the robotic single bypass procedure on 3-23-11 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Dr Guy did the procedure and it was obviously life saving surgery. He w

I had the robotic single bypass procedure on 3-23-11 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Dr Guy did the procedure and it was obviously life saving surgery. He was great from the beginning with his conversations with me about what to expect all the way through the surgery. This is a minimally invasive procedure and I am almost back to doing my full workout that I had been doing before. I am very health and diet conscious which shows it can happen no matter what. I am almost back to full strength. Dr Guy was compassionate and extremely easy to talk to. I was at ease at all times knowing he was in charge of my case. I will be forever grateful to Dr Guy. I recommend anyone who is a candidate for robotic surgery to meet with Dr Guy. It also mattered to me that he was just a "good guy" and I enjoyed every conversation I had with this personable young man. Thank you Dr Guy and much happiness and success to you.

I was referred to Doctor Guy in January 2011 (Saint Joseph's Atlanta.) In December 2009 I had a Amplatzer device placed inside my heart to repair a s

I was referred to Doctor Guy in January 2011 (Saint Joseph's Atlanta.) In December 2009 I had a Amplatzer device placed inside my heart to repair a septal defect. Eight days after the defice was in place I found out I had severe afib ranging from 36 bpm to over 190 bpm. After having no other choice offered to me after one year from my doctor in Fla. I met with Doctor Guy (by the grace of God) and he suggested Robotic Cox Maze Surgery and felt it would solve the problem. The surgery was performed on 1/21/2011 and after a short hospital stay I could'nt be happier with the results. I also appreciate the time Dr. Guy took with me explaining the details of the surgery and what to expect. He was very caring and concerned addressing any questions I had, I never felt like he didn't have time for me or my family. Thanks Dr.Guy, you were my life saver!

I had mitral valve repair robotic surgery in August, 2010 with results nothing short of excellent. Dr Guy spent much time with me explaining the proce

I had mitral valve repair robotic surgery in August, 2010 with results nothing short of excellent. Dr Guy spent much time with me explaining the procedure, all my options, and answering all of my questions pre-op. The surgery went exactly as planned and hospital time was just a few days. My symptoms of an irregular heart beat and shortness of breath are now gone.
Anyone that has any kind of heart ailment should discuss robotic surgery options with Dr. Guy before proceeding with any of the old traditional ways of heart repair.

I explored all the choices before selecting Dr. Guy at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta. He repaired my leaking mitro-valve and sealed it with a ring

I explored all the choices before selecting Dr. Guy at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta. He repaired my leaking mitro-valve and sealed it with a ring. I am back feeling well and happy. Thank you Dr. Guy!