Bill Madden

No one would guess that Bill Madden, a healthy 49-year-old from Pittsburgh, PA, had undergone open heart surgery just three years prior to running a half marathon, sporting an artificial heart valve made of cow tissue. In fact, Bill is an extraordinary survivor.

		Bill had begun jogging in his mid-20s as part of a rehabilitation program after surviving a major accident in which he fell off a 70-foot cliff. In his 30s, though showing no symptoms, he was diagnosed with a heart murmur during an annual work physical. Bill followed up with his family physician, Dr. Robert Kraftowitz, who ordered an echocardiogram. The echocardiogram revealed a congenital disorder. He had a bicuspid aortic valve with only two leaflets instead of the normal three leaflets, and the valve was beginning to leak. Cardiologist Dr. Musselman was selected to monitor Bill’s health.
Bill was monitored regularly by his doctors, and annual echocardiograms showed that the valve was gradually getting worse. Over time, Bill began to experience symptoms representative of his valve’s condition. Bill quit jogging, partly because of other life priorities, but also because of fatigue. In 2001, about fifteen years after the initial diagnosis, there was a significant worsening of the valve. Dr. Musselman decided it was time to perform a T.E.E. and heart catheterization. Following the results, Bill consulted with cardiac surgeon, Dr. Gary Marrone at Allegheny General Hospital for surgery to replace his leaky valve. His physicians discussed with him the pros and cons of mechanical and tissue valves. Bill was 46 years old and did not want to take blood thinners for the rest of his life. He wanted to continue his active lifestyle with his wife and two children. In December 2001, Bill received a Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT bioprosthesis made of bovine pericardial tissue. Four days after the surgery, he returned home and began his recovery. His goal in cardiac rehabilitation was to jog before leaving the supervised program in May 2002, which he achieved. In September 2002, he completed the annual 10K Great Race in Pittsburgh. Bill completed his first half marathon in September 2004.....