I’m an orthopaedic surgeon from Maryland. Two years after I retired, I was diagnosed with an enlarging thoracic aortic aneurysm. 

My wife, Guadalupe, and I traveled to Cleveland Clinic. I was advised by Dr. Svensson1 to undergo surgery, because further enlargement would likely be life-ending within three to four years. 

Dr. Svensson performed an aortic root and valve surgery 13 years ago. I’m 90 now, and I’ve had an excellent outcome. 

Four years ago, I required stenting from Dr. Krishnaswamy2 for 90% occlusion of my left anterior descending artery. 

My wife underwent a TAVR procedure3 for aortic valve stenosis five years ago with Dr. Krishnaswamy. 

Guadalupe and I stay active, tending to roses and our vegetable garden, walking around our neighborhood and swimming in our pool. We’ve traveled extensively, too. 

We’re deeply grateful to Dr. Svensson and Dr. Krishnaswamy for the great care that we have received. 

 

Albert and Guadalupe Folgueras have been married 61 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. 

Guadalupe and Albert Folgueras standing in a pathway. There is a golf cart in the background and landscaping with trees, grass and flowers.

Guadalupe and Albert Folgueras. | Photo: Courtesy of Albert Folgueras

Notes

  1. Lars Svensson, MD, PhD, is Chair of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute and a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon.
  2. Amar Krishnaswamy, MD, is Section Head of Invasive & Interventional Cardiology.
  3. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement.