Patient Stories: The story behind South Carolina’s first aortic valve repair

Hal Hutto is a motorcycle enthusiast who found himself cutting a ride on Route 66 on his Harley short due to atrial fibrillation, or an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. While atrial fibrillation

When he returned, Hutto sought medical advice with Prisma Health’s Heart Hospital, and discovered that he was suffering from a deteriorating aortic valve. His ability to work outside or pursue his favorite hobbies had greatly reduced. Thoracic and cardiac specialist Dr. J. Ryan Burke knew this deterioration could only be fully resolved with a total aortic valve replacement, a surgery that at the time had never been performed within South Carolina.

While Dr. Burke had never performed this surgery himself, Hutto spoke to other cardiologists who told him they had great faith in Dr. Burke’s skill and expertise, and Hutto agreed to the surgery.

Hutto’s aortic valve replacement surgery was a success, and he graduated to cardiac rehabilitation, which involves gradually increasing physical activity to get him back to his previously active self.

“We make a difference by being part of a high-quality team focused on improving outcomes for cardiac surgery,” said Dr. Burke. “We have a long history of dedication from a variety of surgeons and non-surgeons in improving outcomes and quality of care.”