The Unique, Complex Surgery Was Performed by Dr. Mark Peterson—One of the Few Surgeons in the Country Trained in It
“For eight years, I lived with the fear that something might happen to my heart,” says Phil Passen.
NYU Langone Staff
Phil Passen, 53, is a father, avid runner, and longtime New Yorker. After receiving a surprising diagnosis of severe aortic valve disease, Passen underwent a highly complex heart surgery, known as the Ross procedure, at NYU Langone Health. This procedure involved replacing his ailing aortic valve with his own pulmonary valve. Miraculously, Passen was up and walking just hours after surgery, was discharged within days, and is now back to an active lifestyle in Miami.
Eight years ago, at age 45, Passen was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve. A normal aortic valve has three cusps, but a bicuspid has only two. When the bicuspid aortic valve narrows severely over time, the heart works harder to pump blood efficiently. Passen is among the 1 to 2 percent of people with bicuspid valve disease, a congenital condition. Most babies with a bicuspid valve show no symptoms, and the condition might not be diagnosed until later in adulthood.
The news was a shock to this otherwise healthy and active individual who had been running up to 50 miles a week and competing in races without any noticeable symptoms. Passen met with Olivier Frankenberger, MD, his cardiologist at NYU Langone Heart, who diagnosed the condition but determined no immediate action was needed. The disease needed close monitoring, turning it into a waiting game for potential surgery.
In 2019, Passen and his family moved to Miami, and the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his regular checkups. It wasn’t until 2023, after seeing a cardiologist locally, that he discovered the disease had worsened. The doctor recommended Passen have surgery immediately. He was given two options: a mechanical valve, which would require lifelong blood thinners and lifestyle changes, or a tissue valve, which might need multiple future surgeries, because these such valves tend to wear out quickly in younger patients.
Innovative Solution in Healing the Heart with Your Own Tissue, No Lifelong Blood Thinners Needed
Passen’s recovery after the surgery has been remarkable.
Unsatisfied with the options, Passen sought a second opinion from his longtime cardiologist, Dr. Frankenberger, who referred him to Mark D. Peterson, MD, PhD, director of aortic surgery for NYU Langone Heart, a professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and a world leader in aortic reconstructive surgery. Passen flew to New York City to meet Dr. Peterson, who confirmed that standard valve operations would pose challenges and limitations, given Passen’s age and active lifestyle. He recommended the Ross procedure as the best treatment for Passen’s diseased aortic valve.
Dr. Peterson, an early adopter of this specialized surgery, is part of a select group of surgeons nationwide trained to perform the Ross procedure, making NYU Langone one of the few institutions offering this treatment option.
Dr. Peterson and his team at the Aortic Center replaced the damaged aortic valve with the patient’s own pulmonary valve, which closely resembles a normal aortic valve. Using the patient’s own valve ensures it works better than an artificial one, without damaging blood cells or causing clotting. The team then replaces the relocated pulmonary valve with a donor heart valve. Within a few months, the pulmonary valve becomes thicker and stronger and begins to behave like an aortic valve. The patient’s own pulmonary valve is the best substitute for a failed aortic valve because it is a natural, living valve, with all of the characteristics of a native aortic valve.
“When performed by skilled surgeons and for the right patient, the Ross procedure offers a unique opportunity to restore health, quality of life, and importantly, quantity of life. It combines the benefits of excellent long-term durability with the advantage of eliminating the need for blood thinners,” said Dr. Peterson. “It was an ideal solution for Phil’s age, hobbies, and active lifestyle. For younger adults like him, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime procedure.”
Remarkable Recovery Time and Renewed Life
Since his successful surgery in March 2024, Passen’s recovery has been remarkable. He was already walking laps around the intensive care unit just a few hours after the procedure and was discharged only three days later.
Now back in Miami, Passen is focusing on boxing, running, and spending quality time with his family. He looks forward to resuming his long-distance runs, which he greatly loves. Running faster than ever, Passen is determined to participate in track and field events again soon. “It’s a huge mental relief. For eight years, I lived with the fear that something might happen to my heart. Now, I feel better than ever,” said Passen. He credits Dr. Peterson and NYU Langone’s aortic surgery program, along with the diligence of his long-time cardiologist, Dr. Frankenberger, for making his successful outcome possible.
“Nobody mentioned the Ross procedure to me when I was being evaluated in Miami. I believe my quality of life would be very different if I had received a valve replacement without seeking out another option. While I can’t say for certain how things would’ve turned out, I felt that NYU Langone, being a center of excellence for heart valve reconstruction, was the best choice,” said Passen. “I also have a deep trust in Dr. Peterson and the care team at NYU Langone. Thanks to them, I can continue enjoying the activities I love and be there for my family.”
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