Interview with Scott Goldman, MD and William A. Gray, MD

Why did you feel that it was important to write Diagnosis and Treatment of Mitral Valve Disease? What does it add to the field? 

Moderate to severe valve disease increases with age, affecting ~10% of the population 75+   

• Fewer than 2% of eligible mitral regurgitation (MR) patients receive surgery  
• Of those MR patients treated, more than 85% don’t receive the best available treatment options  
• More informed patients seek novel treatment options (like TMVR), which few hospitals provide  

The contributed volume is the first authoritative reference for cardiac specialists, with key insights and contributions from Lankenau Heart Institute colleagues and leading experts in mitral valve disease.  

What is the most exciting aspect of your new publication? What chapter or topic covered are you most excited about? 

Industry training is highly effective for experienced practitioners but lacks the foundational material necessary for less experienced doctors. This volume aims to provide the foundational understanding required to create, develop, and maintain a successful program.  

Who will find the greatest value from this book and why?    

Physicians seeking to gain knowledge to create and develop a successful mitral valve program.  

What new ideas, practices, or procedures do you hope your readers take away from your text?    

The book provides the latest evidence on the development of disease, imaging techniques, and medical, surgical, and transcatheter therapy options for patients with mitral valve disease. It also discusses how to assemble a multidisciplinary team and establish program infrastructure.  

What problem do you hope the future generation of your specialty will be able to solve?    

• Improved care of the patients who present with mitral regurgitation.   
• Non-surg treatment: improved medical therapy, improved treatment for functional MV regurgitation; nonsurgical MV replacement. 

About the Editors 

Scott M. Goldman, MD, System Chair, Department of Surgery, Main Line Health, Cardiac surgeon with extensive experience in the treatment of valvular heart disease. Pioneer in minimally invasive and transcatheter therapies.  

William A. Gray, MD, System Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Main Line Health Co-Director, Lankenau Heart Institute  

Purchase your copy of Diagnosis and Treatment of Mitral Valve Disease, 1st Edition here!