Helping Other Heart Patients

Since 1990, Vladimir Podzolkov experienced some symptoms of heart valve disease, such as shortness of breath, swelling, chest pain, and palpitations. However, not until 1997 did his symptoms impact his daily routine. Vladimir realized it was becoming difficult to make it through each workday. He sought medical attention and was quickly diagnosed with a defective aortic heart valve.

Vladimir wasn't unfamiliar with his options, as he is a practicing cardiovascular surgeon in Russia. The doctor became the patient, as he required heart valve replacement surgery. Dr. Podzolkov selected the St. Jude Medical® Mechanical Heart Valve, recognized worldwide as the industry's gold standard.

The heart valve replacement procedure allowed Vladimir to resume his hectic surgery practice and academic medicine position at the Bakoulev Scientific Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow, Russia.

The St. Jude Medical valve transformed the doctor's life, allowing him to resume his active life. Since the surgery, Dr. Podzolkov has performed more than 1,000 operations on his own patients. His practice is thriving, as he stays busy helping other heart patients.

Vladimir's activities outside of work include traveling, fishing, hunting, and spending quality time with his wife and two young children.