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Imperfect HeartAuthor: Jeff Holden
Imperfect Heart is a podcast designed for, hosted by and recorded with those affected by or involved with the care and support for those with the birth defect of a Myocardial Bridge. Interviews with healthcare professionals, support professionals and those navigating their way through the often challenging process of diagnosis and treatment are the focus of the content. Its their stories that are meant to inform, educate and even entertain in an effort to insure hope for the listener that what they are experiencing is real, that they are not alone and that there is hope for relief from the varied symptoms of a Myocardial Bridge. The host, Jeff Holden, has his own story to tell from symptom to diagnosis to treatment thus giving him insight and empathy as well as experience in the process of advocating for the patient. The program also seeks to make the healthcare industry more aware of the real symptoms of Myocardial Bridges with an aim to eliminate the gaslighting that is so prevalent around this defect and directly address the reality that Myocardial Bridges may be responsible for many more deaths from sudden cardiac arrest than previously thought. Early diagnosis and treatment could not only improve but may actually save lives when properly applied. More information can be found on the podcast website, www.myimperfectheart.com. Language: en-us Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 61: Coronary Artery Bypass Advantage - Dr. Christopher Kwon's Non-Traditional Approach to Myocardial Bridge Unroofing.
Wednesday, 8 October, 2025
This may be one of those episodes that could be considered controversial and I hope it does prompt questions. Dr. Christopher Kwon is a highly experienced cardiac surgeon whose practice in Lake Havasu, Arizona has brought him face-to-face with a growing number of patients living with symptomatic Myocardial Bridges.What made this conversation so compelling is Dr. Kwon’s dual approach—he doesn’t just perform the standard unroofing procedure. He also chooses to bypass the artery in the same operation, giving his patients the greatest chance for long-term relief, in his expert opinion. As he says, it’s a “belts and suspenders” approach.We talk about everything related to the bridge unroofing procedure.The fear patients have around sternotomy,The diagnostic process including provocative testing,The reality of competitive flow in grafts,The insurance coding challenges that can delay care,And, perhaps most importantly, how critical it is to advocate for yourself.Whether you're a patient, a caregiver, or a provider trying to better understand this often-dismissed condition, I believe this episode can give you clarity, confidence, and hope.In This Episode, We Cover:Dr. Kwon’s path from aspiring engineer to heart surgeonWhy sternotomy isn’t as scary as it soundsHis unique method: unroofing + bypass for added protectionWhen provocative testing is useful—but not always requiredWhat to know about LIMA grafts and long-term outcomesWhy some cardiologists still dismiss this condition—and what he tells themThe importance of second opinions and listening to your gutHow insurance coding can make or break your surgery approvalPlus... Dr. Kwon’s life outside the OR, including his two standard poodles ????Guest Info:Dr. Christopher KwonCardiac Surgeon – Havasu Regional Medical Center, ArizonaPhone: 928-453-0890Contact info: https://www.havasuregional.com/find-a-doctor/provider/1225074867Resources:Website: www.myimperfectheart.comBook: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges – Now available on Amazon or any digital platform where you find your books/ebooks/audio books.Chapter Summaries(00:00) Cardiac Surgeon Discusses Myocardial BridgesDr. Kwon's journey to becoming a cardiac surgeon, his 21-year career, advancements in cardiac surgery, and treating myocardial bridges.(11:34) Bypass Graft and Competitive Flow DiscussionNature's intricacies of bypass grafts, specifically LEMA and its interaction with competitive flow, surgical strategies, and decision-making processes in complex cardiac surgeries.(20:14) Discussion on Myocardial Bridge TreatmentMyocardial bridging treatment, stenting and surgery, sudden cardiac death, patient self-advocacy, and maintaining well-being through family, pets, and nature.(34:52) Bypass and Unroofing Procedure DiscussionDr. Kwon shares insights on unroofing bypass surgery, making complex medical information accessible and concludes with a light-hearted exchange about his dogs.
