And of course, procedures change, usually for the better, through time. Case in point. my traditional open heart procedure (which I tend to refer to as "Aztec sacrificial cardiology") is being replaced by less disruptive procedures with incisions through the chest wall or even introducing the new valve at the femoral artery. Apparently the results are good, with less stress for the patient.

I was never offered any photos of my appearance on the operating table, although I imagine it both very unusual and not very pretty, like a good many procedures. So what? The end results are what count.....After all, I am a happy camper - my new heart valve came with a lifetime warranty.