Stretch Ledford
Runner, International Photojournalist
CryoValve Heart Valve
Ross Procedure Patient
Charles “Stretch” Ledford was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve at five months old. After living a healthy and relatively normal life for 43 years, it became necessary to replace this valve.
Ross Procedure Recipient
Stretch opted for a Ross Procedure, which means his aortic valve was replaced with his own pulmonary valve. His pulmonary valve was then replaced with a cryopreserved donor heart valve from CryoLife, the CryoValve(R) Pulmonary Valve Allograft.
Now more than two years post-op, Stretch says he continues to live a healthy and normal life, running 10K races and working as a photojournalist in far-flung places around the world.
NOTE: This story reflects one person’s experience. Talk to your doctor about your situation and possible treatment options.