Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: March 6, 2026
In case you missed it… Daniel Neeson, the 29-year-old son of actor Liam Neeson, just revealed that he underwent heart surgery to treat a congenital heart valve defect known as bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). As you may know, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve which led to my Ross Procedure over 20 years ago.
Interestingly, a bicuspid aortic valve occurs during pregnancy when the aortic valve develops with two leaflets instead of the normal three leaflets. This can greatly affect how blood flows from the heart into the aorta and, ultimately, the rest of the human body. A bicuspid aortic valve is considered a “congenital heart valve defect” which is present at birth and impacts about 2% of the population.
That said, many people may live for years without knowing they have the condition until it begins to affect heart function. If left untreated a bicuspid aortic valve can lead to debilitating symptoms and death.
Careful Monitoring Over the Years
For much of his life, Neeson carefully monitored the condition with regular cardiology visits twice each year that included the use of echocardiograms to diagnose the severity of the disease. During those evaluations, doctors began to notice important changes in his heart. His left ventricle had become severely dilated, and his aorta had enlarged, signs that the abnormal valve was putting increasing strain on his cardiovascular system. When these changes progressed, Neeson and his medical team agreed that surgery was the best option to address the defect and protect his long-term heart health.
Neeson ultimately had surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where he was treated by cardiac surgeon Dr. Leonard Girardi and his team. Reflecting on the experience, Neeson emphasized the importance of staying proactive about health, writing, “Nothing is more empowering than understanding your health… Health is about being proactive, not reactive.”
He also expressed deep gratitude for the care he received from his surgical team. On his Instagram, Neeson shared, “I am forever grateful to Dr. Leonard Girardi and his remarkable team… for taking unbelievable care of me.” Neeson’s message highlighted the critical role of experienced cardiac surgeons and multidisciplinary teams in treating complex valve conditions.
Raising Awareness for Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
Stories like Neeson’s highlight the importance of early diagnosis and lifelong monitoring for congenital valve diseases such as bicuspid aortic valve. Many patients with BAV live active lives but require regular imaging to watch for complications like aortic enlargement, valve leakage, or valve narrowing. When surgery is performed at the appropriate time, outcomes are often excellent, allowing patients to return to normal activities and look ahead to a healthy future.
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Keep on tickin,
Adam
