70's heart throb, voice of 'Beast' talks about heart problems

CLEVELAND - Robby Benson has had a long career in Hollywood, best known for his role in Ice Castles and as the voice of Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Not visible on screen is his battle with a congenital heart defect, responsible for four open heart surgeries, the last one taking place at the Cleveland Clinic.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most recent surgery is called the reverse Ross Procedure. Patients with aortic valve disease can have their aortic valve replaced with their own pulmonary valve. If this valve fails, Dr. Gosta Pettersson can now reverse this operation by repairing the failed valve and re-implanting it back where it came from in the pulmonary position.

Just two days shy of his surgery’s one-year anniversary, Benson will be the keynote speaker at the 2011 Patient Experience Summit about being a Cleveland Clinic patient.

To hear more Benson in his own words, click on the video tab. 

Clinic spokesmen say Benson enjoys mentoring cardiac surgery patients – helping them through surgery and recovery with humor.

"He is living proof of how innovative medical expertise can be provided alongside empathic care," a hospital spokesman said.

You can find more on the Summit online at http://www.empathyandinnovation.com