When Seth Wharton was only one month old, doctors repaired his narrow heart valve. Then, five years later, he was referred to UAB Cardiovascular Institute for an aortic valvotomy to have his heart valves widened.

At the age of 11, Wharton was diagnosed with subacute bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart, and a blood clot that had formed in his kidney.

Two years later, he started experiencing chest pains, and after further examination, his physicians decided it was time for a double heart-valve replacement to be performed by Dr. Albert D. Pacifico, a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon who retired in 2006.

Wharton became the longest surviving patient of double heart valve replacement. Other patients thrived due to the surgical techniques brought to the medical profession by Dr. Pacifico such as lowering the length of surgery, increasing patient safety, a reduction in hospital stays and shortened recovery periods.

At the time of his retirement Dr. Pacifico had performed over 28,000 cardiovascular surgeries.

Dr. Pacifico earned his reputation due to his proficiency and technical skills in complex surgical procedures.

“Dr. Pacifico was a world-renowned surgeon who was known for his proficiency, technical skills and excellent outcomes in the most complex cardiac surgical procedures. Dr. Pacifico dedicated himself to the field of cardiothoracic surgery and devoted his career to studying and perfecting his surgical technique in order to provide exemplary care for each of his patients.”

Within a year of his surgery, Wharton had earned his black belt in karate, began playing basketball and even won an award for being the most courageous athlete. Years later, he participated in weightlifting meets, running 5Ks and playing college basketball.

Wharton expresses his gratitude to God for sparing his life. He is a hospice Chaplin at the Pittsburgh Medical Center and hopes to spread the word that he is living proof you can have a full life after this procedure. He hopes to help others find the same comfort and courage.

Today, Wharton is the father of four, husband, and a hospice chaplain at the University of Pittsburgh. Wharton has lived a normal life unaffected by his childhood heart conditions. Now he is on a mission to give comfort to others during difficult times.

Article curated from UAB News.

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June 16, 2026  – Rose Duesterwald