Watch: in my words
Why I made this site, and how I approach heart surgery
Do I really need surgery — and how much time do I have to decide?
New videos are being recorded now. Captions will be included.
What your diagnosis means
Most people who need heart surgery have one of a handful of conditions. Each has its own guide on this site:
- Coronary artery disease → bypass surgery (CABG)
- Aortic stenosis → aortic valve replacement or TAVR
- Mitral regurgitation → mitral valve repair, replacement or edge-to-edge repair
- Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy → septal myectomy
What happens next
Before anyone recommends an operation, your heart team needs a clear picture of your heart. Depending on your condition, that usually means an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart), a cardiac catheterization or coronary angiogram, sometimes a CT or MRI, and blood tests. Then a surgeon reviews the results with you.
When we meet, I sit down, draw your heart on a piece of paper, and answer every question. I don’t rush.
How much time you have
For most planned heart operations, surgery is scheduled anywhere from a few days to one or two months out — time to understand your options and get a second opinion if you want one. If you have chest pain, fainting or severe shortness of breath, don’t wait: call 911.
Questions to bring to your first visit
- What exactly is wrong with my heart, and how severe is it?
- What happens if I wait or don’t have surgery?
- What are all my options — surgery, a catheter procedure, or medicines?
- How many of these operations do you do, and what are your published results?
Sources for this section: Cleveland Clinic — Preparing for cardiac surgery · UCSF Health — Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER)
Common questions
Do I really need surgery?
That depends on your diagnosis and how severe it is. Some conditions can be treated with medicines or a catheter procedure; others are best treated with surgery. A heart team that offers all the options should walk you through them. How to weigh your options.
How much time do I have to decide?
For most planned operations, surgery is booked a few days to one or two months ahead. Your surgeon will tell you if your situation is more urgent.
Should I get a second opinion?
It’s reasonable for any major operation, and a good program will welcome it. How a second opinion works.
