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Cardiac surgery insights
from the Heart Team.

Evidence-based articles on surgical risk, second opinions, treatment options, and clinical decision-making — written and reviewed by fellowship-trained cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists.

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Featured Article
Patient Education

Cardiac Surgery for Elderly Patients: What Families Need to Know About Outcomes After 80

Age alone does not determine whether heart surgery is safe or appropriate. Board-certified cardiac surgeon Dr. Rahul Handa explains what truly drives outcomes in elderly patients, what the data shows about heart surgery over 80, and how families can make informed decisions.

Rahul R. Handa, MD · April 14, 2026Read
Risk Assessment

What Your Cardiac Surgery Risk Score Actually Tells You — And What It Doesn't

Risk scores like the STS calculator are powerful tools, but they are often misunderstood by patients and sometimes misapplied by clinicians. Here's what your cardiac surgery risk assessment really means and how to use it when making decisions about your care.

STS risk calculatorcardiac surgery risk assessmentSTS score meaning
April 14, 2026Read
Second Opinions

How to Compare Heart Surgery Hospitals: A Surgeon's Honest Guide to Quality Metrics That Matter

Not all heart surgery hospital rankings tell the full story. A board-certified cardiac surgeon explains which quality metrics actually predict better outcomes, how to interpret STS star ratings, and what to prioritize when choosing where to have your operation.

hospital qualityheart surgery hospital rankingsSTS star ratings
April 14, 2026Read
Concierge Services

Why More Heart Patients Are Choosing Direct Access Cardiology Over Traditional Referral Networks

Traditional cardiology referral chains can cost you weeks — and sometimes critical clarity — when facing a heart surgery decision. Learn how concierge cardiology and direct physician access are changing the way patients navigate complex cardiac care.

concierge cardiologydirect access cardiologistcardiac surgery second opinion
April 13, 2026Read
Risk Assessment

What Your STS Risk Score Actually Tells You — And What It Doesn't

Your surgeon mentioned your STS score, but what does that number really mean for you? A cardiac surgeon explains how STS risk calculators work, where they fall short, and how to use this information to make better decisions about your heart surgery.

STS risk scorecardiac surgery risk assessmentrisk calculators
April 13, 2026Read
Risk Assessment

EuroSCORE II and European Risk Assessment: A Surgeon's Practical Guide for Patients

EuroSCORE II is a widely used European cardiac surgery risk score, but what does it actually tell you about your surgery? A board-certified cardiac surgeon explains how EuroSCORE II works, how it compares to STS, and what patients should understand before making decisions based on a number.

EuroSCORE IIcardiac surgery risk scoresEuroSCORE vs STS
April 13, 2026Read
Treatment Options

Bicuspid Aortic Valve: Understanding Your Treatment Options and When Surgery Is Needed

A bicuspid aortic valve affects 1-2% of the population and can lead to serious complications if not properly monitored. Board-certified cardiac surgeon Dr. Rahul Handa explains the full range of BAV treatment options, how surgeons decide when intervention is necessary, and what patients should know about bicuspid valve surgery timing.

bicuspid aortic valveBAV treatmentaortic valve surgery
April 13, 2026Read
Treatment Options

Tricuspid Regurgitation Treatment: A Surgeon's Guide to Your Repair and Replacement Options

Tricuspid regurgitation is no longer the 'forgotten valve disease.' Learn when tricuspid valve surgery is necessary, what repair options exist, and how newer catheter-based treatments are changing the landscape for patients with TR.

tricuspid regurgitationtricuspid valve surgeryTR repair
April 13, 2026Read
Concierge Services

Why More Heart Patients Are Choosing Direct Access Cardiology Over Traditional Referral Networks

Traditional cardiology referrals can leave patients waiting weeks for answers during critical decision windows. Learn how concierge cardiology and direct physician access are changing the way heart patients get expert guidance when it matters most.

concierge cardiologydirect access cardiologistcardiac surgery second opinion
April 13, 2026Read
Patient Education

Cardiac Rehabilitation After Heart Surgery: A Surgeon's Guide to Safe Recovery Through Exercise

Cardiac rehabilitation is one of the most effective tools for recovering after heart surgery, yet fewer than half of eligible patients participate. Dr. Handa explains what cardiac rehab involves, when to start exercising after surgery, and how structured rehabilitation improves long-term outcomes.

cardiac rehabilitationexercise after heart surgerycardiac rehab after surgery
April 11, 2026Read
Second Opinions

How to Compare Cardiac Surgery Hospitals: A Surgeon's Practical Framework for Patients

Heart surgery hospital rankings can be confusing and even misleading. A board-certified cardiac surgeon explains the specific quality metrics, questions, and red flags that actually matter when choosing where to have your operation.

hospital qualityheart surgery hospital rankingsSTS star ratings
April 11, 2026Read
Concierge Services

Why Patients Are Choosing Direct Access Cardiologists Over Traditional Referral Networks

Traditional cardiology referrals can leave patients waiting weeks for answers and feeling like a number in the system. Learn how concierge cardiology and direct physician access are giving patients faster, more personalized cardiac care when it matters most.

concierge cardiologydirect access cardiologistcardiology membership benefits
April 11, 2026Read
Stay informed.
Expert cardiac surgery insights from the WhiteGloveMD Heart Team, delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. HIPAA-compliant.