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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 world-class cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists.

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Featured Article
Treatment Options

TAVR vs SAVR: An Aortic Surgeon's Honest Guide to Choosing the Right Valve Replacement

Facing an aortic valve replacement decision? An aortic surgeon explains the real differences between TAVR and SAVR, who benefits most from each approach, and the questions you should be asking before you consent to either procedure.

Callistus Ditah, MD · May 26, 2026Read
Treatment Options

Structural Heart Interventions: A TAVR Procedure Overview for Patients and Families

A world-class interventional cardiologist explains what patients need to know about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), including who qualifies, what to expect during the procedure, and how outcomes compare to traditional surgery. Practical guidance for patients and families navigating this decision.

TAVRstructural heart interventionsaortic stenosis
May 26, 2026Read
Patient Education

Cholesterol Management and Statin Therapy: What Every Heart Surgery Patient Needs to Know

Lipid management and statin therapy play a critical role before and after cardiac surgery. Dr. Kunal U. Gurav explains what your cholesterol numbers really mean, how current lipid guidelines shape surgical outcomes, and why the right statin strategy can protect your heart for years to come.

cholesterol managementstatin therapylipid guidelines
May 25, 2026Read
Second Opinions

How to Evaluate Heart Surgery Hospital Quality: An Aortic Surgeon's Honest Framework

Heart surgery hospital rankings and STS star ratings can be useful tools, but they don't tell the whole story. An aortic surgeon explains what metrics actually matter and how to use them when your life is on the line.

hospital qualitySTS star ratingsheart surgery hospital rankings
May 25, 2026Read
Patient Education

Preoperative Cardiac Assessment: What Your Heart Needs Before You Have Surgery

A world-class cardiac surgeon explains what a preoperative cardiac assessment actually involves, why cardiac clearance for surgery matters, and how to make sure your heart is properly evaluated before any major operation.

preoperative cardiac assessmentcardiac clearance for surgerycardiac risk before non-cardiac surgery
May 25, 2026Read
Risk Assessment

EuroSCORE II Explained: What This European Cardiac Surgery Risk Score Means for Your Heart Surgery Decision

EuroSCORE II is one of the most widely used risk calculators in cardiac surgery worldwide. Learn what the European cardiac surgery risk score actually measures, how it compares to the STS risk model, and why understanding your score matters before you consent to an operation.

EuroSCORE IIcardiac surgery risk assessmentrisk calculators
May 24, 2026Read
Risk Assessment

Coronary Calcium Score: What Your CAC Scan Really Means for Your Heart

A coronary calcium score can reveal hidden heart disease years before symptoms appear. Learn what your CAC scan results mean, who should get screened, and how this simple test fits into a broader cardiovascular risk screening strategy.

coronary calcium scoreCAC scancardiovascular risk screening
May 24, 2026Read
Concierge Services

Concierge Cardiology: Why Direct Physician Access Changes Outcomes for Heart Patients

Concierge cardiology gives heart patients something the traditional system often cannot: direct access to a cardiologist who knows your case, answers your calls, and coordinates your care without gatekeepers. Structural cardiologist Sandeep M. Patel, MD explains why this model matters most when the stakes are highest.

concierge cardiologydirect access cardiologistcardiology membership benefits
May 24, 2026Read
Diagnostics

Cardiac Stress Test Results: What Your Exercise Echo or Nuclear Stress Test Actually Means

A world-class imaging cardiologist explains how to read and understand your cardiac stress test results — whether you had an exercise stress echo, nuclear stress test, or pharmacologic study. Learn what abnormal findings really mean for your heart and what comes next.

stress test interpretationexercise stress echonuclear stress test
May 23, 2026Read
Treatment Options

Aortic Root Replacement and the Bentall Procedure: What Patients Need to Know Before Surgery

Aortic root replacement is one of the most consequential operations in cardiac surgery. This guide explains the Bentall procedure, valve-sparing root replacement, and how to decide which approach is right for you.

aortic root replacementBentall procedurevalve-sparing root replacement
May 23, 2026Read
Treatment Options

Tricuspid Valve Surgery: What Patients Need to Know About TR Repair Options and Treatment

Tricuspid regurgitation is often called the 'forgotten valve disease,' but left untreated it can lead to serious complications. Dr. Rahul Handa explains tricuspid valve surgery options, when treatment is necessary, and how to make informed decisions about TR repair.

tricuspid valve surgerytricuspid regurgitationTR repair options
May 23, 2026Read
Risk Assessment

EuroSCORE II Explained: What This European Cardiac Surgery Risk Score Means for Your Heart Surgery Decision

EuroSCORE II is one of the most widely used cardiac surgery risk calculators in the world. As a cardiovascular surgeon, I explain what this European risk score measures, how it compares to the STS risk model, and what patients need to understand before surgery.

EuroSCORE IIcardiac surgery risk assessmentrisk calculators
May 22, 2026Read
Stay informed.
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