Is there a list of the best Dr.s here?

[Chrisandgary]

It is Christine again - freaking out even more - I am quickly gathering lots of info and dont understand why his cardiologist didnt seem concerned with his aorta being at 5. The info I am seeing says to panic well before this. I am now convinced he is a ticking time bomb.

Is there a list of the best cardiologists and aorta specialists - I am not aware of there being an aorta specialist - boy a lot has changed in 5 years - Sounds like all for the good!!!!!

I live in NY and at this point will travel anywhere since this is going to be his third OHS if need be (am I jumping the gun or are we on route for the 3rd one?)
Thank you all - I do feel a tiny bit better knowing you are out there.

 

[PJmomrunner]

Hi Christine:

5cm really does seem to be the more usual time to "pull the trigger," but to a degree it is dependent upon the skill of the surgeon and at what point the odds of not operating become worse than the odds of operating. Also, the criteria is generally to operate sooner on an aneurysm associated with a bicuspid valve (4.5cm to 5cm) than one associated with a tricuspid valve (5.5cm).

Nancy in Albany will likely come along and offer some sound advice, perhaps even a surgeon. Is/Are Gary's past surgeon(s) still around or are they retired or something? My sister-in-law lives in Poughkeepsie, so if you're near there NYC is not so far, right? Lots of prospects there.

You might want to revisit this post in the morning and post something new to keep it in the "New Posts" department. Good night.

Take care,

P. J.

 

[Phyllis]

You can check out US News and World list of best hospitals for 2005.
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/nycu/health/hosptl/tophosp.htm
Once you click on a hospital, it will take you to the hospital website and a list of Cardiac surgeons and cardiologists with their qualifications.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

There is a long standing 'debate' between cardiologists and surgeons about WHEN to have surgery.

One of the 'famous VR.com sayings' is: "If you have a condition that can only be repaired by surgery, then get a SURGICAL opinion".

It's time to talk with a surgeon. If your cardiologist won't give you a referal, start searching for one on your own. If you trust his previous surgeon(s), ask them if they do aneurism repairs and if not, who they would recommend.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[901]

One of the most frustrating things that I found after I found out that I needed surgery "soon" was the lack of information available about surgeons. Of all of the hospital sites that I've found over the last two months, the Cleveland Clinic was the only one that put their performance data (mortality rates, etc.) on the web and easily accessible.
I think all hospitals should make this data readily available in an easy access format with some standardization of presentation. It needs to be where, if the hospital isn't proud to publish their statistics, then you should consider one that is. If they are "good" at what they do, publishing those statistics would promote more business.

 

[FauxClaud]

Hey Where in Dutchess??

Hey Where in Dutchess??

Are you??

I live in Kingston, work in Rhinebeck..mabe we can form the "freaking out spouse and mom club"?

My son iis scheduled for an AVR and new aorta the 25th...we going to Westchester Med, but we are pediatric as Garin is 14. Albany is suppose to be really good too..I'd avoid Pougkeepsie!

I know the ticking time bomb feeling!! I'm with you!

 

[Ross]

If you have an idea of who or which hospitals your interested in and don't mind paying $7.95 for a full report on each one, you might check out:

http://www.healthgrades.com/

Here is another that lists Ross surgeons, but there may be some useful info within:
http://members.cox.net/myrossprocedure/phys/