USC or UCLA?

[lyneebee]

Has any of you had their OHS done at USC (University of Southern CA Los Angeles)? I want to hear your experience or feedback. I was referred by my cardio to have my tricuspid valve repair/replacement and Maze procedure (due to A-Fib) performed at the same time next month by Dr. Starnes at USC. This will be my second OHS, first was MVR (mechanical St. Jude) 10 yrs. ago Scripps Memorial San Diego. I am scared thinking I will have bleeding complications like before and will not make it this time. I was researching the best hospitals and USC is not listed in the US News rankings so should I go for a second opinion at UCLA a highly ranked hospital? By the way how sucessful was the Maze procedure for you? Well thanks for your time.

Lynn

 

[Ross]

Lynn I'm not really qualified to answer because of location, but if the Maze procedure is going to be done, UCLA would be my choice. Go whereever expertise and lots of procedures have been done.

 

[lyneebee]

Lynn I'm not really qualified to answer because of location, but if the Maze procedure is going to be done, UCLA would be my choice. Go whereever expertise and lots of procedures have been done.

Well thanks your response. After doing some more research I've determined that UCLA would be a better choice. And I actually found a site that rates Doctors and Hopitals Healthgrade.com, would you happen to know any more like that site? Thanks again.

Lynn

 

[Ross]

There is another one, but it costs alot more money for even less information. Healthgrades has improved tremdously over the last 3 years and is worth sinking a few dollars into for information that you just cannot get on your own. It was free for most stuff 3 years ago, but the info they gave back then wasn't anything that you couldn't have gotten yourself. If I can remember the other link, I'll post it and you can decide. I just can't think of it at the moment.

 

[jayaresq]

Go Bruins!

Go Bruins!

Hi lyneebee. I obtained my second surgical opinion from a man who was recommended to me from several sources as one of the nation's preeminant heart surgeons: Dr. Hillel Laks at UCLA. He enjoys an incredible reputation and made me feel very much at ease. My decision not to have Dr. Laks do my AVR surgery had nothing to do with his abilities, but only my valve choices and after-care programs. He studied my case thoroughly before meeting with me and I would certainly recommend him.

By the way, I also heard that USC ran a fine program, but my allegiance is to my alma mater, UCLA. -- Jim

 

[inlaguna]

UCLA is likely very good choice (over USC) Have heard great things about and was recommended to Laks before choosing Mass General-- however, don't forget Cedars-Sinai while doing your research - also very good choice.

 

[labguides]

Dr. Laks did our daughter's valve repair. He is our HERO! I highly recommend UCLA and Dr. Laks. Dr. Michelle Hamilton at UCLA is our daughter's cardio.

 

[Paul_R]

Dr. Laks did my surgery last september and I highly recommend him. Having said that, I would not have had any hesitation of Dr. Starnes performing my surgery as well. UCLA's ranking certainly weighed in my decision to have my surgery there. You really can't go wrong either way.

Best of luck with your surgery

 

[lyneebee]

Well thanks you all for your time in answering my questions. You have narrowed down my choices and helped with my doubts and ifs. I do have an apt. with Dr Laks this Friday and I will see how that goes. I will let all of you know whom I choose and how the surgey will go. Well thank so much again.

Lynn

 

[lyneebee]

Update

Update

Hi everyone,
I finally got a date for my tricuspid valve repair/replacement & maze procedure, it is scheduled for Sept. 9. I went with the second surgeon I met as many of you have recommended Dr. Laks of UCLA. He is very nice and straightforward; I was able to find answers and explanations to all my questions. Since this is a redo for me, I thought he would be the best choice. He read my test results, listened to my heart very thoroughly. He spent an hour with my family and me explaining the complications, risk, benefits, etc. He also suspected that my mitral valve maybe leaking, which is not clearly indicated or shown in my test but once Dr. Laks opens my heart he will determine if it will need fixing. He was surprised that my aorta showed no sign of damage, which is good, but normally the aorta is first to have problems then the other valves follows. There is one concern I do have, Dr. Laks explained to me that in the event my tricuspid is requires replacement, he suggest on using an On X-valve which my cardiologist disagrees with, he think it should be the same St. Jude that was used in my MVR. He informs me that this X-valve is still new (6 years) but has been used on many patients already and so far there has been no problems. Has any one of you had any experiences with the x-valve? Any thoughts you might want to share I would really appreciate. Again thank you all for the support and help.

Lynn