Bob’s Search For The Number One Hospital In Heart Valve Replacements

September 2nd, 2008

I just received an email from Bob about cardiac care centers. He writes, “Adam – Do you happen to know what is the number one hospital in heart valve replacements? I have a mitral valve prolapse and I need a mitral valve replacement. I would like to know which are the best hospitals in the United States.”

Unfortunately, I don’t know which hospital is number 1 for heart valve replacement surgery. However, I do have one reference point for Bob regarding the top ten hospitals for heart surgery. Each year, U.S. News And World Report issues a “top 10 ranking” of the best hospitals for heart surgery. While this ranking does not indicate the quantity of heart valve replacements performed each year, it does (in some sense) indicate the quality of heart surgery which I believe is most important.

Top Heart Care And Heart Surgery Centers

That said, this list might help you get started with your hospital and, more importantly, your surgeon selection process. Here is the link, Best Hospital For Heart Care And Heart Surgery – US News And World Report.

However, you should know that some people feel that these rankings are not properly developed and reported. For an interesting read, please see NPR’s article, Heart Hospital Rankings Don’t Reveal Picture.

ANOTHER POINT TO CONSIDER: So you know, I had my aortic valve replacement surgery at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. You will note that this facility is not listed on the above-referenced ranking. Personally, I was more focused on finding the right surgeon than finding the right hospital. That said, I think I was incredibly lucky to find Doctor Starnes (my surgeon). Again, it’s just another point to consider.

I hope that helps you learn a little more about the number 1 hospital for heart valve replacement. Click here to leave a reply, thought or comment for Bob.

Keep on tickin!

About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates clinical research with the personal experiences of 135 former patients to help future patients and their caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.

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5 Comments... Click here to add one.

Winona Blake says on September 2nd, 2008 at 8:40 pm

Bob,
I am searching for a surgeon and hospital to repair (I hope) my mitral valve. I have learned that Cleveland Clinic claims to do more valve surgeries a year than any other hospital in the USA. I was told (you can also get the numbers on their website) that in 2007 CC did 1057 mitral valve surgeries, 70% were repairs, and 67% were minimally invasive.
Good luck on your search.
Winona

Bob Vincent says on December 16th, 2008 at 6:21 pm

Thanks for the prompt answers and help. I have ordered the book. My diagonosis was just last week, and it is the aortic valve that needs replacement.

Camille Saville says on March 12th, 2009 at 9:26 pm

Adam, thanks for the info. My brother has a severe mitral valve prolapse and surgery is being considered. Cleveland clinic in Ohio is being considered. Glad to see it was on your list. Now I need to get to work and do a little research. Thanks again and stay well!

Virginia P. says on March 12th, 2009 at 11:35 pm

I had open heart surgery Dec.9, 2008 to replace an aortic valve and also to repair an aortic aneurysm. I have had breathing problems since. The end of January I was in the hospital with a collapsed lung after 4 taps to remove excess fluid. I still am having breathing difficulties after x-rays showed there was minor fluid in the lungs. I also still have no appetite and have a metallic or sick taste like when you have the flu. Does anyone have experiences like this.

Jerry says on February 4th, 2011 at 8:37 pm

Give UAB Dr.Athanasuleas 205 934 2536 I had Mitral valve replacement 2 weeks ago after having been turned down as to risky (4 th open heart procedure} by Four hospitals in the southeast, I feel like new and would recommend this Doc as a great surgeon with 30 years exp. good luck

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