Dr. Lars Svensson - Heart Surgeon

Hello! My name is Dr. Lars Svensson and I am a heart surgeon having graduated from University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Medicine - Johannesburg, South Africa in 1978. To date, I have performed approximately 2358 (average 317/year; through 2009 since at Cleveland Clinic) cardiac surgeries, of which 1,635 (average 204/year; through 2009 since at Cleveland Clinic) involved heart valve procedures. I perform surgery at hospitals including Cleveland Clinic.

"Dr. Svensson was thoroughly professional, a very business-like surgeon who inspired confidence in his knowledge and experience. He made daily attentive visits and was surrounded by his talented team. Dr. Lars Svensson is one of the finest surgeons in the country. I was fortunate to have my request for him to do the surgery fulfilled. The Cleveland Clinic's overall care and monitoring of my 6-day hospitalization stay was nothing less than superb. "

"Dr. Svensson was able to repair my aortic valve and save me from having it replaced. He also repaired my aortic aneurysm. Dr. Lars Svensson is the best. "

"I had read Dr. Svensson's papers and book, watched his surgery and lecture videos, but our first meeting assured me that he was the surgeon with whom I would put my trust. His focus, demeanor, candid responses, and laughter instilled me with confidence. He is a world class surgeon, operating in the world class Cleveland Clinic. During my recovery, he visited me every morning, assessing and discussing my progress. I am grateful to him for the years of toil and sacrifices that he made to acquire his knowledge and develop his skills. He has my unconditional endorsement, and I believe that individuals such as Dr. Svensson have shaped the standards of excellence at The Cleveland Clinic."

"My time with Dr. Lars Svensson was limited but he is one of the best in his field. I would recommend him highly."

"Dr. Lars Svensson credentials are outstanding which is why I chose to have my surgery with him at the Cleveland Clinic. That being said, he is a very busy man but spent adequate time before the surgery discussing the operation. He came to see me each morning at 6am after the surgery while I was in the hospital -- which made a big difference. "

"Excellent, very professional!"

"I can't say enough good about Dr. Lars Svensson. Very good surgeon, great support team at Cleveland Clinic. I flew home to Colorado 6 days after surgery."

"I am an 85 year old patient that had Aortic Valve replacement and aortic artery repair. The surgery and recovery was excellent. I stopped taking pain medicine on the 29th day after surgery and started my Cardio-Rehab 4 weeks after surgery. I saw Dr. Svensson each morning of my recovery. I could not be more pleased with my results and would enthusiastically recommend Dr. Svensson and the Cleveland Clinic. The 1200 mile drive from North Carolina was well worth it."

"Dr. Lars Svensson was wonderful!! He and his team were very professional, answered all of our questions and put my family at ease during and after the surgery. After a long and stressful interview and decision making process leading up to my surgery, I am thankful for choosing him and the Cleveland Clinic for my BAV repair!"

"Dr. Lars Svensson is the best doctor i have had yet. He explained all of my options and assured me that I was in good hands. He saved my Aorta and also did the same procedure for my brother. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. This doctor is a class act and is the best surgeon for the David Procedure or any patient with a connective tissue disorder. "

"Extremely pleased with both the physician and the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Svensson is one of the country's leaders in performing the modified David Procedure. I chose this repair rather than a mechanical valve replacement to avoid a life of Coumadin. I had both a valve repair and a repair of an aortic root aneurysm. "

"I only remember seeing my surgeon one time and that was in my initial visit and interview with Dr. Lars Svensson in November 2008 at the Cleveland. I asked many questions regarding my specific valve and aneurysm surgery and questioned Dr.Svensson on what he recommended for my particular heart condidtion. He suggested I have a valve repair and a graft for the aortic aneurysm. He responded by saying that the aortic valve and aneurysm repair was the way to go and that I would not need to be on any blood thinners. Dr. Svensson is a well known surgeon and instructor for combined valve and aortic aneurysm surgery including minimal invasive aortic surgery. I also chose Dr. Svensson for his innovation on prevention of stroke and paralysis after heart surgery. Dr.Svensson has developed several techniques for aortic bicupsid valve repair in which I had been diagnosed."

"Great bedside manner. I could not have been more pleased with the after-care of surgery. Cleveland clinic has been rated the number one heart hospital for fifteen years and Dr. Svensson is the Director for Aortic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic. If I ever have to have future heart surgery I will definitely go back to Cleveland."

"Great surgeon. Great hospital. Great care. Worth the trip. Minimally invasive procedure. Quick recovery, took no pain medicine after leaving hospital. No post-op side effects or restrictions."

"His bedside manner was average. The surgery went fine and I have had no problems since surgery."

"In 2007, I was shocked to learn that I had an aortic root aneurysm. I chose the Cleveland Clinic because of its #1 rating in the United States for successful heart procedures. I also chose Dr. Lars Svensson based on his reputation. It was very reassuring that he was very informative and answered all of my questions & my wife's many questions. I was given the recommendation of a David's re-implantation of my aortic valve and replacement of my ascending aorta. I was very pleased that my own aortic valve was able to be repaired and that meant I did not need to take Coumadin for the rest of my life. Nine months following surgery and an out patient cardiac rehab program, I was medically cleared to go on a guided elk hunting trip in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In 2013, I will celebrate 5 years post op with very few limitations! "

"Excellent bedside manners and expertise. I am extremely happy with the results. The valve replacement was done via a Bentall procedure."

My cardiac specialties include:

• Aortic Valve Repair, Biscupid Valve Repair, Cardio-Aortic and Aortic Surgery
• Combined Valve and Aneurysm Surgery, David Reimplantation Operation
• Minimally Invasive Mitral and Aortic Valve Surgery

Relative to heart valve surgery, I have the following clinical interests:

• Protection of the brain during cardiovascular surgery
• Minimally invasive and percutaneous valve surgery
• Aortic including biscupid valve repair and aorta surgery

"I believe my greatest strength as a heart surgeon is that I haved trained with the world's best, pioneering cardiovascular specialists including Drs. Barlow, Loop, Cosgrove, Lytle, DeBakey, and Crawford."

Dr. Lars Svensson, heart surgeon, graduated from University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Medicine - Johannesburg, South Africa in 1978.

I have relationships with several insurance providers including:

• We accept most Health Insurance
• For more information: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing_legal/insurance/default.aspx

The office of Dr. Lars Svensson is located at:

Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195
(866) 306-6399

A map of our clinic is provided below.