About Dr. Justin Schaffer,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"Dr. Schaffer is a great Surgeon. He explained every procedure, and the reason they had to be done. He never seemed to worry about the time taken. I felt confident he was the best. Still feel the same after my surgery."

-- james Yarbrough, Pulmonary Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/31/2017

"Dr. Schaffer is a excellent surgeon. He clearly explained the entire procedure he would perform on me, for my ascending aortic aneurysm. Dr. Schaffer performed the surgery on my aorta with flawless excellence. His post op care has also been excellent. My heart health is perfect and I am so very thankful to Dr. Schaffer and his staff. I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer for any of your heart surgical needs!"

-- Barry McClish, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, 03/29/2017

"I am 44 year old male. I had a dilated aortic root, grade 4 aortic insufficiency, and a mildly dilated left ventricle. I was fortunate enough to have found this by chance (before it turned into heart failure). My EF (ejection fraction) was still normal. I traveled to the Heart Hospital Baylor in Plano, TX from Arkansas (8 hours away). I was looking for an experienced surgeon to replace my aortic root and repair my aortic valve. While this was my “plan A”, I also came here to cover my “plan B”. Which was to have an On-X mechanical valve and conduit used, if the valve could not be repaired. So I was looking for a surgeon, who was not only experienced with aortic valve and root repairs, but who also had experience with the On-x mechanical aortic valves. That is just what I found with Dr. Schaffer and Dr. Brinkman. They did a great job. I am recovering well. I am three weeks postop and doing much better than I anticipated. Once they opened me up and got a good look at the valve, they discovered that they would not be able to repair it. The valve contained fenestrations, which were not seen on the TEE. These fenestrations caused the tissue to be too thin to be repaired. Although this complication was an unexpected occurrence, it was important to me to have both options covered just in case. I work in medical field, and I know that unexpected things do happen occasionally during surgery. I had surgery on a Tuesday. I was extubated fairly quickly (I barely remember it). The central lines and chest tubes were removed a few days later. If my INR had cooperated I would have got to leave that Saturday, but instead I was discharged on Monday once my INR was more therapeutic. Still pretty good for such a major surgery. Since I had a mechanical valve placed I will take Coumadin the rest of my life, but with this valve I will have to take much less. The valve was a little louder the first week, but I can barely hear it now. Occasionally, if I am sitting in a quiet room and sitting in the right position I can hear the click. Not bad at all. Dr. Schaffer came by every day and checked on me. I found him to have a great bedside manner and would highly recommend him. I don’t believe I would be doing this well without their exceptional skill and expertise. "

-- Dallas Book, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 03/21/2017

"Dr. Schaffer is a Godsend. He is at the top of the chart for any and everything related to treatment of the heart. His extensive knowledge in this field is extraordinary. We are elated about the results of the surgery and the ongoing treatments. Dr. Schaffer exhibits excellent bedside manner, keeps us informed and interacts with us in a personable humane manner. We can't thank him and the staff enough for everything they've done and continue to do for us. We are forever grateful."

-- Cynthia Boone, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Transcatheter, 03/14/2017

"My surgery went well. As with any surgery, there are risks. I blew off the advisory as I have had several surgeries but never any issues with complications. I paid the piper this time. Dr. Schaffer was a trooper, as well as the entire staff at Plano Heart Hospital. There is no doubt that they saved my life with Dr. Schaffer steering the boat. I was in the hospital for 16 days and he was there with me morning, noon, and night. His care, understanding of the family impact, and caring nature showed through. I would not hesitate to choose him again, but fortunately, I am in good shape and should not need to see him other than in a social situation."

-- Raymon Hunt, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 02/01/2017

"Dr. Schaffer did a great job on my aortic valve replacement. He has a very reassuring and patient bedside manner and superb follow-up. My mast cell activation disorder required extra precautions and Dr. Schaffermade sure all the bases were covered before, during and after surgery. His office staff is by far the best group I've experienced, returning calls and providing information promptly and pleasantly. Plano Heart Hospital (affiliated with Baylor Scott and White but owned by the doctors) was the best. "

-- Robin Bradway, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/31/2017

"In mid December 2016, I was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis and was scheduled for surgery on Dec.29th. I first met Dr. Schaffer on the afternoon of Dec.28th, prior to my surgery the next morning. He explained in detail (using a model heart) just what was involved and when I left, I was confident I would be in good hands the next morning.

All went well and I had no problem with recovery. I saw Dr. Schaffer every day prior to my release one week later on Jan.4th. In fact I looked forward to his daily visits and discussion on how I was progressing. He is just a great guy and easy to talk to and listens well also. I returned to see him on January 30th and received a full release back to active duty.On Feb. 22nd, I turned 87 and feel great, thanks to Dr. Schaffer and the whole staff and facilities of the The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano.

I can't say enough good things about my stay at that facility and the service and care provided by everyone involved."

-- John Hansen, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 12/29/2016