About Dr. Justin Schaffer,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"I am hard pressed to believe there is anyone better than Dr. Schaffer. He is a superstar and so is the whole office staff! Checked on me everyday in the hospital, took the time to explain everything that happened, answered any and all questions and his work was exceptional - with minimal scarring even with my chest having to be opened.

Having heart surgery is a scary thing, but I consider myself very lucky to have him as my doctor. Very highly recommended."

-- Greg Garrison, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 11/01/2021

"On January 6, 2020, I entered Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas where Dr. Justin Schaffer replaced my aortic valve and performed an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

I am very thankful for the excellent care I received at the Plano Heart Hospital under the direction of Dr. Schaffer and his surgical and nursing teams. Exceptional care.

Dr. Schaffer was very attentive checking on me multiple times a day during my hospital recovery, and the nursing team was very professional and exceptional. I can highly recommend this hospital and Dr. Schaffer for this surgery."

-- Edward Plaxco, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 01/06/2020

"Dr. Schaffer is an amazingly, brilliant surgeon. His bedside manner is without question top notch. Kind, considerate, and in tune with his patients. You won’t leave until he’s sure you’re okay to leave and takes every precaution to ensure that. In my opinion there’s none better than Dr. Justin Schaffer.... he saved my life without question and I’m truly blessed that he did!!!"

-- Jerry Sams, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, Maze Procedure, 08/13/2019

"During this time, Dr Schaffer or his staff have always been there for me and my family. He answered every question and concern, providing easy answers for us to understand. His staff provide data on options and valve types for us to research. After discharge he stepped when my cardiologist refused to post manage my care. So far I am very impressed with him and his staff."

-- Thomas Barton, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 05/02/2019

"Excellent doctor! Above and beyond expectations! Thank you Dr. Schaffer for giving me the opportunity to enjoy life and a few more years. God bless you! 🙏💞"

-- Santiago Ortiz, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/28/2019

"It is with utmost gratitude that I was fortunate enough to have had Dr. Justin Schaffer perform my chest aortic aneurysm repair on January 8, 2019 at the Heart Hospital in Plano. Dr. Schaffer is an amazing surgeon in addition to being a kind, caring doctor who explained my procedure thoroughly and patiently answered all my questions. Dr. Schaffer visited me twice daily the whole 7 days I was in the hospital! My recovery has been remarkable and I’ll forever feel thankful and blessed that Dr. Schaffer was MY doctor!! I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer to anyone needing surgery!!!"

-- Pamela Hogue, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, 01/08/2019

"Dr. Schaffer is incredible. He covers every detail with you about the operation, spends the time with you to make you feel comfortable and understand exactly what he is going to do. He is very passionate and shows he truly cares about each and every one of his patients. His team is amazing. I am truly thankful for Dr. Schaffer and team!!!! "

-- Jacob Bolton, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, 12/13/2018

"Everything turned out much better than I expected. The Heart Hospital at Plano uses all the Cleveland Clinic protocols. The surgeons are top-notch! William Ryan and Justin Schaffer were my surgeons-the best of the best in Texas for sure, and probably in the entire USA!"

-- Gregory BRUMMETT, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 10/01/2018

"Dr. Schaffer was all I could ask for and more for my surgery. Prior to surgery he answered every question and always had time for detailed explanations. He put me totally at ease. Because of his thorough pre-surgery testing, there were no surprises or issues of any kind during the procedure. Post surgery, he saw me everyday (as did members of his team, and always had whatever time was needed to again answer my questions. He is as skilled a communicator as he is a top surgeon. I am one day short of four weeks from surgery, and I am totally pleased with my recovery and progress. I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer!"

-- George Carter, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 09/19/2018

"Dr. Shaffer and his staff at the hospital have the most caring bedside m as manner. I can't say or do enough to thank Dr. Shaffer for saving my life."

-- Mark McCord, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 07/31/2018

"I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer. He thoroughly explained the procedure and risks to my wife and me. He took the time to answer all of our questions. Knowing that I did considerable research prior to our consultation he asked me what type of valve I wanted and why. He explained the options and we made the decision on the spot. Dr. Schaffer personally checked up on me daily during my 9 day hospital stay."

-- Ron Gerner, Aortic Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 06/14/2018

"Dr Schaffer is wonderful in every respect. I feel that he is the BEST of the best. He explained my aortic valve replacement and triple bypass in a way that I understood, and then felt very confident in him performing the procedures. His knowledge and skill as a surgeon would be a high 10 (on a scale of 1 to 10). He monitored me closely post op. His bedside manner was reassuring, precise and genuine. My recovery has been speedy and much better than I ever expected. I feel exceedingly blessed, to have had Dr Schaffer as my cardiac surgeon!"

-- Joseph Hudson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/10/2018

"Thank God Dr. Shaffer was an incredible surgeon he explained all details to make myself as well as my family in layman's terms very compassionate young surgeon I had very minimal downtime mr. Shaffer as well as his office staff always returned phone calls in regards to concerns you really turned my life around and opened up my eyes have a happy and healthy life I thank you very much I would trust him to the fullest extent"

-- Randy Rotolo, Pulmonary Valve, 08/28/2017

"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