"As a 53-year-old male, I went from healthy adult, to learning I had a heart murmur at an ER visit, to discovering I needed heart surgery in the span of six weeks.
The team at Plano Heart Hospital were incredibly well organized and acted as one big unit. Communication was well executed across a broad array of practitioners. The myBSWhealth app was a tremendous resource to communicate with medical staff, track appointments, medication, and billing.
I met Dr. Hafen towards the end of this process and he only added to the professionalism of the hospital. I saw him 3x, once at the pre surgical consult, once on the day of my surgery, and the day after in recovery. He was confident and left me feeling well prepared for the surgery.
I couldn’t be more satisfied with what could have been a really scary, life changing event. The recovery was probably more challenging than I was prepared for. It was robotic, but it was still heart surgery. The post-op care including cardiac PT was just as thorough and well executed as the pre-op."
-- Christopher Wenaas, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 10/30/2025
"Dr. Hafen did an amazing job and is a great and caring surgeon.
Pre-surgery, Dr. Hafen provided detailed plans and reasons for my surgery in a manner that I could understand. He spoke with my family and answered the multitude of questions they had.
Post-surgery, Dr. Hafen made sure to see me during his rounds and took time to explain what I should expect as I recover.
Without a doubt, I would recommend Dr. Hafen and the BSW team to anyone in need of heart surgery. I am very grateful to have had Dr. Hafen as my surgeon."
-- Doris Kinyua, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, Robotic Surgery, Maze Procedure, 08/21/2025
"As soon as I got there, the operation was scheduled and done in a timely manner."
-- Brian Johnson, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, 07/24/2025
"Dr. Hafen explained what the surgery would entail in terms that my husband and I could understand. He took his time explaining and making sure to answer any questions we had.
On the day of surgery, he came to talk to my family and I to reassure us that someone would be in contact with them the whole time.
Dr. Hafen did a great job, is an amazing surgeon, and had a great bedside manner."
-- Melissa Merten, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 06/13/2025
"I've had very little discomfort while recuperating in the hospital post-surgery or at home."
-- John Shipman, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Robotic Surgery, 05/05/2025
"First, we felt fortunate for Jim to be scheduled quickly into the hospital’s surgery queue. Then, we learned how truly lucky we were when Jim was placed under Dr. Lee Hafen’s expert care. Upfront, Dr. Hafen did a complete and thorough patient assessment.
With Jim’s active and healthy lifestyle, Dr. Hafen concluded that Jim had a strong, healthy heart. In surgery, Dr. Hafen decided to perform a very complex and elaborate repair procedure. Dr. Hafen knew that Jim’s heart would be able to tolerate and handle this complex procedure.
Clearly, Dr. Hafen placed foremost focus on the patient with this complex procedure. He chose the least invasive procedure for Jim, since he knew that it would significantly speed up Jim’s recovery time and significantly enhance Jim’s postoperative quality of life.
Our entire family commends and are deeply grateful to Dr. Hafen for his specialized medical expertise and the expert care extended to Jim. Dr. Hafen has given Jim’s Mitral valve and heart new life and has significantly brightened Jim’s quality of life!"
-- James Kincheloe, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 02/05/2025
"Before surgery, Dr. Lee Hafen was detailed and precise in articulating plans and reasons for my bypass surgery; setting clear expectations for outcome, post surgery pain, and recovery.
Post surgery, Dr. Hafen and his team were attentive, caring, empathetic, and humble - I mention humble because Dr. Hafen apologetic for what I had to endure post surgery, which were results of my body recovery and nothing to do with his precision in surgery.
I would highly, unequivocally recommend Dr. Lee Hafen and the teams at Baylor Scott White Heart Hospital Plano should you require heart surgery."
-- Mitchell Hotta, Mitral Valve, Median Sternotomy, Coronary Artery Bypass, 01/13/2025
"The surgical results were excellent especially considering my significant recovery and age (over 80).
Dr. Hafen’s bedside manner before and after was/ is exemplary. One could not ask for a better surgeon in explaining procedures, expected outcome or caring about patients and going the extra mile to see they have the very best treatment.
I feel very fortunate to have had Dr. Lee Hafen as my heart surgeon and highly recommend his most adept expertise!"
-- Leigh Westergaard, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 12/06/2024
"I'm now 5 months after surgery and just completing cardiac rehab. Recovery was quick and I'm doing great thanks to Dr. Hafen's expertise. I highly recommend Dr. Hafen for anyone with mitral valve prolapse."
-- Stephen Shomo, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 11/08/2024
"Dr. Hafen is an absolute stud of a surgeon. He robotically removed a benign tumor in my left atrial appendage. I was originally scheduled for open heart for the tumor and atrial valve repair.
During a regular surgeon’s conference, Dr. Hafen spoke up and volunteered to examine my case, and determined that he could robotically remove my tumor AND perhaps repair the valve. After his successful tumor excision he determined the mitral didn’t need repair after all. Dr. Hafen has great bedside manner, open, very communicative, and obviously a fabulous surgeon. My husband and I highly recommend him."
-- Rosemary Gordon, Mitral Valve, Robotic Surgery, 10/28/2024
"My heart surgery with Dr. Hafen could not have gone any smoother. Remarkable recovery!"
-- Mike James, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 07/26/2024
"Dr. Hafen carefully reviewed all my test results before the procedure. He was professional, kind and very thorough. The results were excellent!"
-- Karen Davis, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 07/18/2024
"Dr. Hafen did a great job on the pre-surgery potential scenarios. So, we had all possibilities discussed PRIOR to surgery. The surgery was performed perfectly, which made recovery much easier."
-- Brenton Croley , Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 07/18/2024
"I did very well. No pain and up-and-about next day. I would highly recommend Dr. Hafen."
-- George Lane, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 04/01/2024
"I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Dr. Hafen and my recovery so far."
-- Kristy Leath, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, Robotic Surgery, 01/19/2024
"Only saw him once after surgery, as he was on vacation. His partner was great, checked in every day."
-- Roxanne Carder, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 01/12/2024
"Everyone was very Kind and treated me well."
-- Robert McBride, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 01/05/2024
"It’s not often that you are comfortable with an MD on your initial appointment, but I was immediately at ease with Dr. Lee Hafen. He answered all my questions and was informative about the issues I did not even consider asking about.
I was able to go into surgery with full confidence in Dr. Hafen and his team. My recovery in the hospital at the BSW Heart Hospital was pleasant and non- eventful. I am 100% pleased with my experience with Dr. Hafen and would not hesitate to recommend him as a kind, intelligent and expert heart surgeon."
-- Lynn Pilversack, Mitral Valve, Robotic Surgery, Maze Procedure, 12/14/2023
"Upon meeting Dr Hafen, I immediately knew I was in good hands. I was impressed with his kind manner. He is a great listener and answered question from myself and two others with me.
My double valve replacement went well, according to Dr Hafen, even though the robotic surgery took 5 1/2 hours. Dr Hafen didn’t give up and did an excellent job. I deeply appreciate his dedication to my surgery.
My recovery has been remarkable. At 80 I wasn’t sure how long I’d be recovering. It’s now about 6 weeks and PT / OT have released me. I’ve started to drive and walk my dog twice a day.
I’m certain Dr Hafen is responsible for my recovery, because of his outstanding surgery skills and his dedication to his patient.
Additionally, I recommend Baylor Scott and White to anyone. An outstanding medical hospital. My care was second to none. The nursing staff is truly the best I’ve ever experienced. Additionally, Dr Mandell and his staff, the electrical team, I’m told were also on par with excellence.
I pray I never need hospitalization again, but if chance occurs, I’ll select the surgical staff of Baylor Scott And White. Baylor Heart Hospital is an outstanding hospital and I’d recommend to anyone. The care I received minute by minute was superior. The additional medical treatments of Dr Mandell and staff are equally outstanding."
-- Barbara Shackelford , Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, Robotic Surgery, 12/07/2023
"I had valve repair options presented to me by the Heart Valve Team, and my wife and I quickly decided to go with the robotic surgery repair option with Dr. Lee Hafen.
Dr. Hafen explained why the robotic option was good for me, how it worked, and what the expected results would be. Immediately after the successful surgery Dr. Hafen spent time explaining how the surgery went with my wife. During my recovery Dr. Hafen and his entire support staff took great care of me.
I would definitely recommend Dr. Hafen to anyone that is considering heart surgery."
-- Bob Darling, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 11/30/2023
"I had and have complete confidence in Dr. Hafen, his knowledge, expertise, and the robotic approach he utilized to repair my mitral valve. He took the time and was patient when I voiced any concerns or questions pre and post surgery.
Dr. Hafen and his team at the BSW Heart Hospital were all caring and impressive throughout my hospital stay. Within a couple of weeks after returning home I was able to move about freely, and if I have any questions at this point, five weeks later, his team is there to promptly and courteously respond to them.
I am very grateful for Dr. Hafen and the professionals he is in association with."
-- Nicole Zules Ricker, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 11/08/2023
"I was impressed with Dr. Hafen on the first meeting. I appreciated the detailed explanation of what to expect from the surgery. I needed to understand every detail. The surgery itself went as planned and his follow up explanations were also on point. I highly recommend Dr Lee Hafen to be your cardiac surgeon!"
-- Jason Benge, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 10/26/2023
"Very professional. Valve repair was a total success. "
-- Steve Romick, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 10/06/2023
"Dr. Hafen was very nice and helpful to explain the procedure he would be doing. The results were as expected. I was very pleased."
-- Jan Goree, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 10/06/2023
"My wife and I were very impressed with Dr. Hafen from our very first visit on. He is very personable and easy to talk with. He spent time with us explaining my condition and what needed to be done, and answered all our questions. We were never rushed.
He conducted a successful minimally-invasive repair on my mitral valve.
When I called or emailed Dr. Hafen’s office with a question, Valerie quickly replied. Hopefully I will not need his services in the future, but if I do I’ll be using him."
-- Rick Henrichs, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 09/08/2023
"Dr. Hafen is extremely talented. He was able to rebuild my valve robotically. I have minimal scars and was back to normal after about 6 weeks. His entire team was amazing and so knowledgable. They did a great job explaining every step of the process to me."
-- Alexa Evans, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 09/01/2023
"What can you say that does justice to a great surgeon who saved your life?"
-- Rob Schlegel, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/24/2023
"I live in the Houston area and was surprised that I could not find a very experienced surgeon to perform robotic mitral valve repair surgery.
I hit the jackpot with Dr. Hafen. He is a very skilled surgeon, answered all my questions at the pre-op video-visit, had my appointment in 2 weeks, and the entire procedure was performed in an outstanding manner.
It's been 6 weeks post-op now and I feel great! Thank you Dr. Hafen and the entire team that supported the complex procedure!"
-- Edward Klein, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 07/26/2023
"Excellent! Great results. Highly recommended."
-- Geoffroy Seive, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 06/15/2023
"Originally, I was to have mitral valve repaired thru the robot. However, Dr Hafen saw that there was an additional problem, called in an expert on aortic valves, and opened my chest to repair/replace the valves. We are grateful to him and his staff for letting us know why this occurred and helping to make steps forward to become stronger and mobile. We will be always in his debt. An extraordinary surgeon."
-- Kevin Albury, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Robotic Surgery, 06/08/2023
"Doctor Hafen took the time to explain what was happening and how it should be after surgery. He was not in a hurry, made sure I understood, and seemed like he really cared about how I was feeling or doing."
-- Steve Menrath, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Robotic Surgery, 06/01/2023
"Brilliance! Is all I can say. Well... very kind and explained everything too!"
-- Jacqueline Macdonald , Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 03/21/2022
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