"I recently had mitral valve repair surgery with Dr. Smith. He performed the surgery using the minimally invasive robotic-assisted approach.
From start to finish, my experience with Dr. Smith, and his team at Baylor Heart Hospital, was fantastic. I was originally referred to Dr. Smith by two heart surgeons from a different hospital network. They both said Dr. Smith is "the best" at this type of procedure... and "he's also a really great person". They were right. Dr. Smith is a wonderful surgeon and an even better person. He does everything well, from the pre-op appointment to post-surgery follow ups. He explains things well, works incredibly hard (not sure when he sleeps), and genuinely cares about achieving the best outcome for his patients.
I couldn't have asked for anything more."
-- Eric V., Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 08/02/2023
"Dr. Smith was both highly knowledgeable and personally engaged in all our conversations. His extensive experience gave us very high confidence in his diagnosis and recommendations. His assistants and entire staff were also highly competent and excellent to work with. I recommend Dr. Smith and his entire practice unconditionally."
-- Steve Raish, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 07/28/2023
"By far, the best experience I have had with a physician. Dr. Smith is patient, skilled and an excellent communicator. He answered all my questions, took time with me, and post-op care was outstanding. I cannot recommend him highly enough."
-- Edic Stephanian, Mitral Valve, Robotic Surgery, 07/21/2023
"This might be the third testimonial that I've submitted due to my inability to keep my kitten from walking all over my laptop and making every long-winded testimonial I write disappear. But it is totally worth the time and effort and possible embarrassment to let others know about the amazing experience my family and I had with Dr. Robert Smith and his team at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Plano.
Of course, nobody looks forward to heart surgery. It is not pleasant. But Dr. Smith and his team at Baylor Scott & White made the experience amazing! From the first consultation, I could tell that Dr. Smith was attentive, caring, knowledgeable and professional. The same is true for his office team! They were always pleasant, attentive, organized and informative. Dr. Smith and his team let me know exactly what to expect so that I could comfortably undergo what I needed to do.
During my procedure, my family and I were greeted warmly and made to feel welcomed, valued and appreciated. The team was very interested in making sure that ALL of our questions were answered. They were all very professional, caring, attentive, nice, and demonstrated expertise. The facilities at the Heart Hospital Plano are impeccably clean and very well-laid out. Even the food at the cafeteria is very good! And the hospital and cafeteria staff are as professional and caring as the doctors! My family was very impressed with Dr. Smith and his team - even my judgey Korean mother. They felt like they were given great attention, care and direction. They never wondered where to go, what to do, or what was going to happen. Their many questions and comments were all welcome and handled with care and compassion. We all really appreciate that very much!
After my procedure, I was given constant attention! The nurses and staff at the hospital have your safety, recovery, comfort, and your peace-of-mind at the forefront of everything they do! There was never a moment when I felt that I didn't have instant access to an expert nurse or medical professional. The facilities are very comfortable, the services are well-organized and executed, and it seems they have the best tools and equipment available. Everyone did a very good job of listening and working with my comfort level and preferences while giving me the best care possible.
When I was released, I never felt neglected. My follow-up care was very attentive! Everything was thoroughly explained to me and my fiance and I were given a folder with everything we needed to know in writing. There is also an app that you can use to ask questions or interface with the Doctor's office immediately! The automated follow-up service allowed me to check in with the Doctor's office every day for the first week or two after my procedure. You can even let them know how much followup you want so that you don't get overwhelmed. I always had quick and convenient access to a live person. The attention to care and service at this hospital and with Dr. Smith and his team is the GOLD STANDARD. They listen to you and consider your preferences on your care as well as executing the best care for your situation.
If you or someone you love needs heart surgery - especially valve repair - I cannot recommend Dr. Smith and his team at The Heart Hospital at Baylor Scott & White Plano highly enough! "
-- Lorie Black, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 07/12/2023
"Dr. Smith was simply amazing. From the first visit, he was very informative patient and supportive. His skills and knowledge are stellar.
I had a previous Mitral ring that failed (narrowed and calcified). He went in the same incision, cleaned up the scar tissue and removed the old titanium ring and replaced my mitral valve. He was bound, and determined not to have to go through my chest.
My experience with Dr. Smith is that he is an excellent surgeon. I would recommend him and his staff to anyone! It has only been one month since my surgery and I am 70% better after a month."
-- JoAnn Parenti, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Robotic Surgery, 07/10/2023
"Excellent!"
-- Daniel Larsen, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 06/30/2023
"Dr. Smith is amazing!"
-- Tom Ferris, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 05/28/2023
"Outstanding! Down to earth and easy to comprehend what is being discussed about pending procedure. Total success."
-- Bill DiGaetano, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 05/25/2023
"The entire team was very professional and thorough. "
-- Robert Schlueter , Mitral Valve, Robotic Surgery, 05/02/2023
"Great experience. Dr Smith was very compassionate and answered all my questions. My surgery went well. Thankful to have found him!"
-- Laura Roberts, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 04/21/2023
"Dr. Smith is amazing. I flew in from Maryland specifically for his expertise with robotic mitral valve repair. I am a 32 year old athletic patient that showed no symptoms prior to surgery. Dr. Smith did a great job of explaining to me the risks of delaying repair and also advised me of the risks of surgery, specifically if I was to require a replacement instead of a repair.
Dr. Smith is simply the best. His staff in his office are also amazing. I am two weeks out of surgery and have already returned to brisk walking, light exercise and gradually returning to normal. No one else I would trust with my heart (I spoke and consulted with several others before I chose Dr. Smith). You are in good hands with Dr. Smith and the entire team at the Baylor Heart Hospital. Thank you Dr. Smith!"
-- Harout Doukmajian , Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 04/12/2023
"I walked into Dr. Smith’s office nervous and apprehensive. I left his office with my surgery date scheduled. He is kind knowledgeable and self-assured. I had complete confidence in him. His staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Dr.Smith’s skill and experience saved my life. I will always be grateful."
-- Donna Wells, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 04/07/2023
"Excellent in all regards!
I've lived with gradually increasing mitral valve prolapse/regurgitation all my adult life. At 79, and still in good shape my cardiologist recommended Dr. Smith and the robotic procedure, completed on 7 April, 2023.
As soon as the anesthesia wore off, it was remarkable that all the familiar symptoms were gone completely. I only used pain meds for two days, off all the drugs soon after that.
I started walking outdoors at day 5, increased distance and pace gradually each day and 17 days post-op I flew to Europe with daily 5 mile + walk/hikes. Now at 110 days post-op, I've been back to all my normal activities for 2 months with no recurrence of any previous symptoms.
I regard my experience with Dr. Smith, his staff and the entire BSW team as flawless, and give them my thanks and highest recommendation."
-- Peter Benson, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 04/07/2023
"As excellent an experience as major surgery could be. Great team before, during and after surgery."
-- Andrew Oakley, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 04/05/2023
"Very pleased and thankful to have had Dr. Robert Smith perform a mitral valve repair. Dr. Smith communication and hospital visits during my recovery was great."
-- Brad Redfield, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 03/15/2023
"Dr. Smith and his team were absolutely amazing! They were patient and reassuring in explaining everything beforehand. Thankfully, the surgery went smoothly and I was able to leave the hospital less than 48 hours afterwards. It is now 5 weeks later, my followup echo looked great! I was back at work after 3 weeks and I will be starting rehab in a couple of days. I could not be more grateful to G-d and thankful to the entire medical team."
-- Levi Gurevitch, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 03/14/2023
"Overall excellent experience by a compassionate, highly skilled surgeon, and staff."
-- Michael Stanley, MD, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 02/22/2023
"Wonderful experience with Dr. Robert Smith and his amazing staff at BSW Plano Heart Hospital. Back riding bicycles with my husband this spring - at 70!"
-- Lynne Talbot, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 02/15/2023
"Dr. Smith came highly recommended and I agree. It's been 5 1/2 weeks since my surgery and just had my follow up appointment with Crystal Ayala, his nurse practitioner, who said I'm in the process of healing and doing well."
-- John Tice, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, Maze Procedure, 02/13/2023
"I can't say enough positive about Dr. Smith and his team. I feel so blessed to be one of his patients.
He reports that my surgery was successful. I am currently recovering and looking forward to returning to a more normal life and longer life expectancy."
-- Janet Foote, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 02/10/2023
"Very knowledgeable "
-- Kathy DiBen, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 01/31/2023
"Dr. Smith has excellent bedside manner. He was ready to do a more extensive surgery in case it was necessary. "
-- Peggy Hampton, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/17/2023
"Dr. Smith and his team were great! My doctors had been monitoring my valve for about 10 years. This fall, the doctors told me that it was time for surgery.
Fortunately, technology has really progressed over the years and I was able to have a minimally-invasive robotic repair of the valve. The surgery, the hospital stay and recovery went exceedingly well thanks to Dr. Smith and his team and the fantastic staff at Baylor Heart Health.
I am back to working, playing tennis and horseback riding! I feel more than grateful!"
-- Kay Weeks, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 01/16/2023
"Dr. Smith and his team did a great job. I'm glad I found him. Robotic surgery is the best. Thanks Doc!"
-- William Fields, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 12/18/2022
"Great experience. Great staff. Procedure seems to be letter perfect."
-- Timothy Brand, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 12/07/2022
"Nothing but high marks for Dr. Smith and his entire staff. Dr. Smith was the only surgeon that I have ever had who visited with me and my wife just prior to surgery. That really put our minds at ease. The entire experience was A+. "
-- Robert Penaluna, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 11/18/2022
"I had a wonderful team of doctors and nurses during my surgery and post operation at the cardiac hospital."
-- Deborah Yates, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 10/14/2022
"I did not know what to expect similar to many patients. I was mentally prepared to have this procedure and Dr. Smith reassured my thoughts. Not going to lie... The first few days were rough. But, as time went on things started getting better each day.
The staff that worked on me at the hospital were very professional and I could see they wanted to get me healed up as quick as possible.
I was very pleased with my overall experience and would recommend Dr. Smith to everyone who is need of a heart procedure. "
-- Robert Witt, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 09/28/2022
"Dr. Smith is the best! Very professional and the best bedside manner of any doctor I have ever dealt with! I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone!"
-- Pat Mcgrail, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Transcatheter, 09/23/2022
"I love Dr. Smith! He is so personable! He is very detailed (and talks to the patients so they understand) on what is going to happen. If you need a heart surgeon he is the best! You will love the staff as well. "
-- Cyntha Santos, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 08/31/2022
"Dr. Smith, was wonderful and so was his staff. From the first consultation till post op appointment, it has been an extremely great experience. I felt confident that in Dr. Smith’s care I would come out of this successful. He was very informative and explained things well before and after surgery. Had some complications post surgery but always felt very assured that I was going to come out of it on the right side after talking to him. Would definitely recommend Dr. Smith!"
-- Sumi Raj, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 08/31/2022
"I am very grateful to Dr Robert Smith for his work in repairing my Mitral Valve Regurgitation Prolapse. Dr Smith was very clear on explaining my procedure before and following up daily afterwards. He and his team were OUTSTANDING!"
-- Javier Pedraza, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/08/2022
"Dr. Robert Smith literally brought me back to life after my heart stopped on the table. Then, he proceeded to finish the surgery with a total of more than 10 and 1/2 hours of work!"
-- Greg Lybrand, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 01/31/2022
"Dr. Smith was very upfront and confident in his initial echocardiogram evaluation. He took the time to explain everything to me and let me know what I could expect, both good and bad. Surgery went as planned without any complications.
Post-op care changed a bit after he went in and saw what everything looked like. I highly recommend Dr. Smith and all of the other amazing doctors and nurses at Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano."
-- Jared Takeshita, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 08/28/2020
"Dr. Robert Smith performed my heart surgery about a year ago. I had a heart checkup today, and my heart is normal and stronger than ever. Dr. Smith could have replaced the heart valve with an artificial one, but he repaired the heart valve instead. I really appreciate the excellent job on the surgery. Dr. Robert Smith is the best surgeon and I highly recommend him for heart surgeries."
-- Su Mun, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 02/12/2020
"I was well informed about what the surgery would entail. Bedside manner was very professional and comforting. The aortic valve replacement (with a cow valve) was very effective. I was really MOOOVed. The Maze procedure not so much, but the AFIB, I understand, is difficult to correct under the best of circumstances. I would do it again. I would highly recommend Dr. Smith."
-- Richard Max, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Maze Procedure, 12/19/2019
"Dr. Smith answered all my questions and explained everything very well. In my work-up, they found lung cancer and he brought in a colleague who was also a great thoracic surgeon.
Dr. Smith had to replace my mitral valve first, then I had my left lower lobe of my lung removed 5 months after my heart valve replacement.
Dr. Smith is everything I personally like in a doctor, straight to the point, honest, very willing to make sure I understood everything. Bottom line, he did a great job which made my recovery very smooth and quick.
Plano Heart Hospital is a great place and doctors and personnel are professional. Highly recommend Dr. Smith and Plano Heart Hospital!!"
-- Kathleen Rhodes, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 10/25/2019
"In March of 2019, my cardiologist informed me that my mitral valve regurgitation issue he had been watching for a few years had worsened and recommended surgical repair.
The option for surgery presented to me at that time was open heart surgery. My wife and I asked about less invasive surgery and he recommended we do our own research. After weeks of researching less invasive surgical options, we narrowed our search to The Cleveland Clinic, the Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN and Baylor Scott White Heart Hospital in Plano TX, specifically Dr. Robert L Smith II.
I made an appointment to meet Dr. Smith in May of 2019 to discuss with him the possibility of minimally invasive surgery to repair my mitral valve (regurgitation). After he explained in great detail what he recommended be done, how it would be done, and what I could expect recovery-wise, my wife and I were confident he was the doctor we had been searching for to perform my surgery.
Dr. Smith performed my mitral valve repair via minimally invasive robotic surgery on Wednesday, July 31st in the morning at Baylor Scott White Heart Hospital. After two and a half days of unbelievable care from the doctor, nurses, and staff (we're talking right down to the food service people and the parking valet!), I was discharged that Friday afternoon, August 2nd - after just three days in the hospital for heart surgery!
I just completed my one-month check-in with Dr. Smith's office and am recovering wonderfully from the surgery. Words do not seem adequate to express how pleased I am with the results of my surgery!
My family is so thankful and feels unbelievably blessed that we found Dr Smith and his team. Don't go anywhere else - we HIGHLY recommend Dr. Smith, his team, and Baylor Scott White Heart Hospital of Plano, Texas. I can't thank you all enough Dr. Smith and team for your concerned, caring, highly efficient service. You are the BEST!"
-- David Falzareno, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 07/31/2019
"I met Dr. Smith when I was seen at the Baylor Heart Valve Clinic. He spent considerable time explaining the existing problems with my mitral valve, the long-term effects if we did not treat this condition, and what we could realistically expect as a result of the procedures he recommended.
I received outstanding care from all the staff members in the valve clinic, from clerical staff to surgeons.
My surgery was June 26, 2019. I was lucky enough to have robotic surgery, I was pain free after two days, and was discharged to go home in 5 days.
I feel like I have a new lease on life.
Thank you Dr. Smith and all your wonderful colleagues."
-- Gayle Ross, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, Maze Procedure, 06/26/2019
"Dr. Smith gave us a detailed explanation of what to expect after surgery. He explained that even though robotic surgery is less invasive than open chest surgery. I felt better about the procedure and had a better understanding of what to expect. He has a great bedside manner which is sometimes hard to find in a surgeon. "
-- Donna Thompson, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 05/17/2019
"Dr. Smith is very professional, skilled & knowledgeable. He answered all our questions, made my husband & I comfortable, He was very attentive during our visit with him. I was happy my cardiologist, Dr. Kanti Agrawal, referred me to Dr. Smith. We feel lucky , blessed that he was my cardiac surgeon. I have been telling my family & friends how fortunate I was, that I was under his care. We highly recommend him to patients looking for a heart valve specialist. Thanks for this opportunity to tell everyone about this great surgeon."
-- Herminia Durant , Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 03/04/2019
"Dr Smith was very professional. He did a wonderful job. I am very pleased. Before the surgery he sat with us and explained everything he was going to do and why. He answered the questions we had. He was very patient and we felt he really cared. Very good bed side manner."
-- Judith Ewerling, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 05/17/2018
"Robotic valve repair. Dr. Smith came highly recommended to me. He answered questions as well as provided me with absolute confidence in all facets."
-- Andrea Fryt, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 05/09/2018
"Very informative and objective pre-surgery consultation for a very nervous patient like me. High volume of surgeries performed with stellar results. Amazing bed side manner. Highly recommended regardless of surgical approach for valve repair."
-- Don Laporte, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 03/18/2018
"Dr Smith was outstanding. He was very up front and transparent about the procedure. He was very reassuring and helped manage my stress regarding the surgery. Finally, the results are fantastic. Less than 4 weeks out from surgery and I am almost pain free and all of my wounds have completely healed. My wife (who herself is a nurse) said that my scar looks as if a plastic surgeon closed it up. Heart surgery is no joke...but Dr Smith helped make it as bearable as possible. Five stars!!!!"
-- Brett Cummings, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/25/2018
"Dr. Smith was absolutely great. I would highly recommend him for valve repair surgery. A heck of a nice guy too."
-- Jay Williams, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 12/06/2017
"Dr. Smith provided the best care. His professionalism, ethics, courtesy and kindness are outstanding. Through this surgery, I was able to recover my strength and regain the ability to do my normal activities. The care from nurses and staff was excellent. My family and I are forever grateful."
-- Luz Evans, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/18/2017
"Dr. Robert Smith was a blessing! He is a genius and fully understands the needs of his patients. He has the ability and knowledge to perform multiple procedures during one operation. I was amazed at his concern and desire to do what was best for me. He discussed each step he needed to take with me and always gave full attention to my questions and concerns. He is a trustworthy, dedicated surgeon, and I would not be here today if it were not for his skills. I will be ever grateful for the role he played in my recovery. Simply Awesome!"
-- Melody Ortega, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Maze Procedure, 08/11/2017
"This was my second Mitral valve repair, the first being 6 years earlier. Dr. Smith II did a great job of explaining what was wrong with my heart, and how it could be fixed. He and his staff were always careful to explain everything that would happen going forward, why it was needed, and the reason for all procedures that were required in advance of the surgery. The entire process at Baylor Heart Hospital/Plano was very careful and efficient. I was closely monitored during the recovery period, and my recovery proceeded at a rapid pace: following the operation on Friday morning, I was up, sitting in a chair on Saturday morning, walking on Sunday, and home by noon the next Tuesday. This was MUCH faster than before, when I was younger. Healing continued at a rapid pace, and Cardiac Rehab has been going well. "
-- John K Blake, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 07/14/2017
"Dr. Smith is a... Rock Star!!!"
-- Paul Aubrecht, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 03/27/2017
"Only saw Dr Smith at preop visit. Dr Smith saved my life, my previous docter had in his records that my family should prepare for hospice. My cardiologist Dr Christopher Cianci recommed me to go to Dr.Smith. Dr Cianci said that it was the largest heart sugery that is done. After waking up from the surgery I have not had any pain. I would recommed Dr Smith to anyone needing heart surgery. "
-- Aleda Ward, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 03/10/2017
"Dr. Robert Smith was incredible. From the first moment we discussed my case, he was extremely knowledgeable as a high volume mitral valve expert who was able to immediately put me at ease. Not only did he perform a successful MV robotic repair, he was able to streamline my treatment and help me avoid some unnecessary tests that had been recommended since the echo provided enough detail for him to assess my MV issues . I was fortunate to be a good candidate for robotic surgery and within 7 months of my surgery, I was able to climb a 14,000 ft mountain and within 1 year ran a half marathon. Dr. Smith is my hero!"
-- Kathy Blank, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 02/08/2017
"Dr. Smith made me feel comfortable and at ease with his explanation of my procedure. I've never felt better. He does more mitral valve surgeries than anyone around. He is your guy. Trust me. I'm forever grateful. He's a great man and extremely nice. Top notch. I was so lucky he was my surgeon. "
-- Gino Van kuilenburg, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 01/05/2017
"Dr. Robert Smith was great. He did my aorta replacement and clamped my mitral valve in about a 6-7 hour surgery. That was in Oct. 2016, Since that time, I have done great. I am back to work full time at the Scott and White Hospital in Temple, as a Social Worker. No problems at all. And, I will be 76 years old soon. Thanks to Dr. Smith. Semper Fi !!! Dan"
-- Dan Wise, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/21/2016
"Dr. Robert Smith is the best. I was up and doing most everything after 2 week from the date of surgery. He also a great guy,"
-- James Wilson, Pulmonary Valve, Robotic Surgery, 09/10/2015
"Great!"
-- Gary Moody, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 12/17/2014
"Dr. Smith performed robotic assisted mitral valve repair on me in October, 2014. I was 50 years old and exercised (running) 4 days a week. I was up walking the day after my surgery, back to work after 2 weeks and back to running after 8 weeks. Dr. Smith did an excellent job explaining my problems and options for my repair. The recovery process is not enjoyable, I had varying heart rates and blood pressure issue for 7 weeks but was still able to work, just did not feel tip top. The first two weeks after surgery I visited Dr. Smiths office 3 times with various issues (mostly not feeling great and concerns about my heart rate and blood pressure). Dr. Smith was very accommodating and helped explain the issues I was experiencing.
Dr. Smith is a great doctor and I highly recommend him as a surgeon. "
-- David Hutchison, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 10/29/2014
"I had an excellent experience with Dr. Robert Smith II, MD. He explained everything beforehand and assured my family of success afterwards. I have a very encouraging future prognosis."
-- Ronald Rennie, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Maze Procedure, 12/08/2011
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