Dr. William Ryan
, Heart Surgeon

"Since 2011, I have known that I suffered from atrial fibrillation. Since 2015 I have known that two of my heart valves were leaking. By 2020, I was told that the leakage required repair.

After extensive research, I found that The Heart Hospital at Plano and William Ryan were nationally recognized at the top of their rankings.

Surgery was performed in November 2020, including Heartport, mitral and tricuspid valve repair, Maze Procedure, Watchman procedure and installation of a pacemaker. I began rehab one month after surgery.

After 16 months, I exercise five days a week, am fully recovered, heart is in rhythm. The team of William Ryan, Katherine Harrington, and Electrophysiologist Dr Ali Yousef performed beyond my expectations. I recommend them to anyone considering heart surgery!"

Posted by James Nyfeler, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, Maze Procedure, 11/03/2020

"Dr. Ryan & Dr. Shaffer did an absolute fantastic surgery, replacing two valves during the same operation. These doctors are life savers. THE BEST!!!"

Posted by Sherry Hargett, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/26/2021

"The only person I would trust for a Ross procedure in Dallas in 2003. Great Dr!"

Posted by Jim Johnson, Aortic Valve, Ross Procedure, 11/18/2003

"Amazing. Nobody wants to have this surgery...but if you find yourself having to have it, try the amazing doctors at Baylor, Scott & White, The Heart Hospital in Plano, TX. I was lucky enough to have Dr. Ryan and Dr. Brinkman do my surgery. Everything went smoothly.

The hospital team is really amazing as well. Instant attention to your needs and they have experience, education and integrate perfectly with the doctors and each other.

It seems this smallish hospital gets more and more acclaim every year. And it deserves it. I felt lucky to have my needs taken care of here. "

Posted by Richard Williams, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, Maze Procedure, 10/22/2020

"Dr. Ryan was exceptional. He was calming, very kind, cautious, and answered all our questions. I cannot imagine having any other surgeon attend me with this heart issue. I was admitted after my mitral valve failed and my heart began to fail. I had to be observed in ICU for a week until Dr. Ryan felt I was strong enough to have the surgery.

Since I had not had any problems that prepared us for this crisis, my husband was very concerned about my recovery and was a little bit like a cat on a hot tin roof when the doctors came and went. Dr. Ryan was just the best at answering our questions and keeping my husband calm.

After surgery, I recovered enough to go home within 7 days. Total recovery was approximately 9 months to a year, but I followed all of Dr. Ryan's advice, worked very hard during my cardiac rehab as he stressed, and am a stronger person today person today because of it. I whole-heartily recommend Dr. Ryan, the nurses and staff at his office and at Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano."

Posted by Theresa Williams, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 12/03/2018

"Dr. Ryan replaced my aortic mechanical valve. He is the greatest. My wife needs open heart surgery now. We are calling his office tomorrow."

Posted by Roger Smith, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/29/2009

"Dr. William Ryan performed minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery on my heart in Plano Heart Hospital in Dallas, Texas on December 12, 2018. I was age 69 at the time of the surgery. In this surgery, Dr. Ryan put a ring around my severely leaking mitral valve. Dr. Ryan performed an excellent surgery on my heart. Back in Florida where I teach accounting at the University of West Florida, my cardiologists said that my severely leaking mitral valve was now fixed thanks to Dr. Ryan's surgery. Now, six months later, I feel like a new man, walking on a 15 degree inclined treadmill two miles a day and playing golf at least once a week. I owe Dr. Ryan my life. He is also very nice - his bedside manners are perfect. Dr. Ryan truly is the "Nolan Ryan of this heart surgery." I found Dr. Ryan by asking my brother, Joseph O. Lambert, MD, which doctor he would use if he had my valve problem. His quick answer was, "William Ryan at Plano Heart." I made up mind then to see Dr. Ryan, and the rest is history. When I got back home, my little daughter, Sofia, put her ear to my chest to listen to my heart. She said she could hear it beating strongly! Thank you with all my heart, Dr. Ryan! Lane (Sherwood Lane Lambert) "

Posted by Sherwood Lambert, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 12/12/2018

"Dr. William H. Ryan performed my surgery at Heart Hospital Baylor Plano assisted by Dr. Tim George. Amazing surgeons and wonderful facility and care team. I wouldn't trust my heart to anyone else : ) "

Posted by Janet Krebbs, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 10/09/2018

"Dr. Ryan is a skilled and experienced heart surgeon. His communication skills are excellent. He inspired confidence that I would have a successful outcome and he was correct."

Posted by Maria Williams , Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 11/30/2010

"Dr. Ryan worked with Katherine Harrington on my surgery. He is a great surgeon and has a great ability to put you at ease. I would go to him again in the future. "

Posted by Terry Goin, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 11/06/2018

"All around excellence... You'd be hard-pressed to find a better surgeon.... 5 Stars!"

Posted by Gregory Brummett, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 10/01/2018

"The best surgeon I have ever had. Surgery was easy, he checked on me daily and had a wonderful bedside manner. I highly recommend him"

Posted by Joan Neumann, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 07/05/2013

"I had many "second" opinions before meeting Dr. Ryan, but once my wife and I met with him and discussed my options, we knew without question he would be the surgeon performing my aortic valve replacement. It has almost been a year now since surgery and I know I made the right choice with Dr. Ryan. He is extremely knowledgeable in what he does and his staff were very supportive and helpful in my recovery... not to mention how friendly everyone was there in the hospital! The Heart Hospital in Plano was state-of-the-art and well maintained.

I know these "cow" valves won't last forever, so first sign I need something done again, I'll be heading back to them for sure. Many Thanks to Dr. Ryan and his staff...Highly recommend."

Posted by Don Friemel, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 11/17/2016

"I have had heart issues for many years, including valve replacement in 2001. In 2017, Dr. Ryan replaced my mitral and repaired my tricuspid valves. He and his team are the very best. The treatment, and care during recovery and the compassion and caring they exhibited were extraordinary. No question he saved my life. Thank you Dr. Ryan."

Posted by Paul Nothern, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 11/08/2017

"Dr. Ryan is a wonderful, caring, compassionate surgeon. He fully answered all my questions prior to surgery and saw me again right before he started my surgery. I had a thoracic aortic aneurysm which he repaired with a vascular graft, plus it was higher than anyone thought so he had to do a partial replacement of the aortic root. He also replaced my aortic valve. I had all this done in October 2010 and am still going strong. I would highly recommend Dr. Ryan."

Posted by Carolyn Hughes, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 10/18/2010

"Dr. Ryan explained my procedure throughly and answered all the questions we had at a surgery consultation. We also emailed some questions to him afterwards and they were answered promptly and satisfactorily. He and his staff are always friendly, professional and helpful. Being an active person; I didn't feel like he expected me to give up any activities after recovery.

Dr. Ryan thought he would have to replace my aortic root but did not; he felt it was healthy enough to support my new mechanical valve. I'm feeling very well only six weeks out from surgery and have had no complications. I would highly recommend Dr. Ryan and the Baylor Heart Hospital for any heart procedure. "

Posted by Maureen Breault, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 05/17/2016

"Dr. Ryan was wonderful. I had my valve replaced back in 2006 and it was time again. Dr. Ryan is highly professional and always takes the time to listen to any concerns I have. Would recommend Dr. Ryan to anyone!"

Posted by Stephen Musal, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 04/23/2015

"After having valve replacement in 2001 (donor valve), it was time in 2014 to replace with a mechanical valve. I cannot say enough about Dr Ryan and his assistant Dr. Katherine Herrington. They saved my life twice - doing an amazing job! I definitely recommend for surgery!"

Posted by Stephen Fletcher, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/10/2014

"Great care! Doctor Ryan and his team were great. They took the time to update us several times during my husband's surgery . "

Posted by John Scruggs, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/19/2015

"I highly recommend Dr. Ryan. It has been a year since Dr. Ryan performed Ross procedure to fix my aortic stenosis. I was in shock when I found out that I needed aortic valve replacement since I had little symptoms. I already read a lot of medical literature by the time we met Dr. Ryan.

I complied a lot of questions and tried to minimize the number because we thought surgeons are buy and would have at most a few minutes to talk to us. 45 minutes later, Dr. Ryan was still patiently answering questions and did not act like he needed to leave. Finally, we ran out of questions and thank him. He said, "if you have more questions, just e-mail me." I did e-mail him a couple more times. I have not met any doctor, let alone a surgeon, who is so generous with his/her time. I am also so incredibly thankful that Dr. Ryan is an expert on the Ross procedure. If it were another surgeon, I would have a mechanical valve in me and taking coumadin now.

I hope Dr. Ryan will be able to train another skilled surgeon who will perform Ross in the Heart Hospital Plano."

Posted by Julia Hsu, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Ross Procedure, 05/15/2014

"I got Endocarditis which damaged my heart valve. Dr. Ryan was able to go in and repair my valve instead of replacing it. He was able to go in through my right side with minimal scaring as well.

He is fantastic and I highly recommend him!!"

Posted by Georgia Bonnett, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/25/2014

"Dr. Ryan saved my life. I had a very rare condition in the heart valve world which was an isolated, severely leaky tricuspid valve. One of my leaflets was bent back on imaging. Doctor Ryan himself said that he had never seen a patient present as I did in all his experience. He has done more than 4,000 valve surgeries.

I am convinced that if I had gone to a surgeon with both lesser skills and confidence than Dr. Ryan, I would have a pig valve in me right now. Due to his high level of experience, skill level and confidence, Dr. Ryan was able to fix my valve and never gave up during the surgery.

How do you thank someone for this? I would highly recommend Dr. Ryan for anyone considering valve surgery. The best heart surgeon in the country is in Plano, Texas. I can't say thank you enough Dr. Ryan."

Posted by Troy Zander, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 04/30/2014

"Today is four weeks after my mitral valve repair surgery. I consider myself truly blessed to be a patient of Dr. Ryan and his team of Dr. Edwards, Dr. Latson and Dr. Hollowell.

I am now in cardiac rehab at home, progressing well, and exercising appropriately. I have also returned to work on a very occasional, very light duty basis, as my strength allows. The surgery and care provided at The Heart Hospital to repair my damaged heart is miraculous. I am deeply grateful. I cannot thank your team enough.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the fine care and attention of Melissa Ojedas DeLosSantos, NP, as well as her colleague, Annie. The nurses, patient care technicians and respiratory therapists at The Heart Hospital were compassionate, dedicated and caring. Their devotion and hard work made all the difference in my recovery."

Posted by Pierre Levy, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 11/20/2013

"My first impression of Dr. Ryan was formed by his soft spoken nature and willingness to spend as much time with me as I needed to feel comfortable and secure. He listened to my concerns, gave me a choice of options and clearly explained each one. I chose the Ross Procedure to repair my aortic valve and have experienced great results. I am happy to recommend Dr. Ryan to family and friends. "

Posted by April Soncrant, Aortic Valve, Ross Procedure, 02/18/2013

"Very happy with the surgery results. Dr Ryan is very knowledgeable and extremely skilled. He was friendly and easy to work with. His team is excellent."

Posted by Chris Barnes, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 03/14/2012

"Dr. William Ryan was very professional, personable, and a highly recommended surgeon. I was not disappointed."

Posted by Chris Matthews, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 01/11/2012

"Although I have no desire to have another heart surgery any time soon, I would not hesitate for a second to have Dr. Ryan perform the operation. He is beyond an excellent surgeon and takes all the time that you need to understand and feel comfortable with your plan. I have been left thinking many times since the surgery, "that wasn't near as bad as I thought it was going to be". I know this is a direct result of Dr. Ryan. I can't say thank you enough to Dr. Ryan and his staff."

Posted by Trent Viavattene, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 06/18/2012

"Dr. Ryan was warm, informative, and professional. I felt immediately at ease as he explained the recommended operation. Afterwards, he provided me with my patient notes without being asked. His post op was always friendly and informative. My incision is so well done that I almost wanted to complain that folks won't be able to tell what I went through! Wonderful example of physician who can be no nonsense serious while still being kind and friendly. His staff was very well organized and expressed lots of confidence to me before the operation that I was in great hands. It was clear that he and they take great pride in what they do and want the best outcome for their patients. Given my age, I may have to have an additional procedure down the road and I just hope Dr. Ryan is still around to take care of me then as well. If you are needing valve work, and can get to this surgeon, you will be very pleased."

Posted by Sherry Bradford, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 10/23/2012

"Completely professional. Very good at explaining the procedure and answering questions. I feel fortunate to have had such a skilled surgeon. 100% satisfied with Dr. Ryan"

Posted by Brent Cook, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/11/2009

"My procedure was the minimally invasive type -- which not being up on the medical terms above I reverted to the terms I understand. As far as my experience with Dr. William Ryan, it was very, very good. He explained what to expect prior to the procedure. The only thing he said that was not true was that there would be some discomfort (pain) which there was not - none at all. Behind every great man there is always a top flight support staff, in this case made up of other surgeons, office staff, nurses and hospital and they were all super. You have not asked but I would like to comment on the Baylor Plano Heart Hospital - it was very professional and "caring" which puts a patient on a positive path to recovery. By the way Adam, I read your book and it really eased my fear of the procedure - keep up the good work."

Posted by Rod MacLean, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/16/2011

"Dr. William Ryan is wonderful. He patiently answered all my questions during my first appointment and followed up by email with questions I had after that appointment. My surgery was completely successful and I have had a smooth recovery. The Heart Hospital in Plano and their staff is just awesome! I can't think of a single thing I would change to improve the experience or outcome. I enthusiastically recommend Dr. Ryan and The Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas."

Posted by Wade Clark, Aortic Valve, Ross Procedure, 04/29/2011

"I'm so glad that my Cardiologist in San Angelo referred me to Dr. Ryan. Both he,his support staff, nurses and physical therapists were outstanding. Pre and Post surgery protocols against infection were exceptional. Dr. Ryan and ALL of the staff at the Baylor Heart Hospital, Plano, Texas were fantastic."

Posted by Larry Carpenter, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 09/18/2010

"Dr. William Ryan is an amazing surgeon leaving me very, very pleased with the results. He recommended a less invasive surgery for the mitral valve repair enabling me to me on my feet within days, and back out on hard bike rides within 30 days. The Plano Heart Hospital is an incredible institution that would match up to any facility in the world. I was very lucky to have found Dr. Ryan through Adam Pick's book."

Posted by Scot Smythe, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 07/14/2010

"Dr. Ryan is kind, informative, highly skilled and did a wonderful minimally invasive repair on my mitral valve. Fantastic job and lucky to have him as my surgeon."

Posted by Tammy Golchert, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 06/29/2011

"Dr. Ryan is a friendly mild-mannered doctor. He patiently answered my 2-page list of questions before my surgery. Everything went well and he followed up with me each day after the surgery until I was released. The same technicians who did my echocardiogram before my surgery did it after my surgery. They said it was perfect and they were very complimentary of Dr. Ryan's work. I feel I was very fortunate to have had this talented physician do my surgery. He's the best. "

Posted by Rich Andresen, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 08/25/2009

"Dr. Ryan was extremely knowledgeable, first consultation he spent 30 minutes discussing every option available to me. He came highly recommended by other doctors and patients in the area. I felt I was in great hands, he had a great bedside manner and everything worked out great."

Posted by Wendy Wilson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Robotic Surgery, Root Replacement, 01/24/2011

"He is an excellent doctor. My recovery was phenomenal. He listened to you when you needed it."

Posted by Pia Marino, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 06/22/2010

"Dr. Ryan is one of the best heart surgeons in the USA. He came highly recommended and I was extremely happy and satisfied with all facets of my care and treatment. The care that I received from him from start to finish was outstanding and very professional."

Posted by Keith Daly, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 09/14/2010

"I love Dr. Ryan. If I ever need valve surgery again (and I will), I will be going back to him. He is honest, up front and to the point. No beating around the bush, but he is gentle enough!"

Posted by Shannon Puga, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 01/15/2010

"Dr. Ryan is the best. "

Posted by Alfred Pick, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 12/06/2010

"Dr Ryan is an amazing caring and sensitive Doctor. His entire staff and Baylor Heart Hospital is top of the line. "

Posted by Mary Williams, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/23/2010

"Excellent. We had hoped to qualify for the Ross procedure, but did not. Dr Ryan did and excellent job with the surgery and post operative care."

Posted by Linda Wofford, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Bloodless Surgery, 08/19/2010

"Dr. Ryan came highly recommended to us and we were not disappointed. He walked us through every phase of the surgery and post-op recovery and explained things in laymen's term. Excellent bedside manner and a very warm and compassionate doctor. We felt very comfortable with our decision and excellent result."

Posted by Jean Reed, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 11/17/2010

"Dr. Ryan is very knowledgeable and experienced with the procedure. He made sure I understood the options and the necessity of the surgery. He explained in great detail the surgical procedure (for my husband who is very detail oriented) and relieve some of the anxiety of this life changing operation. He is a great surgeon, to whom I am very grateful for a second lease on life!"

Posted by Rebecca Lovinggood, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 10/20/2008

"I am a physician myself - it is generally true that cardiothoracic surgeons are not known for their bedside manner. Will Ryan is a true exception. Outstanding care, concern, technical skill and competence."

Posted by Gordon Keehn, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 12/08/2008

"My Mother-In-Law was very happy with the results of her surgery. She is back at home and feeling better than she has in two years. Doctor Ryan's bedside manner was pleasant, respectful and professional. We could not have asked for better care."

Posted by Joan Bledsoe, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 09/21/2008

"My experience with Dr. Ryan and The Heart Hospital in Plano was the best medical experience I have encountered. I found Dr. Ryan to be one of the calmest, compasionate and patient individuals I have ever met. Dr. Ryan visited me everyday I was in the hospital and on one day it was at 9:30pm. I found him easy to talk to and make him crack a smile. I hope I don't ever have to compare Dr. Ryan to anyone else, they would sure have a tall order to fill. Thank you Adam for helping me find this great individual "

Posted by Andrew Hightower, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Ross Procedure, 05/01/2009

"I knew at the first meeting with Dr. Ryan that I was in good hands. I felt confident in his ability and was not disappointed. He and his associates gave me the best care and attention."

Posted by John O'Neill, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 12/03/2008

"Excellent - A maze procedure for afib and two bypasses were required. Excellent team excellent hospital"

Posted by Jo Welch, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 01/21/2009

"In addition to an Aortic Valve Replacement, I, concurrently, had a MAZE Operation for AFIB, which was also successful. The doctor's bedside manner was non existent. I remained in the hospital, The Heart Hospital-Baylor,in Plano,TX for 13 days and only saw him once after the operation. I also had three follow-up's at his office. He was present only once. The hospital was excellent with a very professional staff.If you need a doctor that has limited bedside manners, I would recommend him,however, because the operation does play with your physiological needs, he was not around when I needed mental comfort and positive feedback.So, how do you measure him? The operations were successful his bedside manner lacking. "

Posted by Jerry Furman, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 05/21/2008

"Dr. Ryan was very reassuring and I adored his staff."

Posted by Melissa Causey, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Ross Procedure, 08/17/2007

"VERY PLEASED WITH SURGEON AND RESULTS. "

Posted by DAVE THOMAS, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/29/2007

"Dr. Ryan was simply an amazing surgeon both in his technical abilities but also in his people skills. He made me and my family feel totally at ease (as much as is possible) given the magnitude of the surgery he performed on me. He's a brilliant doctor in every sense of the word. Its been almost 13 years since my Ross procedure and I'm doing great with a clean bill of health. I owe that to Dr. Ryan. He's one of the premier experts on the Ross procedure and learned from Dr. Ross himself. I highly recommend Dr. Ryan. "

Posted by Scott Moxham, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Valve Replacement, Ross Procedure, 05/12/1996

"Dr. Ryan has performed over 1000 heart surgeries. He did minimally invasive valve repair on me with no complications. He is "The" surgeon. I can't say enough good about him and The Heart Hospital at Plano where he works."

Posted by John C. Bolling, Mitral Valve, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 04/29/2008

"Dr. Ryan is simply amazing! His bedside manner is wonderful. His nurses are wonderful. The Heart Hospital of Plano, TX is simply amazing! I'm one year post op and doing wonderfully. I highly recommend Dr. Ryan!"

Posted by Doug Atkins, Aortic Valve, Ross Procedure, 02/12/2008