Choosing a treatment centre/surgeon

[capercaille]

I'm pretty sure I will soon need mitral valve surgery (preferably minimally invasive) but how on earth do I find out/decide who/where is the best?

[Yumz199725]

Have you spoken to your consultant about your options? Hopefully one of your options is minimally invasive surgery. I will need valve replacement surgery to fix my bicuspid aortic valve and my only option is open heart surgery so it's major surgery. Have you been given a date yet for your surgery?? X

[capercaille in reply to Yumz199725]

Thanks for your reply – no, I have yet to get/see a surgical consultant to properly discuss my particular symptoms, so no date either. So far I've only been seen by cardiac physiologists who do my ultrasounds and report to a cardiologist. It's finding the right surgeon, not just the local one I may be referred to by my local hospital, that is my initial concern. But probably just need to have that initial conversation with whoever, then sort the rest. Thanks again!

[Yumz199725 in reply to capercaille]

Hope you can get the right surgeon and get a date for your surgery soon x

[Hidden]

I guess you’re looking for private centres / surgeon as I think on NHS it’s whoever cardiologist / hospital picks as most appropriate for your case?

If and when you see a cardiologist they may be able to advise. Often they do private work as well as NHS but again they will probably recommend the ones they routinely work with.

I don’t think I’d have the confidence or knowledge to find a surgeon myself.

I hope you find someone you’re happy with👍 I’m sure someone will be along soon who has also searched out surgeons!

[capercaille in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! But no, not private (can't afford that!): but with NHS you are entitled to choose where you are treated, although many don't as they simply don't know you can. Also, with waiting lists so long, they are encouraging people to travel further for treatment…I have done a fair amount of research but it's SO difficult to weigh up things. I will wait to discuss when I see someone…thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to capercaille]

Ok I read it as private, yes I am aware can choose on NHS - good luck with your search. Do you have particular concerns about your local surgeons?

[capercaille in reply to Hidden]

Thank you again – just seeking best option.

[Hidden in reply to capercaille]

You need to get yourself into the NHS system first assuming they agree you need surgery. Then there can be options and advice offered when you air your concerns about the local lot. Good luck.

[dlowell]

Dr Stephen Brecker Mayo Clinic

mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk/...

[roughquest]

I’d have a private cardiac consultation with a Dr who is also NHS on the same practice. In fact I’ve done just that and got referred back into the NHS, if your lucky in the same hospital. I can’t speak highly enough of the Brompton, in comparison to the lack lustre trust just 30 miles away.

[Sally_Scott]

I had new mitral valve at St Thomas’s in London in January. Tbh reading your message I would have thought that your cardiologist would be telling you if you need this and then referring you on. So have you just diagnosed yourself and you think you need a new mitral valve?

[capercaille in reply to Sally_Scott]

No, awaiting decision, but just want to be well prepared.

[TriumphLover]

Hi, I’m 11 weeks out after aortic valve replacement and some other stuff. My surgeon was recommended by the consultant. I done some research on him but my thinking was I’m not really qualified to assess him. I spent more time on deciding between tissue or metal valve. Decided on tissue, which turned out was the surgeons speciality, particularly with a “mini “ opening ( 2/3 opening instead of full ).

So my advice would be to match your prognosis with the surgeon if anything.

[capercaille in reply to TriumphLover]

Thank you – helpful advice.

[TriumphLover in reply to capercaille]

No problem. If you have any questions about the procedure let me know, happy to help. Had some great help from this site before I went in.

Good luck.

[capercaille in reply to TriumphLover]

Thanks again…

[Hanibil]

Try Mr Roberto Casula, you will be able to contact him through the Wellington hospital St John’s Wood London. He replaced my aortic valve and repaired my aortic root , by minimal invasive surgery back in 2005 and am still alive and kicking.

[capercaille in reply to Hanibil]

Thank you – this is very useful/interesting: he is actually one of the surgeons in the dept. of my local NHS hospital so I may well meet him!

[Hanibil]

would that be St Mary’s

[capercaille in reply to Hanibil]

It would.