St. Vincent hopital Indianapolis

[kchit]

I just found out I need aortic valve surgery. I'm very scared and trying to figure out where to have surgery. I was told not to wait more than 6 months. I live in Bloomington Indiana and could have it done here but St. Vincent heart center in Indianapolis is 60 miles away. Has anyone had there surgery done there.

 

[ctyguy]

Can't help you with St Vincents but wanted to throw out there the Cleveland Clinic. Its a bit of a drive for you but they do more heart related procedures than any other hospital in the US.

 

[Mary]

I think one member (Sherry) had her replacement at Methodist hospital in Indianapolis.
In my opinion, a hospital in a larger population generally does more replacements than a hospital that pulls patients from a smaller population center, but you would need to check to verify that yourself.
You should be able to ask the surgeon you visit how many replacements he does, how many the hospital handles, and then do a comparison with larger centers in Indianapolis.

 

[Jkm7]

When investigating how many heart surgeries, try to differentiate between valve surgeries and bypasses. Some hospitals/surgeons do a large number of bypass surgery but not so many valve.

Many of us have been where you are now and were as scared and concerned and we did fine and you will too. These are hugely successful surgeries and for some of us the hardest part was the waiting for the surgery....not the surgery and recovery itself.

Best wishes and please let us know as you move along in the process and pick which hospital and surgeon and have a date.

 

[Sherry]

Hello, fellow Hoosier. I had my valve replacement at Methodist Hospital (as Mary had mentioned) 11 years ago this summer. My surgeon , Dr. Hal Holbrook, actually passed away four or so years ago. Coincidentally, he was from Evansville, where I live now, and so his obit was written up in our local paper. I found it quite shocking considering his young age.

Anyway, the referring cardiologist's name was Dr. Douglas Pitts, who is still practicing up at Methodist, or Clarion as I believe it is now called. He is a fantastic man (great with his patients) and has a stellar reputation in the Midwest. I would consider contacting him for a consult, and he can hook you up with a good surgeon. Of course, you also have the option of going to IU Med as well. Please check your private messages as I am sending some more information. Best of luck.