Doctor search

[ALCapshaw2]

Hi everybody,

I'm looking for a surgeon who specializes in aortic valve repair that is very good, and is from a really good hospital. Any suggestions. Getting really worn out here in Pa. Thanks.
alpha 1

I asked a friend who has many contacts with surgeons for recommendations of surgeon(s) in PA. Here is her reply:

"Dr. Joe Bavaria in Philly is the best in PA and is one of the top guys in the specialty of aortic surgery.."

If you Google "Dr. Joe Bavaria" you will find many links.
Here is the one from the University of Pennsylvania:

Joseph E. Bavaria, M.D.
Cardiac Surgery

Administrative Office:
3400 Spruce Street
6 Silverstein Pavilion
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Administrative Assistant: Sharon Lopez
Administrative Assistant: Lillian DiPaolo
Administrative Telephone: 215-662-2017
Administrative Fax: 215-349-5798

Clinical Office:
3400 Spruce Street
4 Silverstein Pavilion
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Clinical Telephone: 215-662-2017
Clinical Fax: 215-349-5798

Research Administrative Assistant:
Diane Douglass 215-662-4289

Contact Information (internal use only)

[email protected]


Dr. Bavaria, Brooke Roberts/William Maul Measey Professor of Surgery and the Director of the Thoracic Aortic Surgery Program.

His clinical interests involve complex aortic diseases, cardiopulmonary transplantation, and cardiac valve surgery.

Dr. Bavaria has published extensively on issues regarding thoracic aortic surgery, lung transplantation, and circulation management for complex thoracic aortic reconstruction.


'AL Capshaw'

 

[alpha 1]

doctors

doctors

Hi everyone,
I am getting better at this. I am about an hour south of Pittsburgh. But are there hospitals in Pittsburgh that are rated really well for the heart and I wander if they specilize in the valves there. Cork said that he went to Jefferson Regional Hospital and really liked it. I think I will call there tomarrow. We have an appt. tomarrow at Morgantown. One of my sons friends went there 3 years ago. He is only 27. I called them yesterday and we have an appt. in one day. Isn't that a shocker. I don't know about you guys but we just haven't had a very smooth road with this situation. From the cardiologist on down. But I am sure with everyones help, we will get somewhere soon. Some of you guys tell me that the doctors have actually called on the phone to check on their patients. We should be so lucky. But I am praying really hard, it will get better I know. Thank you all so much, you all make it so much better. This is the hardest thing that I have ever had to go through, and its not even me going through it. I would rather it be me than him anyday. One mother in Ohio that I know would love to get some sleep, but she says it is all there when you get back up in the morning or whenever you get up. Oh well, thanks again.

alpha 1

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Here is the URL for US News best hospitals:
http://health.usnews.com/sections/health/best-hospitals

Click on cardiology and then go to the websites for top rated hospitals in your area.

I clicked on the above link but NEVER found the List of Top Ranked Heart Hospitals. I NEVER found the link to "cardiology".

What am I missing?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I'm confused Alpha and get the impression that you are a bit overwhelmed by 'all of this' and how to find an appropriate surgeon for your son.

Did you have a consult with someone at the Cleveland Clinic? For some reason, I didn't get that impression. CC is the #1 rated Heart Hospital in the country and is probably the closest of the Top Heart Hospitals to Pittsburgh.

In your original post you were asking for a Top Surgeon in Aortic REPAIR.

In your last post you mention calling around to Local Hospitals. Local Hospitals may be fine for ByPass Surgery and SIMPLE Valve Surgery. It is probably unrealistic to expect to find an Aortic Specialist at a small to medium sized Local Hospital.

Given that your son has BAV which is an indicator of Connective Tissue Disorder, you need to find a Surgeon who has LOTS of BAV and Aortic Valve / Aorta Surgery experience and expertise. These Expert Specialists are most commonly found at the MAJOR Heart Centers.

If you find it intimidating to contact the offices of Top Ranked Surgeons, perhaps you need to go back to your son's Cardiologist, explain what you are hoping to find in a surgeon and ask for his assistance in selecting such a surgeon. The Cardiologist should surely know the Best Surgeons in your state and is probably familiar with the ones at The Cleveland Clinic. If you are uncomfortable with this cardiologist, perhaps you could start with your son's Primary Care Physician. I hope that one of these resources can offer you some knowledgable guidance.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Susan BAV]

I clicked on the above link but NEVER found the List of Top Ranked Heart Hospitals. I NEVER found the link to "cardiology".

What am I missing?

Did you click on "Heart" on the "2007 Rankings" list on the link?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

YES, Rachel's (Oaktree) suggestion of Dr. Zehr at the University of Pittsburgh looks like a good candidate to interview with his Special Interests in Aortic Surgery and Repair. He may be the closest Aortic Specialist.

'AL Capshaw'