launch special: Limited availability now open for our cardiac surgery Concierge support services with up to 50% savings. Book your complimentary call now.
launch special: Limited availability now open for our cardiac surgery Concierge support services with up to 50% savings. Book your complimentary call now.
launch special: Limited availability now open for our cardiac surgery Concierge support services with up to 50% savings. Book your complimentary call now.
launch special: Limited availability now open for our cardiac surgery Concierge support services with up to 50% savings. Book your complimentary call now.
launch special: Limited availability now open for our cardiac surgery Concierge support services with up to 50% savings. Book your complimentary call now.

Read our latest blogs on heart surgery

Your incision should be your decision - Explore expert insights from practicing surgeons on patient advocacy, surgical options, and healthcare transparency - because your understanding matters more than system convenience.

All posts

Image showing a male torso and heart, attached to a left ventricular assist device - LVAD

LVAD vs Heart Transplant: Which Path Fits Your Situation?

LVAD vs heart transplant guide: indications, outcomes, lifestyle impacts, and recovery. Make informed decisions about advanced heart failure.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 26, 2025
Image showing ascending aortic aneurysm

Ascending Aortic Aneurysm: Size Thresholds for Surgery Explained

Ascending aortic aneurysm guide: surgery thresholds, timing factors, recovery tips. Life-threatening if untreated - know the signs.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 25, 2025
Family of five, exiting a hospital after father had heart surgery.

Day-of-Surgery Timeline: From Pre-Op Check-In to ICU Handoff

Open heart surgery day guide: from check-in to ICU handoff. Know what to expect, reduce stress, build confidence in your care.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 24, 2025
A cardiac surgeon in the operating room with a focused team

Why Surgeon Experience Matters in Heart Surgery

Surgeon experience is one of the strongest predictors of outcomes in heart surgery. This article explains why it matters, what to ask your doctor, and how patients can make informed choices.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 23, 2025
Image comparing CABG vs Stent

CABG vs Stents for Diabetics: What the Evidence Says

Stents vs bypass for diabetes + blocked arteries: Evidence-based comparison of risks, outcomes, and what families need to know.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 22, 2025
Heart surgery patient walking with support pillow during early recovery

Pain After Heart Surgery: Your First 6 Weeks

Heart surgery pain guide: what's normal in 6 weeks, medication schedules, daily checklist, and warning signs to watch for.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 19, 2025
Heart Surgery Patient Stretching

How to Prepare for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)

A guide to preparing for coronary artery bypass surgery. Learn medical, physical, and emotional steps for best recovery.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 18, 2025
Cardiac Surgeon analysing an STS Risk Chart which is hovering as a holographic chart.

What Your STS Risk Score Really Means Before Heart Surgery

Understand what your STS risk score means for cardiac surgery. Learn how low, moderate, and high scores guide treatment decisions.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 17, 2025
Female patient reflecting with confidence and hope before heart surgery, sitting with small packed suitcase on lap.

What to Expect Before Open Heart Surgery

Prepare for open heart surgery with this guide covering medical tests, medications, lifestyle changes, and emotional readiness.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 17, 2025
Cardiac patient outside hospital

Travel After Heart Surgery: When Is It Safe?

Most patients can drive and fly 4-6 weeks after cardiac surgery with medical clearance. Guide covers sternum healing, blood clot prevention, oxygen needs, compression stockings, travel insurance, and safety protocols for successful post-surgery travel.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 16, 2025
Cardiac operating room team with perfusion and anesthesia in view.

Hospital Volume and Outcomes: Why Experience Matters in Heart Surgery

Higher volume heart programs often achieve better outcomes, but volume isn’t everything. This guide explains the data, exceptions, and a step-by-step way to check any hospital.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 16, 2025
Images of aortic valve showing normal vs stenosis state.

Understanding Aortic Stenosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Aortic stenosis is a common valve condition where the aortic valve narrows, making the heart work harder. This article explains symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options - including minimally invasive approaches - and what patients and families should know.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 16, 2025
Lover heart and a stethoscope

Advanced Heart Failure: When to Consider Surgery or Transplant

Learn when advanced heart failure requires surgery. Explore options from bypass and valve repair to LVADs and heart transplant

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 12, 2025
Medical symbols like crosses and hearts on buttons of a large calculator

How Surgeons Calculate the STS Risk Score - and Why It Matters

Learn how the STS risk calculator works and what your personal surgery risk score means for planning your cardiac procedure safely.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 9, 2025
Elderly woman trying to understand her STS Risk Report

Understanding Your STS Risk Score

Understand STS Risk, the nationally recognized tool that predicts your risk of death, stroke, kidney failure, and prolonged ICU stay after surgery - and why your surgeon should be explaining it to you.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 5, 2025
An empathetic surgeon reviewing options with a patient and family

What if My STS Risk Score is High? Real Options for Patients

Hearing that your STS risk score is “high” can feel like a door is closing. The truth is more hopeful.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 5, 2025
STS vs EuroSCORE

STS vs EuroSCORE: Comparing the Two Most Common Heart Surgery Risk Tools

If you’ve spoken with more than one heart surgeon, you may have heard two different numbers: your STS risk score and your EuroSCORE.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 4, 2025
Side by side comparison chart of a heart mechanical valve and tissue valve.

Mechanical vs Tissue Valves: A 2025 Patient Guide

If you’re 65-75 and need valve surgery, should you choose a mechanical or a tissue (bioprosthetic) valve? This guide compares durability, blood thinners, lifestyle, and follow-up -plus what’s different for younger, active adults.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
September 2, 2025
image of a heart

Do I Really Need Bypass Surgery?

When your cardiologist says you need bypass surgery, it can feel like the floor drops out. Maybe you’re confused, overwhelmed, or even skeptical - especially if you don’t feel sick. That reaction is normal.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
August 29, 2025