Also call the surgeons' hospitals to ask how often they've performed the particular operation. You can also call the state medical board to find out if they have ever faced malpractice charges. Schedule an in-person meeting so you can get a better sense of each surgeon's attitude. Whether you or your loved one is having surgery, you need all the facts and you need them explained clearly. Look for a surgeon who will educate you about the condition and treatment options, as well as the proposed surgical procedure and necessary follow-up.
Heart failure is sometimes the fault of a defective or diseased heart valve.
Heart valves regulate the flow of blood inside the heart. When they don't work properly, this puts extra strain on the heart and can lead to heart failure. Correcting the problem surgically can often improve or resolve the condition. During the surgery, the patient is connected to a heart-lung machine that supplies blood to the brain and body. The bad valve is removed and replaced.