Introduction
Heart surgery may be recommended for several heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diseased valves, all of which require the expertise of a skilled cardiac surgeon. With so many cardiac surgeons in a medical hub like Chennai, choosing the best surgeon for your specific needs can be challenging.
This blog post provides practical tips for selecting the best cardiac surgeon in Chennai, helping you make an informed decision.
Tips To Choose The Right Cardiac Surgeon In Chennai
Choosing a heart surgeon may depend on different factors, including the type of surgery, the surgeon’s expertise, and the quality of the hospital. Here are a few tips to choose the best cardiac surgeon in Chennai.
1. Referrals From the Family Doctor and Friends
One of the trusted ways to begin searching for a cardiac surgeon in Chennai is by asking your family doctor for referrals. Your family doctor often has strong networks and may know the best surgeon in Chennai based on professional experience and patient feedback.
Also, consider talking with friends or family members who have undergone similar cardiac surgery and have had good outcomes. Personal experiences may offer insights into the overall hospital experience.
2. Doctor’s Credentials and Experience
Another critical factor in choosing the best cardiac surgeon in Chennai is reviewing the credentials and clinical experience of the surgeon, since cardiac surgery is a highly complicated procedure that demands precision, skill, and years of hands-on expertise.
The cardiac surgeon should preferably be board-certified in cardiothoracic or cardiovascular surgery and in international bodies.
Beyond academic qualifications, a surgeon should be well-experienced in cardiac surgery. Also, check whether the surgeon is proficient in the latest techniques, including minimally invasive surgery or robotic-assisted cardiac surgery, to give better results.
3. Hospital Affiliation and Infrastructure
Top cardiac surgeons are usually associated with well-equipped and accredited hospitals that maintain the highest level of patient safety. These hospitals should provide advanced diagnostic facilities, state-of-the-art operation theatres, cardiac ICUs, 24×7 emergency services, and multidisciplinary care essential for smooth recovery.
Also, many patients prefer hospitals with in-house cardiac rehabilitation programs, patient education centres, and home-based monitoring to aid in long-term recovery.
Hence, choosing a cardiac surgeon who is affiliated with a hospital offering comprehensive cardiac care ensures a successful procedure and a smoother, safer recovery journey.
4. Communication Skills of the Surgeon
A good cardiac surgeon should also be a good communicator and make the patient comfortable, as cardiac surgery can be emotionally overwhelming for patients and their families.
During the initial consultation, ensure that the surgeon explains the procedure clearly, encourages questions, respects your preferences, and provides realistic outcomes. It may help to relieve the anxiety of the patient and make them more involved in the treatment decisions.
5. Online Patient Reviews
Online patient reviews have become an important tool for evaluating healthcare providers, including cardiac surgeons.
It is recommended to look at reviews from trusted sources, including Google reviews, Practo, and hospital websites. You may check for surgical outcomes, communication, waiting times, post-operative support, and facilities in the hospital. Consistent positive feedback may help in understanding the surgeon’s reliability.
6. Team Support and Post-operative Care
The success of cardiac surgery depends not only on the surgeon but also on the strength of the supporting medical team. It is essential to choose a hospital that provides a well-coordinated team, including experienced anaesthesiologists, skilled ICU staff, rehabilitation therapists, a dietitian and counsellors.
These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring safe surgery, a smooth recovery, and long-term heart health.
Also, make sure the hospital provides comprehensive post-operative care, including home-based support systems, 24/7 emergency access, patient education and other resources to help you with post-operative care and recovery.
7. Accessibility
The surgeon’s availability and the location of the hospital may influence your decision, especially for emergency care.
It is preferable to choose a surgeon who operates in a hospital that is close to your home or easily accessible and is available for pre- and post-op consultations without long waiting periods.
It is important to prioritise proximity and ease of access to the hospital when choosing the cardiac surgeon.
8. Feasibility of the Health Plan
Cardiac surgeries can be expensive. Ensure that the hospital accepts your health plan and that the surgeon is included in the approved panel of the insurance. You may consult your health insurance provider to find which hospitals and surgeons are included in the coverage.
Why Choose Dr Nikhil P.J. Thekumparampuril of Heart360 Care?
Heart360 Care in Chennai provides comprehensive cardiac wellness programs, making it ideal for diagnosis, treatment, and cardiac rehabilitation programs. If you are seeking one of the best cardiac surgeons in Chennai, Dr Nikhil P..J. Thekumparampil at Heart360 Care stands out because:
- Gold medalist in MBBS and trained at various prestigious universities, including Harvard University, Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University, and Temple University
- One of the busiest robotic heart surgeons in the USA
- 15+ years of cardiac surgery experience with a high success rate.
- Performed over 200 robotic-assisted cardiac surgeries and 400 TAVI procedures
- Board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery
- The only American Board-certified cardiac surgeon currently practising in India
- Patient-centred communication and holistic cardiac care
- Proven track record and good patient reviews
If you or your loved one has a heart-related condition and is looking for the best cardiac surgeon in Chennai, feel free to book a consultation with Dr Nikhil of Heart360 Care for comprehensive cardiac care and guidance!
Conclusion
Chennai is home to numerous cardiac surgeons, and choosing the right cardiac surgeon is very important in your recovery and long-term heart health. The different factors, including the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, communication skills, and hospital affiliation, may help the patient and their family members to choose the right cardiac surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
A good cardiac surgeon should have technical ability, experience, and be up-to-date with the latest advancements in the cardiac field. Also, the surgeon needs technical ability, has sound judgement, and is patient-centric, transparent, and part of a strong hospital team. Overall, a good cardiac surgeon should combine technical knowledge with compassionate care.
During the initial consultation with a cardiac surgeon, it is important to ask questions that help you understand your heart condition and the recommended treatment options. You may ask about the type of procedure, expected benefits, the surgeon’s experience, success or complication rates, recovery timeline, potential lifestyle changes, follow-up coverage, and the cost of the procedure.
Experience plays an important role when selecting a cardiac surgeon. Heart surgery is a complex process and requires not only technical knowledge of the surgeon but also the ability to make informed decisions during critical moments. An experienced surgeon will tend to have better success rates and fewer complications.
Yes, getting a second opinion before undergoing cardiac surgery is highly recommended, especially for major procedures, including bypass surgery, valve repair, or heart transplants. It may help confirm the diagnosis, explore the alternative treatments, and ensure that surgery is necessary.
