UT Southwestern is one of the few large-volume centers in the United States that offers heart valve surgery without the need for a sternotomy. Instead of cutting through the breastbone or ribs, the surgery is performed through a small 2-inch incision between the ribs. This approach does not involve the use of robotics or a port-access technique. Dr. Doolabh specializes in performing heart valve surgery using this method, whether it involves a single valve or multiple valves.
This unique approach allows for not only heart valve surgeries but also other procedures such as repairing an atrial septal defect (ASD), removing a cardiac myxoma, or excising a cardiac papillary fibroelastoma. Every patient is considered a candidate for this innovative surgical technique. UT Southwestern's cardiology and heart surgery program is highly regarded, ranking #11 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. It is also the top-ranked program in the state of Texas.
