Dr. Ramesh Veeragandham, MD is a cardiothoracic surgery specialist in Danville, CA and has been practicing for 23 years. He specializes in cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery.
East Bay Cardiovascular & Thoracic Associates
1320 El Capitan Dr Ste 120
Danville, CA 94526
(925) 676-2600
Insurance Accepted
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of California
- Blue Shield of California
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Health Net
- Medicaid
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Risks associated with the TAVR procedure include death, stroke and major bleeding
Important Risk Information for Patients
Indications:
The Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve, model 9600TFX, and accessories are indicated for relief of aortic stenosis in patients with symptomatic heart disease due to severe native calcific aortic stenosis who are judged by a Heart Team, including a cardiac surgeon, to be at intermediate or greater risk for open surgical therapy (i.e., predicted risk of surgical mortality ≥ 3% at 30 days, based on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score and other clinical co-morbidities unmeasured by the STS risk calculator).
The Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve, model 9600TFX, and accessories are indicated for patients with symptomatic heart disease due to failure (stenosed, insufficient, or combined) of a surgical bioprosthetic aortic or mitral valve who are judged by a heart team, including a cardiac surgeon, to be at high or greater risk for open surgical therapy (i.e., predicted risk of surgical mortality ≥ 8% at 30 days, based on the STS risk score and other clinical co-morbidities unmeasured by the STS risk calculator).
Contraindications (Who should not use):
The Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve and delivery system should not be used in patients who:
- Cannot tolerate medications that thin the blood or prevent blood clots from forming.
- Have an active infection in the heart or elsewhere.
Warnings:
- There may be an increased risk of stroke in transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures, compared to other standard treatments for aortic stenosis in the high or greater risk population.
- If an incorrect valve size for your anatomy is used, it may lead to heart injury, valve leakage, movement, or dislodgement.
- Patients should talk to their doctor if they have significant heart disease, a mitral valve device or are allergic to chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, copper, silicon, and/or polymeric materials.
- The SAPIEN 3 valve may not last as long in patients whose bodies do not process calcium normally.
- During the procedure, your doctors should monitor the dye used in the body; if used in excess it could lead to kidney damage. X-ray guidance used during the procedure may cause injury to the skin, which may be painful, damaging, and long-lasting.
- Transcatheter aortic heart valve patients should take medications that thin the blood or prevent blood clots from forming, except when likely to have an adverse reaction, as determined by their physician. The Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve has not been tested for use without medications that thin the blood or prevent blood clots from forming.
Precautions:
The long-term durability of the Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve is not known at this time. Regular medical follow-up is recommended to evaluate how well a patient’s heart valve is performing. Safety, performance, and durability of the SAPIEN 3 valve has not been established for placement inside a previously implanted transcatheter valve.
The safety and effectiveness of the transcatheter heart valve is also not known for patients who have:
- An aortic heart valve that is not calcified, contains only one or two leaflets, has leaflets with large pieces of calcium that may block the vessels that supply blood to the heart or in which the main problem is that the valve leaks.
- Previous prosthetic ring in any position.
- Previous atrial septal occlude.
- A heart that does not pump well, has thickening of the heart muscle, with or without blockage, unusual ultrasound images of the heart that could represent irregularities such as a blood clot, a diseased mitral valve that is calcified or leaking, or Gorlin syndrome, a condition that affects many areas of the body and increases the risk of developing various cancers and tumors.
- Low white, red or platelet blood cell counts, or history of bleeding because the blood does not clot properly.
- Diseased, abnormal or irregularly shaped vessels leading to the heart. Vessels which are heavily diseased or too small for associated delivery devices, or a large amount of calcification at the point of entry.
- Allergies to blood-thinning medications or dye injected during the procedure.
- For a valve in valve procedure, there is a risk of leakage if the previously implanted tissue valve is not securely in place or if it is damaged. There is also the possibility that a partially detached valve leaflet from the previously implanted valve could block a blood vessel.
- Additional pre-procedure imaging will be completed to evaluate proper sizing.
Potential risks associated with the procedure include:
- Death, stroke, paralysis (loss of muscle function), permanent disability, or severe bleeding.
- Risks to the heart, including heart attack or heart failure, a heart that does not pump well, irregular heartbeat that may result in a need for a permanent pacemaker, chest pain, heart murmur, false aneurysm, recurring aortic stenosis(narrowing), too much fluid around the heart, injury to the structure of the heart.
- Risks to your lungs or breathing, including difficulty breathing, fainting, buildup of fluid in or around the lungs, weakness or inability to exercise.
- Risks involving bleeding or your blood supply, including formation of a blood clot, high or low blood pressure, limited blood supply, a decrease in red blood cells, or abnormal lab values, bleeding in the abdominal cavity, collection of blood under the skin.
- Additional risks, including life-threatening infection, dislodgement of calcified material, air embolism (air bubbles in the blood vessels), poor kidney function or failure, nerve injury, fever, allergic reaction to anesthesia or dye, reoperation, pain, infection or bleeding at incision sites, or swelling.
Additional potential risks specifically associated with the use of the heart valve include:
- Valve movement after deployment, blockage or disruption of blood flow through the heart, need for additional heart surgery and possible removal of the SAPIEN 3 valve, a blood clot that requires treatment, damage to the valve (e.g., wear, breakage, recurring aortic stenosis), nonstructural valve dysfunction (e.g., leakage, inappropriate sizing or positioning, blockage, excess tissue in growth, blood cell damage, etc.) or mechanical failure of the delivery system and/or accessories.
CAUTION: Federal (United States) law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician.
Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, the stylized E logo, Edwards SAPIEN, Edwards SAPIEN 3, SAPIEN, and SAPIEN 3 are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2017 Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All rights reserved. PP--US-2507 v1.0
Edwards Lifesciences One Edwards Way, Irvine CA 92614 USA edwards.com
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What People Say About Dr. Ramesh Veeragandham, MD
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Dr Veeragandham, is very informative and knowledgeable about the Cardiac event my body was experiencing. Although, we originally wanted to perform a TAVR procedure to replace my Aortic Valve, we ended up with open heart surgery. This is because the aorta turned out to be damaged and needed repair/replacement. The doctor is very good at what he does. I highly recommend him for any heart valve condition requiring surgery.
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Bill Schramer – Jun 04, 2020
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Dr. Veeragandham gives top notch care. I had 5 bypasses, and a couple weeks later I was walking an hour per day. So far, I have had no complications and progress has been steady. His entire team and John Muir Cardiac is exceptional. All nurses, technicians, and medical professionals were outstanding. ICU nurse, Susan, was terrific and crucial to post-op recovery. They also took care of all insurance issues. I highly recommend Dr. Veeragandham and his team at John Muir.
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1Tim – Apr 24, 2020
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Dr. Veeragandham replaced my leaky aortic valve and my thin and enlarged ascending aorta on a Monday. The procedure went smoothly with no complications. I was walking on Tuesday and went home on Friday of that week. My recovery was quick and I began some gentle swimming at 5 weeks post surgery. I will begin supervised cardiac rehab beginning on week 7.
I was at increased risk of stroke going into surgery because I had a pituitary tumor in addition to a leaky aortic valve. Dr. Veeragandham took the lead in getting 2 groups of specialists from an outside institutions to agree on a timely treatment plan. Not all of the tumor could be safely removed. But after the tumor reduced, Dr. Veeragandham was able to operate safely.
I am very happy with the outcome and very grateful to Dr. Veeragandham.
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2Harry in Lafayette – Dec 05, 2019
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Had aortic valve replacement surgery by Dr. Ramesh Veeragandham. He is a skilled surgeon, as well as person. I am glad he was my surgeon, as every doctor I talked to about Dr. V all said he is the one of the best surgeons around. He has a great, gentle personality and was absolutely wonderful to talk to and be in contact with. I wouldn't let anyone else do my surgery.
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5Dec 01, 2019
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Dr. Veeragandham replaced my aortic valve and part of my ascending aorta. I am incredibly grateful for my new lease on life. Even from my first day after surgery, I could feel the difference in the unstrained beating of my heart. I am now 17 days post surgery and well on my way to recovery. The superb coordination of doctors, nurses and hospital made my 5 day stay much easier than I had imagined possible. This doctor and his team are simply great.
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4hml48 – Nov 02, 2019
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Heart bypass
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1Aug 24, 2019
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In his engaging manner, Dr. Veeragandham ordered a number of tests and was extremely thorough before deciding on a plan which included a contingency plan to repair the mitral valve. Personable, responsive and admired by the hospital and skilled nursing facility staff and other doctors. He explained all options, precautions and made sure medications were up to date prior to, during and after surgery. The number of pills involved were mind boggling to someone who was not used to so many medications! We are blessed to have such a doctor in our community.
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2J Thibault – Aug 24, 2019
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I have just been released from Dr. Veeragandhams care after having an Aortic Valve replacement .
From our first meeting Dr Veeragandham was caring, informative,patient with all of our questions and so reassuring that everything would go well .He explained very clearly what would happen from the beginning to the healing stages and it has been exactly as he explained . We were all very confident about him being my surgeon!! The recovery has been much easier and less painful than I expected .
Dr Veeragandham was very attentive to my family throughout this process !!
The staff at the office have been great ! Always pleasant and helpful having questions answered promptly .
I am very close to getting back to my regular exercise schedule 8 weeks after surgery ! Couldn’t be happier !!
I am so very grateful I was referred to Dr. Veeragandham !
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4May 16, 2019
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In my opinion this the best Surgeon I have ever met. Dr V saved my life.
I had 5 bypass CABG. My recovery was exactly as Dr V described it. He was very personable, concerned and on top of the situation even on his days off. Thank you Dr. Veeragandham.
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4Apr 04, 2019
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As far as I am concerned Dr. Veeragandham is the best. From my first appointment through surgery (repair mitral valve) to post op appointment he was with me all the way. He prepared me for my surgery by explaining in detail what I should expect through the entire process. In addition to being an outstanding surgeon, he is caring & compassionate w/ a sense of humor. I highly recommend him.
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1Michael Howard in Walnut Creek, CA – Aug 23, 2018
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My 80 year old mother was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, her cardiologist worked for over a month to fix her with meds. After they did a Cardiac Cath of her heart it showed she urgently needed valve replacement & repair. Within a week of diagnosis Dr. Veeragandham had her on the book for surgery. He explained everything to us and communicated with Mom's other doctors to ensure everything went smoothly before, during & after surgery. Dr. V and his staff are wonderful! Thank you Dr. V.
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2Shawn in Clayton – Aug 07, 2018
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I am a physician myself and I will say he is the best Cardiothoracic surgeon that I have met. He did an open heart surgery for my mom and I was very confident that my mom will be ok. He is very responsive to questions and concerns and has been in constant communication with me throughout.
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Alfort Santos, M.D. – Jul 07, 2018
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I've met Dr. V once prior to my vascular surgery & I can actually say meeting him was like I've known him for years. He was extremely friendly & trustworthy in his explanation of the impending surgery. He quickly recognized my health issues & proceeded accordingly. He is a marvelous person & surgeon.
His entire staff is wonderful & courteous, beginning with the receptionist to his medical assistants. Thank you Dr. Veeragandham for hopefully extending my life. My family also thanks you.
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Fred Martin in Pleasanton – Jun 22, 2018
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Dr. Veeragandham is not only an exceptional surgeon, he is compassionate, professional and takes the time to address your concerns. Because of my list of preexisting ailments, above and beyond my unusual heart condition, I was a challenging and unusual patient. He willing worked with my rheumatologist, pain management specialist, and cardiologist to sort out the overlapping considerations before bypass surgery. I received exceptional care, daily visits during recovery and a great outcome!
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James Mills in Walnut Creek, CA – Jun 22, 2018
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After insur denied a stent procedure, we turned to Dr Veeragandham for open bypass surgery for my father. You can’t imagine the giant weight lifted off our shoulders after hearing that the procedure was promptly authorized. We felt even greater elation when the nurse contacted us from the OR and Dr V also personally explained that the surgery had gone well. We are so grateful. This surgeon is very skilled, and excellent bedside manner. Office staff are A+. Thanks for restoring health to Dad!
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Ambrocio Family in CA – Jun 01, 2018
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Dr Veeragandham was recommended to us by Dr Haque after a procedure did not go the way we had hoped & Bypass surgery was required. We had no knowledge of him or his reputation, however having him do my husbands Bypass and Valve repair was like a gift from above. Kind, patient, detail oriented, personal, professional and skilled beyond belief. When the people who work for you want to give their very best you know you are getting the best. Everyone speaks very highly of him and it is deserved
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The LoDucas in Brentwood, CA – May 30, 2018
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Dr. Veeragandham is an outstanding surgeon. He conducted a long open heart surgery for my mother, replacing the mitral and aortic valve. Words cannot describe how amazing this surgeon is. He pays attention to every detail is by far the best heart surgeon in this area. In addition, he is caring, passionate and an extremely hard worker. As everyone at John Muir shared with me "He is the doctor that everyone wish their loved one had" . Impressed by his knowledge, skills and professionalism.
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2Mote Bajrami in CA – May 18, 2018
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Dr. Veeragandham answered every one of my many questions regarding aortic valve replacement. At no point did I ever feel like I was being rushed. He took as much time as I needed and provided diagrams and bullet point lists of what the next steps were. There were no complications after surgery and very little discomfort. He is very accessible and will get back to you with answers to any question and will quickly squeeze you in after surgery should anything come up. The best of the best.
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Paul in Walnut Creek – May 18, 2018
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I cannot speak highly enough about the professionalism, care and compassion displayed by Dr. Veeragandham during a very scary and unexpected cardiac surgery. He was completely available at all times for phone calls - patiently answering our many questions from multiple family members. His PA's and office staff could not have been more kind and helpful. Dr. Veeragandham has such a positive enthusiastic personality and obvious love for his work, you cannot help but feel reassured and confident.
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11Charles Schlatter in Lafayette, CA – May 18, 2018
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I was very pleased with my experience with Dr. Veeragandham. This was the best team of medical staff I have been around in a long time. I would love to have them around if I ever get sick again. Doctor Veeragandham was busy but still took the time to make me feel like I was the only patient there. He is a superb surgeon and a true gentleman who takes the time to explain your options thoroughly and follow up with your progress.
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2Alex Baktyar in Walnut Creek, CA – May 09, 2018
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