Cardiovascular Surgery: Smith V C MD

This page contains important information for individuals seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me" and considering Cardiovascular Surgery: Smith V C MD, located at 5320 S Rainbow Blvd # 282, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA. The phone number for this clinic is (702) 737-3808, and the mobile phone number is +1 702-737-3808.

It is crucial for prospective patients to be aware of the following detailed account shared by a patient regarding their experience with Dr. Vernon Smith. This information should be carefully considered when making decisions about your cardiovascular care.

According to a review posted by a patient, in May of 2001, their then-fiancé, Michael Brown, underwent a heart valve surgery performed by Dr. Vernon Smith. Mr. Brown was 38 years old at the time and was informed of an 85% chance of surviving the surgery due to his age. He had been told that a heart valve replacement was necessary and was referred to Dr. Vernon Smith for this procedure. Medical records and a video of his heart valve were provided to Dr. Smith's office approximately two weeks prior to the scheduled surgery.

Three days before the surgery, the patient received a call from Dr. Smith's office inquiring about the video of Mr. Brown's heart valve. Upon confirming that the video had been dropped off weeks earlier and then again that it had been found by the office, the surgery proceeded as scheduled. On the morning of the surgery, Mr. Brown met with Dr. Smith and informed him that he had consumed a couple of beers the day before, asking if it would still be safe to proceed. Following a brief inquiry, Dr. Smith reportedly confirmed that the surgery could go ahead.

After the initial surgery, Dr. Smith informed the patient that he had repaired Mr. Brown's heart valve instead of replacing it, stating that a replacement would likely be needed in about ten years. This news was upsetting to the patient, as the expectation was a valve replacement to potentially avoid future surgeries.

The following day, the situation took a critical turn when the repaired heart valve malfunctioned, leading to Mr. Brown being rushed back into emergency surgery. It was at this point that Dr. Smith reportedly decided to replace the valve. Tragically, Mr. Brown passed away after this second surgery while in recovery.

The patient recounts being informed of Mr. Brown's passing by a nurse initially, followed by a meeting with Dr. Vernon Smith. Dr. Smith reportedly stated that Mr. Brown had suffered a heart attack. When questioned about why the valve was not replaced during the first surgery, Dr. Smith allegedly responded that it was a "professional decision" made at the time. He then reportedly brought up Mr. Brown's disclosure of having consumed beer the day before surgery.

The patient expressed being taken aback by this, explaining that Mr. Brown had informed Dr. Smith about the beer as a precaution to ensure the surgery's safety. The review further alleges that Dr. Smith then suggested that Mr. Brown's ability to pay for the surgery was a factor in his initial decision not to replace the valve. The patient states that while insurance matters were being addressed, it became clear that financial considerations may have influenced the surgical approach.

The reviewer expresses deep distress and a belief that the initial decision not to replace the valve, potentially influenced by financial considerations or a lack of proper pre-operative review due to the missing video, ultimately contributed to Mr. Brown's death. The patient also notes that Dr. Smith did not personally visit Mr. Brown after the first surgery to inform him that a repair, rather than a replacement, had been performed, instead sending an associate. The responsibility of informing Mr. Brown of the outcome of his surgery fell to his partner.

This detailed account raises significant concerns about the surgical decisions made and the communication between Dr. Smith and the patient's family. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of seeking second opinions, conducting thorough research, and not placing absolute trust in any single medical professional.

Given the gravity of the details shared in this review, prospective patients considering Cardiovascular Surgery: Smith V C MD should exercise extreme caution and seek comprehensive information, including but not limited to:

• Seeking multiple opinions from other cardiovascular surgeons regarding their specific condition and recommended treatment plan.
• Inquiring in detail about Dr. Smith's experience with the specific type of surgery required.
• Discussing all potential risks and alternative treatment options thoroughly.
• Clarifying all aspects of the surgical procedure, including the type of valve being used (if applicable) and the reasons behind the chosen approach.
• Verifying insurance coverage and understanding all potential costs associated with the surgery and aftercare.
• Ensuring clear and consistent communication with the surgeon and their staff throughout the entire process.
• Requesting to speak with other patients who have undergone similar procedures by Dr. Smith (if possible and with privacy considerations).

This information is provided based solely on the publicly available patient review and does not represent a comprehensive evaluation of Dr. Smith's overall practice. However, the seriousness of the allegations warrants careful consideration by anyone considering entrusting their cardiovascular health to this provider.

It is important to conduct thorough due diligence and gather information from various sources before making any decisions regarding your medical care. This includes consulting with multiple healthcare professionals and carefully evaluating all available information.

This introduction is intended to provide local users searching for a "Heart Doctor Near Me" with critical information regarding Cardiovascular Surgery: Smith V C MD. No promotional information is provided due to the nature of the feedback received. The focus remains on presenting the available information objectively to aid in informed decision-making.