During his last pacemaker/defibrillator procedure in December, Dr. Patel informed us that Randy had severe aortic stenosis and would need surgery as soon as possible. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Gudjonsson explained our options – open heart vs. TAVR right then. They explained the surgeries very well and addressed our questions….
Then we met Dr. Voelkel. We immediately felt such a comfortableness. He explained the TAVR procedure to us in detail and answered our multiple questions. The thought of heart surgery just makes you feel anxious but Dr. Voelkel makes you feel calm. You feel his passion. He absolutely loves being a doctor and gives you such confidence. His personality is outstanding – you feel like family. We may be bragging a bit, but we feel that strongly about your wonderful doctors. Dr. Gudjonsson also was wonderful and checked on Randy often. Excellent surgeon and everyone we talked to in Same Day Surgery said we had a wonderful team in Dr. Voelkel and Dr. Gudjonsson. We definitely thought so!
Then we met Kelsey Quiambao, RN, TAVR Coordinator, and we loved her passion and concern for us! Wow! Immediately she went to work scheduling the heart cath, CT scans, and the appointments to follow. She informed us that no questions were silly and she was there for us all the way – and my, she certainly was our angel from the beginning to the end! She kept us informed of test results and was a lifeline for communication from the doctors and nurses….
Just want to thank everyone! St. Vincent’s is #1 to us and we share our story of our success. May God bless.â€