"I met Dr. Justin Schaffer at The Heart Hospital Baylor, Plano, TX, with his calm, caring demeanor. It was obvious he had studied my records, was prepared to answer my questions, and was a master of the process to correct my issues. We talked. Amazing! A cow's valve. I felt so confident. I immediately knew he was the right doctor for me. Exactly what I needed. Because his confidence and caring chased my fears away.
The results of his expertise and the brilliant ones he chose to assist him was unknown to me because I closed my eyes for 5 1/2 hours. When I opened my eyes, I said, "Is it over?" It seemed so quick. I had no pain. They said they "stayed ahead of the pain." That proved to be true.
In a private ICU room, I was given a red heart-shaped pillow to remind me that I had to protect my incision. I also recalled how quick it seemed to me from the time my family brought me to The Heart Hospital where we were met by the free valet service. The front desk receptionist was cheery and welcoming. I felt at home.
All of the staff members, I thought, were handpicked just for me. So kind, so educated, so skilled, so personable, and each one signed my red pillow that I am looking at now remembering that it all seems like a dream that happened 12 weeks ago. I stayed 8 days in the hospital among so many kind, loving, nurses.
I feel better everyday. Everything has gone well with no issues. Thank you, Dr. Justin M. Schaffer for your magnificent success with my complicated heart issues. For such a critical time in my life, this was the most perfect experience I have ever had from all who provided me care, and I felt no fear. My family was grateful for calls from the operating room to tell them the progress during the 5 1/2 hours they waited. Thank you for saving my life, and for my Heart-to-Heart pillow to remind me."
-- Sylvia Mahoney, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Coronary Artery Bypass, 04/16/2025
"Extremely pleased with all aspects of the surgery. Recovering very well."
-- Willie Surles, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Robotic Surgery, 04/01/2025
"Dr. Schaffer is very courteous, friendly, personable. He listens to your concerns, He discusses these with you. He discusses what he feels should be done, and how you feel about it. The prognosis, and the alternative.
After the surgery, he is always there to check on you, to see how you are doing. I am 84 years old. There are many surgeons that would not have
taken the risk to operate on an 84 year old.
After talks with Dr Schaffer, I was willing to take the risk. We always have to look at the risk vs the benefits. Dr Schaffer was willing to take the risk.
Surgery went well. I am doing good. My sincere thanks to one of he best ever, Dr. Schaffer and all his surgical team and all his staff. Dr. Schaffer is one who is really concerned and cares about his patients."
-- William Taylor, Aortic Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 03/28/2025
"This was my third open heart surgery, the second to deal with the valve. Dr. Schaffer was amazing! He fully explained the procedure and was present to answer any questions. He was there before and post surgery unlike my past experience where I had little contact with the surgeon. I would highly recommend him for heart surgery!"
-- Rain Henderson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Reoperation, Coronary Artery Bypass, 01/08/2025
"Awesome doc! Love that he actually took the time to sit down and talk with me and members of my family and answered all our questions before the surgery. Follow up was great, too!"
-- Pat Thibodeau, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 12/01/2024
"Dr. Justin Schaffer was outstanding in every way. He prepared me well for the surgery, answered my questions in language I could understand and followed my recovery bringing in specialists to assure a full recovery. I highly recommend him!"
-- Diane Zarate, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Coronary Artery Bypass, 10/21/2024
"Dr. Schaffer was incredibly patient and kind every time I met with him. His bedside manner is great but you aren't going to be coddled. He is to the point. So, if you need something, say something. My concerns were all addressed in a clear and concise manner & I was never left confused or wondering. My surgical results have been great. I'm 2 months post-op and feel great. I have no regrets about having the surgery or choosing Dr. Schaffer."
-- Christy Ware, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 09/30/2024
"Dr. Schaffer was excellent. He was very thorough in explaining the condition, using heart model and drawings, and describing the implications of stenosis.
Very calming manner, asked me to call him if I had further questions, checked in on me several different days during toy hospital recovery.
So far, the results are great -- I feel very little post-surgery pain and I am getting stronger every day. To have been a very scary ordeal going into this, Dr. Schaffer and his team made me feel like I was in the right hands and provided excellent treatment."
-- Jerry Williams, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Coronary Artery Bypass, 03/22/2024
"Absolutely would recommend Dr. Schaffer to anyone and I have!!!
Total confidence and could not ask for a more talented surgeon. Knowledge set and ability to communicate is second to none. I couldn't be happier."
-- Craig Walker, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 03/19/2024
"Outstanding experience. I felt updates were timely and helpful. Received excellent care. Surgery was without issue."
-- Jerry Griffin, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/29/2024
"Through the whole process, I was completely a peace with Doctor Schaffer’s skill to do the replacement necessary to give me my life back. He was very personable and willing to explain the process. His staff were so supportive before and after the surgery.
I’m already telling all my friends that if they or their family needs heart surgery that Baylor Scott and White Plano are the best they could ever want."
-- Mickey (Michael) Taylor , Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/19/2024
"The Lord and Dr. Schaffer are the greatest.
Dr. Schaffer saved my life. I now feel 46 years old at 66 years old. I would use and recommend him over and over.
The most down to earth doctor you could ever ask for. Thank you again Dr. Schaffer from the Top and Bottom of my heart."
-- Daniel Burns, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 11/07/2023
"Dr. Schaffer is exactly the type doctor that you want performing any type surgery on you, but especially one with the magnitude of a heart valve. He is super intelligent and knowledgeable, does a great job of explaining all available options, but respects the patient's opinions and wishes. He is incredibly qualified and I am thankful that I was referred to him. If you must have heart surgery, I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer. You won't be sorry that you chose him!"
-- James Pace, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Ross Procedure, 10/19/2023
"The best heart surgeon I could have had. God let me have him and I am so thankful. He is marvelous and his care for me was above what I could have hoped for. Thank you Dr. Schaffer and all the nurses and staff. God Bless You All!"
-- Genevieve Waltrip, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/02/2023
"Dr. Schaffer is great!"
-- Willis Rowan, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/12/2023
"Outstanding surgeon! I would highly recommend Dr. Schaffer! The surgery exceeded my expectations. I have so much energy after the procedure!!!"
-- Lloyd Hayes, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/06/2023
"3rd aortic valve replacement. This redo replaced a failing, 5 year old TRIFECTA GT valve with an On-X valve."
-- Scott Sullivan, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 09/05/2023
"Great experience during staying at the hospital; good bedside manner, friendly and caring. The surgery was a great success, no pain and healing fast. I would recommend Dr. Schaffer to anybody needed that kind of surgery. "
-- Roy Gimpel, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/30/2023
"Dr. Schaffer was amazing. He made me feel comfortable and confident all would be fine. Surgery went well. Very pleased and happy with every aspect of the surgery and Dr. Schaffer. Thank you and God's blessings."
-- Hal Holbrook, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/07/2023
"This surgeon has excellent bedside manner with me as a patient, my family and the nurses as well. The surgeon checked in post-operative before his daily surgery and also between surgeries. The results were excellent as I am recovering at a great pace. "
-- Michelle Ballard, Aortic Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, Transcatheter, 07/25/2023
"Excellent experience in every aspect -- Dr. Schaffer’s skills, bedside manner, his office and Plano Heart Hospital."
-- Joyce Leland , Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 07/14/2023
"Dr. Schaffer and team did an excellent job pre and during surgery. I had the Ross procedure done to fix a birth defect with my heart that was not caught till I was 50! Dr. Schaffer and team did a great job explaining about the surgery and a great job during the surgery. He visited during my recovery in hospital and was available when needed."
-- Michael Ciccarello, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Ross Procedure, 07/03/2023
"I did a lot of reading and research prior to selecting Dr. Schaffer as my surgeon.
I had my aortic valve replaced, as well as an section of my ascending aorta. My father required the same surgery, so we had Dr. Schaffer do both of our surgeries in the same week.
We both are very pleased with the results. Dr Shaffer could not have been better to us... Very professional but extremely personable. He takes the time needed to answer questions and really cares about his patients. The surgery went perfectly, and recovery has been much easier than expected."
-- Jesse Thompson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Ross Procedure, 06/30/2023
"Outstanding!"
-- Eric Stanley, Aortic Valve, 02/27/2023
"Great!!"
-- Jack Teel, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/20/2023
"Dr Schaffer rebuilt my aortic arch and cleaned up an existing St. Judes Valve from an aortic dissection occurring in 2002. He was great as well as his entire staff. I'm not sure if any other surgeon could have done a better job and have made me feel more confident in their abilities. I am only 5 weeks post op, but we'll on my way to a full recovery."
-- Mark Alterman, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 02/14/2023
"Dr. Justin Schaffer is a great heart surgeon. He has great bedside manner. He will take as much time as necessary to explain what he will do & let you ask any questions that you have. Everything went great. I would recommend him to all. Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital, doctors, nurses, & all staff were very caring & excellent."
-- Joy Donaldson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/25/2023
"Dear Dr. Justin Schaffer and Staff,
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and skill that you provided during my recent open-heart surgery. As you know, this was my fifth such surgery, and I cannot begin to express how much your expertise and compassion meant to me during this difficult time.
From the moment I walked into your office, I felt at ease and reassured by your calm demeanor and professionalism. Your attention to detail and willingness to answer my many questions helped me to feel more confident and comfortable with the procedure.
The surgical team that you assembled was top-notch, and I felt that I was in the best possible hands throughout the entire process. The care and concern that you showed me before, during, and after the surgery were truly above and beyond anything that I could have expected.
I am incredibly grateful for the skill and expertise that you and your staff provided, and I know that I am on the road to recovery thanks to your exceptional care. You have my deepest thanks and appreciation for all that you have done for me."
-- Rex Roe, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 01/23/2023
"From prep to recovery, Dr. Schaffer and his team addressed every concern I had, and then some. Over the years, I've had doctors who I wondered if they were even listening to anything I said, or I felt rushed out the door. Dr. Schaffer listened and took me through the entire process, addressing every question and concern. I remember being surprised how long our initial interview lasted.
After 5 days in the hospital, my wife was worried about me coming home. Dr. Schaffer and his team made that transition smooth for her, spending all the time necessary to address her fears.
It hasn’t even been six weeks since my surgery (open heart), and I feel better than I have in years, save a few bruises. We are fortunate to be living in the time we live with all the medical advancements. I was fortunate to have Dr. Schaffer as my surgeon. He’s the real deal.
I couldn't ask for a better team."
-- Denny Pentecost, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/18/2023
"You gave me hope for my dad when I didn’t have any and you saved his life. I will forever be appreciative of you and your staff! God bless you!"
-- John Solis, Pulmonary Valve, 05/15/2022
"I am so amazed at how kind and engaging Dr Schaffer is and so knowledgeable of his treatment skills, taking time to share everything with me, which makes me believe my heart will be ok in his very capable hands. His staff is amazing, too, and a true reflection of him. My wife and I thank them all for their care."
-- Stephen Leddy, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 05/06/2022
"I can not say enough about the doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and staff at Baylor Heart Hospital. It takes a "Team" and this team was awesome.
We were very comfortable and confident in every step of the procedure. Baylor Heart and Dr. Schaffer, Dr. Shalik, Dr. Potlurie, the anesthesia team, echo cardio technicians... Everyone is FANTASTIC. Thank you all so much!"
-- Kelly Langley, Aortic Valve, Transcatheter, 12/01/2021
"I am hard pressed to believe there is anyone better than Dr. Schaffer. He is a superstar and so is the whole office staff! Checked on me everyday in the hospital, took the time to explain everything that happened, answered any and all questions and his work was exceptional - with minimal scarring even with my chest having to be opened.
Having heart surgery is a scary thing, but I consider myself very lucky to have him as my doctor. Very highly recommended."
-- Greg Garrison, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 11/01/2021
"On January 6, 2020, I entered Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas where Dr. Justin Schaffer replaced my aortic valve and performed an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
I am very thankful for the excellent care I received at the Plano Heart Hospital under the direction of Dr. Schaffer and his surgical and nursing teams. Exceptional care.
Dr. Schaffer was very attentive checking on me multiple times a day during my hospital recovery, and the nursing team was very professional and exceptional. I can highly recommend this hospital and Dr. Schaffer for this surgery."
-- Edward Plaxco, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 01/06/2020
"Dr. Schaffer is an amazingly, brilliant surgeon. His bedside manner is without question top notch. Kind, considerate, and in tune with his patients. You won’t leave until he’s sure you’re okay to leave and takes every precaution to ensure that. In my opinion there’s none better than Dr. Justin Schaffer.... he saved my life without question and I’m truly blessed that he did!!!"
-- Jerry Sams, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, Maze Procedure, 08/13/2019
"Dr. Schaffer is an incredible surgeon! He walked me through the entire procedure with great patience. I cannot imagine having anyone else do this surgery."
-- Cyndy Moore , Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 05/16/2019
"During this time, Dr Schaffer or his staff have always been there for me and my family. He answered every question and concern, providing easy answers for us to understand. His staff provide data on options and valve types for us to research. After discharge he stepped when my cardiologist refused to post manage my care. So far I am very impressed with him and his staff."
-- Thomas Barton, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 05/02/2019
"Excellent doctor! Above and beyond expectations! Thank you Dr. Schaffer for giving me the opportunity to enjoy life and a few more years. God bless you! 🙏💞"
-- Santiago Ortiz, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/28/2019
"It is with utmost gratitude that I was fortunate enough to have had Dr. Justin Schaffer perform my chest aortic aneurysm repair on January 8, 2019 at the Heart Hospital in Plano. Dr. Schaffer is an amazing surgeon in addition to being a kind, caring doctor who explained my procedure thoroughly and patiently answered all my questions. Dr. Schaffer visited me twice daily the whole 7 days I was in the hospital! My recovery has been remarkable and I’ll forever feel thankful and blessed that Dr. Schaffer was MY doctor!! I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer to anyone needing surgery!!!"
-- Pamela Hogue, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, 01/08/2019
"Dr. Schaffer is incredible. He covers every detail with you about the operation, spends the time with you to make you feel comfortable and understand exactly what he is going to do. He is very passionate and shows he truly cares about each and every one of his patients. His team is amazing. I am truly thankful for Dr. Schaffer and team!!!! "
-- Jacob Bolton, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, 12/13/2018
"Everything turned out much better than I expected. The Heart Hospital at Plano uses all the Cleveland Clinic protocols. The surgeons are top-notch! William Ryan and Justin Schaffer were my surgeons-the best of the best in Texas for sure, and probably in the entire USA!"
-- Gregory BRUMMETT, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 10/01/2018
"Dr. Schaffer was all I could ask for and more for my surgery. Prior to surgery he answered every question and always had time for detailed explanations. He put me totally at ease. Because of his thorough pre-surgery testing, there were no surprises or issues of any kind during the procedure. Post surgery, he saw me everyday (as did members of his team, and always had whatever time was needed to again answer my questions. He is as skilled a communicator as he is a top surgeon. I am one day short of four weeks from surgery, and I am totally pleased with my recovery and progress. I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer!"
-- George Carter, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 09/19/2018
"Dr. Shaffer and his staff at the hospital have the most caring bedside m as manner. I can't say or do enough to thank Dr. Shaffer for saving my life."
-- Mark McCord, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 07/31/2018
"I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer. He thoroughly explained the procedure and risks to my wife and me. He took the time to answer all of our questions. Knowing that I did considerable research prior to our consultation he asked me what type of valve I wanted and why. He explained the options and we made the decision on the spot. Dr. Schaffer personally checked up on me daily during my 9 day hospital stay."
-- Ron Gerner, Aortic Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 06/14/2018
"Dr Schaffer is wonderful in every respect. I feel that he is the BEST of the best. He explained my aortic valve replacement and triple bypass in a way that I understood, and then felt very confident in him performing the procedures. His knowledge and skill as a surgeon would be a high 10 (on a scale of 1 to 10). He monitored me closely post op. His bedside manner was reassuring, precise and genuine. My recovery has been speedy and much better than I ever expected. I feel exceedingly blessed, to have had Dr Schaffer as my cardiac surgeon!"
-- Joseph Hudson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/10/2018
"Thank God Dr. Shaffer was an incredible surgeon he explained all details to make myself as well as my family in layman's terms very compassionate young surgeon I had very minimal downtime mr. Shaffer as well as his office staff always returned phone calls in regards to concerns you really turned my life around and opened up my eyes have a happy and healthy life I thank you very much I would trust him to the fullest extent"
-- Randy Rotolo, Pulmonary Valve, 08/28/2017
"Dr. Schaffer is a great Surgeon. He explained every procedure, and the reason they had to be done. He never seemed to worry about the time taken. I felt confident he was the best. Still feel the same after my surgery."
-- james Yarbrough, Pulmonary Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/31/2017
"Dr. Schaffer is a excellent surgeon. He clearly explained the entire procedure he would perform on me, for my ascending aortic aneurysm. Dr. Schaffer performed the surgery on my aorta with flawless excellence. His post op care has also been excellent. My heart health is perfect and I am so very thankful to Dr. Schaffer and his staff. I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer for any of your heart surgical needs!"
-- Barry McClish, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, 03/29/2017
"I am 44 year old male. I had a dilated aortic root, grade 4 aortic insufficiency, and a mildly dilated left ventricle. I was fortunate enough to have found this by chance (before it turned into heart failure). My EF (ejection fraction) was still normal.
I traveled to the Heart Hospital Baylor in Plano, TX from Arkansas (8 hours away). I was looking for an experienced surgeon to replace my aortic root and repair my aortic valve. While this was my “plan A”, I also came here to cover my “plan B”. Which was to have an On-X mechanical valve and conduit used, if the valve could not be repaired.
So I was looking for a surgeon, who was not only experienced with aortic valve and root repairs, but who also had experience with the On-x mechanical aortic valves. That is just what I found with Dr. Schaffer and Dr. Brinkman. They did a great job. I am recovering well. I am three weeks postop and doing much better than I anticipated. Once they opened me up and got a good look at the valve, they discovered that they would not be able to repair it. The valve contained fenestrations, which were not seen on the TEE. These fenestrations caused the tissue to be too thin to be repaired. Although this complication was an unexpected occurrence, it was important to me to have both options covered just in case. I work in medical field, and I know that unexpected things do happen occasionally during surgery.
I had surgery on a Tuesday. I was extubated fairly quickly (I barely remember it). The central lines and chest tubes were removed a few days later. If my INR had cooperated I would have got to leave that Saturday, but instead I was discharged on Monday once my INR was more therapeutic. Still pretty good for such a major surgery. Since I had a mechanical valve placed I will take Coumadin the rest of my life, but with this valve I will have to take much less. The valve was a little louder the first week, but I can barely hear it now. Occasionally, if I am sitting in a quiet room and sitting in the right position I can hear the click. Not bad at all.
Dr. Schaffer came by every day and checked on me. I found him to have a great bedside manner and would highly recommend him. I don’t believe I would be doing this well without their exceptional skill and expertise.
"
-- Dallas Book, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 03/21/2017
"Dr. Schaffer is a Godsend. He is at the top of the chart for any and everything related to treatment of the heart. His extensive knowledge in this field is extraordinary. We are elated about the results of the surgery and the ongoing treatments. Dr. Schaffer exhibits excellent bedside manner, keeps us informed and interacts with us in a personable humane manner. We can't thank him and the staff enough for everything they've done and continue to do for us. We are forever grateful."
-- Cynthia Boone, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Transcatheter, 03/14/2017
"My surgery went well. As with any surgery, there are risks. I blew off the advisory as I have had several surgeries but never any issues with complications. I paid the piper this time. Dr. Schaffer was a trooper, as well as the entire staff at Plano Heart Hospital. There is no doubt that they saved my life with Dr. Schaffer steering the boat. I was in the hospital for 16 days and he was there with me morning, noon, and night. His care, understanding of the family impact, and caring nature showed through. I would not hesitate to choose him again, but fortunately, I am in good shape and should not need to see him other than in a social situation."
-- Raymon Hunt, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 02/01/2017
"Dr. Schaffer did a great job on my aortic valve replacement. He has a very reassuring and patient bedside manner and superb follow-up. My mast cell activation disorder required extra precautions and Dr. Schaffermade sure all the bases were covered before, during and after surgery. His office staff is by far the best group I've experienced, returning calls and providing information promptly and pleasantly. Plano Heart Hospital (affiliated with Baylor Scott and White but owned by the doctors) was the best. "
-- Robin Bradway, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/31/2017
"In mid December 2016, I was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis and was scheduled for surgery on Dec.29th. I first met Dr. Schaffer on the afternoon of Dec.28th, prior to my surgery the next morning. He explained in detail (using a model heart) just what was involved and when I left, I was confident I would be in good hands the next morning.
All went well and I had no problem with recovery. I saw Dr. Schaffer every day prior to my release one week later on Jan.4th. In fact I looked forward to his daily visits and discussion on how I was progressing. He is just a great guy and easy to talk to and listens well also.
I returned to see him on January 30th and received a full release back to active duty.On Feb. 22nd, I turned 87 and feel great, thanks to Dr. Schaffer and the whole staff and facilities of the The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano.
I can't say enough good things about my stay at that facility and the service and care provided by everyone involved."
-- John Hansen, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 12/29/2016
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