About Dr. Neelan Doolabh,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"I'm very glad I found Dr. Doolabh! He's done more than 3,500 mini-thoracotomy procedures, mainly for aortic valve replacement. My recovery was quick and virtually painless. So much better than a sternotomy. Maybe even better than TAVR (which I did not qualify for) because there's much lower risk of stroke."

-- Dennis Murphy, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/05/2023

"Dr. Doolabh and his staff saved my life. I had a mitral valve repair through minimally invasive surgery and now my heart is as good as new. Thank you."

-- Troy Johnson, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 03/08/2022

"Dr. Doolabh performed a minimally-invasive aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. I am a physician and was back to work on my 19th postoperative day.

I can't say enough on what a great experience I had. He is surrounded by an excellent professional staff that made the whole process easy.

I felt the confidence in him and the staff on how routine this major surgery is to them. I have a 2-inch scar that I show off to others. Highly recommended! A new standard for valve surgery!"

-- Jose Luis Villarreal MD, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 09/08/2021

"Dr. Doolabh, this is Jessy Baby, one of your patients whom you did an open heart surgery on May 21st, 2020. Let me take this opportunity to thank you, along with my family members, during this great time of Thanks Giving.

We appreciate your great help, acknowledge your skills and expert hands, and above all your passion for your profession. There are no words to express our gratitude. A big Thank you from the bottom of my heart with a New Valve, a repaired Aneurysm, and a CABG LAD.

Prayerful wishes for a wonderful Thanks Giving.

Thank you,
Jessy Baby and family"

-- Jessy Baby, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 05/21/2020

"Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement at UTSW. He is an incredible surgeon with a wonderful team. I couldn't have asked for any better. The best."

-- Kimberly Brown, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/12/2019

"Had minithoracotomy. No complcations. Home 4th post op day. Good bedside manner. Excellent ICU care and great nurses on surgical floor. "

-- Larry Davis, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/01/2018

"Thank you for giving me the gift of more time with my family. I am profoundly grateful for your talent, leadership in assembling a great team, and accepting me as a patient as quickly as you did.

Before surgery there were a lot of prayers offered that you were the answer to. Following surgery, there were a lot of prayers of thanksgiving for you and your team.

You will always have my respect and admiration, and I sincerely wish you and your family a peaceful and prosperous future."

-- John Devane, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 07/13/2018

"Two weeks ago Friday, you and your team gave me a miracle. Without opening my chest by sawing open the breastbone you repaired my mitral valve and gave me a stronger heart. I do not know how to express my thanks adequately. It has been an amazingly stress-free and relatively painless experience since I never felt more than sore even right after surgery. You have literally changed my life. Thank you."

-- Mary Ryan, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 06/01/2018

"Just a note to let you know how much I appreciated your expert care for me and the compassion you showed to my family and friends. I am feeling wonderful and enjoying life so much. You truly made a difference for me. I will be back in Dallas for a visit next May and will stop by to say hello!"

-- Karan Box, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 05/03/2018

"'Thank you' is inadequate to say how grateful I am to you. On 4-18-18 you performed surgery on my brother. It has meant so much to me, it is impossible to explain in a card. Thank you is all I know to say, but is meant with great appreciation"

-- Michael Wheat, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 04/18/2018

"Thank you for the wonderful care you have given our dad. We know it takes a special person to not only have the technical skills to operate but also be kind. We attribute his fast recovery to the wholistic care your team provided. We thank you and are glad that you are my dad’s surgeon."

-- Generoso Sia, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/08/2018

"Some people come into our lives, leave 'hand' prints on our hearts and we are never the same. I am one of those people. Life is a series of thousands of tiny miracles. The work you do is one of them.

Team work divides the task and multiplies the success. How lucky was I to connect with this great team that has given me the opportunity to stick around a little bit longer – with a good quality of life. Lots of people dream of making a difference in the world... you actually do it. My promise to you is that I will work hard to ensure that the gift you gave me will not be wasted. You have not seen the last of me because I am going to be your new “energizer” bunny!"

-- Virginia Hanly, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 01/09/2018

"I had Mini Valve Surgery. I have a small scar under my right breast, where Dr. Doolabh entered between my ribs. No broken bones. Best Doctor I have ever had. Best office visit. Best bedside manner. Most professional. Most educational. I had such confidence in him I was not the least bit concerned about the operation. I went home on day 5. "

-- Greta Shannon, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 11/29/2017

"Today (23 April 2017) is exactly one month since you splendidly repaired my mitral valve, and I am very pleased to tell you that I feel great. My recovery was short and virtually painless, just as the T-shirt says: 'Smaller incision. Shorter Recovery.' Again, I wish to express my lasting gratitude for your outstanding surgical success that changed my life as well as great post-surgical care that I received from your associate Ms. Steva Smartt and all the nurses in your department."

-- Eugen Koren, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 03/23/2017

"I am writing to express my gratitude for the treatment my husband received at your hands last month. We are elated with the results! Thank you Dr. Doolabh for your dedication to cardiology. Best, Amee"

-- Greg Monkman, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 10/18/2016

"Re-do of Myectomy (first was in 1970, it had grown back), insertion of Mechanical aortic valve (due to endocarditis) , bypasses. Surgeon was great prior to and after surgery!!!!!! "

-- A. Hall, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, 06/02/2015

"I had an Aortic Valve Replacement surgery done. Dr. Neelan Doolabh was an excellent physician both in the office, in the hospital, and with his skills. Dr. Doolabh performed a mini-sternotomy. It's healing very well with my scar healing very nicely. I really loved this Dr. Doolabh's bedside manner and his office staff was great as well!!"

-- Rhonda Wilson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 08/31/2012

"I thought Dr. Doolabh was the best in every way. Good bedside manner and I felt taken care of. My need for a heart valve replacement was a birth defect I never knew I had until I was seventy-two years old.

I am very grateful and thankful for his expertise. "

-- Margy Jaynes, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 12/20/2007