About Dr. Patrick Rudersdorf,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"If not for Dr. Rudersdorf and his fantastic team at Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Associates, I might not be here today. Dr. Rudersdorf is a world class surgeon and a magnificent human being, with an utmost standard of excellence. He has performed two highly successful complex open heart surgeries on me, a Bentall, MAZE and atrial septal defect repair in February, 2019 and a mitral valve replacement this past November, 2021. Although both surgeries were elective, they were both lifesaving. I knew the first time I met Dr. Rudersdorf, I was in the hands of the best. He is an excellent doctor, brilliant, funny and kind. His calm, confident demeanor reassured me the first time I met him.

Dr. Rudersdorf uses the most cutting edge surgical techniques (excuse the pun) to provide the most optimal outcome for his patients. In my case, I was able to get back to swimming and racing in the open water 16 weeks after my first surgery, and raced my 12th and 13th Alcatraz swims in 2020 and 2021. At 12 weeks after the last surgery, I’m back in the pool, living my best life!

The CTSA team of Dr. Rudersdorf’s physician’s assistants, nurses, nurse practitioner, medical assistants, scheduler, and practice manager all worked tirelessly on my cases and follow up care. Each one of them has an individual role as well as working seamlessly together as a team. I am extremely grateful to all of them. With such a high level of adoration and trust, I would not go through a cardiac procedure with anyone else. "

-- Ginger Kiernan, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, Maze Procedure, 11/10/2021

"My sister actually had the surgery and I was merely her emotional support animal. Dr. Rudersdorf instilled competence and trustworthiness from the moment we met him.

He clearly explained the pros and cons of the alternative procedures and made his recommendation. We all agreed. He gave us a list of possible situations he might encounter and what he’d do if they materialized. (They didn’t.) He and his associates communicated with us throughout the process.

I cannot say enough about the supportive nurses and professional associates too. They were amazing! "

-- Darlene Kasten, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/13/2021

"Dr. Rudersdorf's sense of confidence and calmness helped ease my mind prior to and after surgery. He set solid expectations and followed through with them. Surgery went off without a hitch and things went as planned. Precision incisions that were smaller than anticipated are healing up well 5 weeks after surgery. Minimal scaring will remain. Surrounded by great team of PA's, nurses and techs...everyone was very caring and prompt. My care couldn't have been any better."

-- Ted Genzwill, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/11/2021

"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the warmth with which you treated me to good health. Thank you for being the dedicated, thoughtful, and compassionate doctor that you are!"

-- Maria Moran Ruiz, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 10/29/2020

"Dr. Rudersdorf is an excellent surgeon. From the initial consultation to post-op management, I couldn't ask for a better experience."

-- Gretchen Zornman, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 10/14/2020

"I am a retired interventional cardiologist who suffered a massive pulmonary embolism on November 2, 2019. Quite simply Dr. Rudersdorf saved my life performing an emergency open chest embolectomy.

I am no stranger to dealing with cardiac surgeons and I was extremely impressed with his humanity and skill. One year later I am enjoying life with no sequela in a vigorous retirement. Thank you Patrick!"

-- William Groh, Pulmonary Valve, Median Sternotomy, 11/02/2019

"I was tired and out of breath because of my aortic stenosis. I had TAVR on a Tuesday and I left the hospital on Thursday morning. I was playing golf a week later. I feel 10 years younger. For me, Dr. Rudersdorf and his team have been a miracle in my life."

-- Alan Seltz, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Transcatheter, 11/09/2018

"In May 2018, I had emergency mitral valve repair surgery while visiting family in Colorado. At the time, my husband and I had no idea what to expect much less what was going on. Dr. Rudersdorf took the time to explain things pre- and post-op in a way we could both understand. He was very attentive during my hospital stay, checking on me several times a day. Dr. Rudersdorf is a kind, caring, and very skilled surgeon.

I also want to give a big shout-out to all the doctors and nurses at CTSA Cardiac and Thoracic Associates. They are the most wonderful, helpful, supportive medical group I have ever been involved with. And I want to give special recognition to Lanette Bringham, RN. She continues to be there for me, answering any questions and concerns I may have. Thank you Lanette, you are the best!

I am now two and a half years post op and still going strong. I am able to enjoy life, family, and my four precious grandchildren! Thank you, Dr. Rudersdorf, for saving my life!!"

-- Ann Bienski, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 05/21/2018

"Dr. Rudersdorf was wonderful! His bedside manner and caring followup was impeccable. The quality of his work was top notch as well.

I recently had an echocardiogram. And the new valve is working perfectly. The technician commented on the excellent work done by the surgeon in replacing the valve."

-- Daniel Kucera, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 11/02/2017