About Dr. Junaid Khan,
Heart Surgeon

"In late 2010 I had a MRI and CT Scan of my brain to assess symptoms related to my epilepsy. The scan of brain was normal but the CT Scan went low enough to identify that the aortic arch (top bend) was slightly enlarged. Didn't think much about it as I was a fairly tall fellow. After some reconsideration, in early 2012 I obtained an echo-cardiogram which identified an enlarged ascending upper aorta (serving the arteries) and a bicuspid aortic valve. The Cardiologists' assessment was that condition was atypical and I should monitor as I would at some time need to address surgically. Subsequent checkup in Fall of 2013 confirmed I remained in relatively normal range and should revisit in approximately 5 years.

September – 2018

Patti, my wife, and I took a long-awaited hike in early September. It was a 4-day, 3-night back pack through the High Sierras the last night taking us to an overnight camp at 10,300'. I was trailing Patti the entire 4 days. We chalked it up to altitude sickness but it seemed odd that it would last for so long. Two weeks later I rode my bike in a Century Ride and I trailed my riding partner the entire 100 miles. Climbing the hills was extremely difficult and I love climbing. I knew something was wrong and decided a cardiac check-in was needed.

November 15

After obtaining a CTA, ECG and Stress Test I along with Patti met with Dr. Junaid Khan and Dr. Barry Sheppard his partner. The assessment of my health condition was that my ascending aortic valve was severely blocked and upper aorta was dilated beyond the range considered safe. Dr. Khan's determination was that a valve replacement was necessary and a grafting of the ascending aorta likely. He also noted that an aortic root replacement may be necessary but could only determine during the procedure. His assessment was I had very little time to wait and needed immediate intervention. I suggested some time in 3-4 months due to work complications but Dr. Khan's assessment was that surgery was needed in 3 weeks and recommended a date. We were scheduled before we left.

The hardest part about the procedure was putting my life in the hands of another. When the lights go out there is nothing I can do to control or assist in decision-making. My life needs to be with someone I trust and I selected Dr. Junaid Khan. Dr. Khan is direct, facts based, and black and white. This is what I wanted in a surgeon, someone who responds to circumstances objectively and can prioritize to solve a problem.

Following the procedure Dr. Khan met with my wife. The prognosis was the procedure went well and without complication and recovery was underway. He shared with her information about the procedure and escorted her into the cardiac post-op introducing her to the care team.

Follow-up visit went well where he shared additional information about the procedure and happily answered our questions. In all a good experience."

"I had a mitral valve issue. Dr Khan was able to use the port access method to do my repair. Dr. Kahn and his entire staff were so very professional and put me right at ease. They explained the whole procedure and did extensive testing prior. My procedure was 1 month ago, I am good to go and in currently in a cardiac conditioning program. Can not thank Dr. Kahn, his entire staff and Alta Bates Hospital enough for the gift of health they have given me."

"My results were great! The arthroscopic procedure worked beautifully. The upshot being that I woke with a valve that works, very little pain, and a quick recovery. About the pain: I didn't need painkillers from the very first minute I came to. All of this was due to Dr. Khan (well, a measure of good luck!) who thought about a way to do the job arthroscopically despite some anatomical obstacles and wires from an existing defibrillator.

Dr. Kahn was good about briefing me about the surgery , clearly and precisely -- just what I wanted. Don't know if this is germane, but his staff was great. If I needed something I didn't have to ask twice, they were always knowledgeable and ready to help. After the first office visit they knew me by name -- just wonderful."

"My experience with this surgeon was great. Answered all my questions related to my operation. My surgery was pretty serious and I was back on the "table" the next day after my initial surgery. But thanks to Dr. Khan and his surgical team, I'm on my way to recovery and doing quite well. I owe Dr. Khan and his staff my life!"

"Dr. Khan fast tracked my port access mitral valve repair after an incident came out of the blue. He accommodated our unusual schedule demands. The procedure went smoothly and recovery has been steady, although slower than I mistakenly expected."

"Dr. Khan used port access to repair my leaky mitral valve. i'd never heard of the procedure; neither had doctors I know; that's how new this procedure is. But boy, is it great. My surgery was just three weeks ago. I'm already up and around: I'm going out, going to work, driving, riding a motor scooter, whatever. Friends who've had to have open-heart surgery, or who know others who've had the old-fashioned procedure, cannot believe how close to totally recovered I am. Of course, port access is not available for all kinds of cardiac surgery, and most surgeons don't know how to do it. Indeed, almost no other surgeons do it. I was referred to Dr. Khan purely by chance, but I am very glad I was"

"I've had a heart murmur since I was a kid. Then, when I went in for a routine exam in 2011, I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and told that I would need valve replacement surgery. I was in denial for 5 years from the original diagnosis because I had a traumatic procedure as a kid and plus, I was asymptomatic.

In 2016, I finally took the step to get the surgery. I started my pre-surgery testing in October 2016. I knew then after my online research and from Adam Pick's book that I wanted a minimally invasive approach. As a Dentist, I like to think technically about such huge health concerns and do my research.

I discovered Dr. Khan and his group after a search through different surgeons in California. I went in to two different surgeons at Reno and UC Davis and I was disappointed that I was not given the minimally invasive procedure option. I was set on the port procedure. Most surgeons still only do the full sternotomy/open-heart surgery. I researched tirelessly and endlessly for the right doctor. I did not want to just agree to the first surgeon who was recommended. I was willing to go a distance for the procedure if I found the right surgeon.

After reading about the different doctors online and in Adam's book, I found Dr. Khan at East Bay Cardiac Surgery Center. Dr. Khan is well known for doing the port procedure. I found him by using Adam Pick's website. When I had called his office, Dr. Khan called me back personally the next day and suggested that I could be a part of the transcatheter trial program if I qualified (although I did not qualify, I was still set on Dr. Khan as my surgeon as he would still do a minimally invasive procedure). I went to go meet him and his team in Oakland and three weeks later I went in for the surgery.

From the very beginning, the entire staff was amazing. They were patient and kind and very understanding about my fears going into this surgery. Dr. Khan is an incredibly focused person. You can tell that he lives for this and is very technical. This sealed the deal for me and I knew he was the right surgeon for my valve surgery.

A special shout-out goes to PA Lauren. Her kindness, mannerism and professionalism went a very long way in making me feel comfortable.

All of the nurses and staff were wonderful. The 8th floor recovery center is well-equipped and there are nice views of the bay from every room.

It has been three weeks now since the surgery and my incision site is already 80% healed and I am taking long walks and driving. This wouldn't be the case if I had the sternotomy.

I definitely recommend Dr. Khan and the side port procedure. I give him the highest recommendation. His surgical expertise is what I was looking for in a 21st century AVR surgery. He is way ahead of the game and the port procedure is definitely the way of the future."

"He is very careful, conservative, & better than good. He is a perfectionist. He did not spend a lot of time with me at any time but he did a hard job perfect. It is what he calls a "redo". I had bypass surgery 15 years earlier. This will be my second time being opened & scar tissue can be tough to work with. His staff was always there. His staff is very smart & sympathetic & patient. I get the idea that it a "team" effort. To start with he said he'd go to a meeting where the decision would be made on how to proceed. They (not me) had 2 choices. Second: someone used the word "team". I HATE that word when Target or a fast food restaurant uses it. I think it is very appropriate with him. He had 4 or more nurses with us when he spoke with me & my wife. I asked what his statistics were & he replied that I had a 5% chance of death & an additional 7% chance of a complication (stroke, need another bypass - I presume as my artery may be damaged, etc). That is hard to swallow. He also said that I had a 50% chance of death in 12-18 months if I did not do it. Of course I was afraid & scared. He postponed my surgery when he didn't like one of my test results.

My cardiologist said that some surgeons will not do a "redo" & some will try regardless & others have a lot of confidence in themselves. I believe that Dr. Khan has a lot of confidence in himself. If you are facing this surgery, you could be one of the unlucky ones. Of course if I was one of the unlucky ones, I wouldn't be completing this survey. I told my wife that unless there was gross negligence (like leaving a scissor inside of me), I did not want any lawsuit for a mistake. He is only human. I had confidence that I had the best possible & I was ready for the consequences.

Last I want to talk about my original symptoms. I would wake up with a sharp mind. As the day would proceed I'd begin to lose my ability to focus my thinking. I also would have angina with maybe 5 blocks of walking. In my case my cardiologist said it "could" be due to my heart murmur (leaking heart valve). I was convinced that it was. As time passed my cardiologist came to side with me. Symptoms are not always the same & your symptoms could or even probably would be different. I am in week 3 after surgery tomorrow. I am walking at a fast (for my condition) pace up hills. Before surgery I positively would be feeling angina. I am angina free! To me, the results are everything. I was always comfortable with his staff. I saw them a lot in the hospital. They are INTERESTED & COMFORTING.

I have a new lease on life. I can see me swimming again. I've been afraid to venture too far from shore as I had been afraid that angina may prevent me from swimming back to shore. I also see me riding a bicycle again.

I would recommend Dr. Khan & his staff to anyone facing any kind of heart surgery. I will state it differently. I would go out of my way to have him be my surgeon. Just be prepared for the worst. I got as many of my affairs in order as I could. Fortunately I didn't need to."

"Excellent surgeon! Doctor Khan's assistant, Wendy, was excellent too. Great customer service from the first day me met. I truly applaud this team."

"Surgery great!"

"Dr Khan ann staff where competent, quick and caring. Its now 4 years later I can do mild yoga 3-4 days a week, walk around 3 miles a day, I did 110 push-ups within the walk the other day and am now getting in some strength exercise. I take daily track of my vitals (including exercise) and I am very pleased with my life at age 75.5."

"I was very pleased with the outcome of this operation. Everyone was surprised at how quickly I was out of hospital and back home. The surgery was 2 weeks ago, and now I am walking 2 miles a day, driving, and shopping on my own."

"I was apprehensive at first but soon-after I realized I was with very professional folks that would handle my procedure. I was shown a video two days prior to my surgery that explained the entire procedure and what to expect after surgery. This video helped put my utmost trust in the doctors and nurses that would be part of the procedure. Several weeks prior to the surgery, I had various testing -- from cat scans to angiograms and a few other minor testing. When you realize the depth of the testing you begin to get your confidence lifted and your anticipation is starting to subside. I put my trust in my Faith and the professionals that would be doing the procedure and was very, very pleased with the outcome. I started my recovery by walking the hallway in at Alta Bates Summit and continued my short walks after I was released from the hospital. I felt this was a big help as well to my recovery. Thank you very much Dr. Junaid Khan and all the fine folks that took part in my surgery."

"The surgery was done expertly. I had a very fast recovery with minimal amount of pain. I highly recommend Dr. Junaid Khan, MD to anybody contemplating having heart surgery. The nurses were very good at the hospital and office staff were wonderful as well. Overall, we think Dr. Khan is an excellent doctor and did and excellent job."

"I did not know about Dr. Khan until we were introduced through Dr. Yoon, our cardiologist. We then met and spoke with Dr. Khan and staff and from then on we got associated and started to communicate and understand what was going to happen. Once Dr. Khan explained the operation, we were anxious of what was to come. The surgery was postponed due to Dr. Khan needing to make sure the surgery would be successful. Dr. Khan wanted to make sure my wife was free of bad bacteria which was why the surgery was postponed. We trust Dr. Khan for making that decision and for what he is doing to make sure the operation is a success. When the time came after everything was all cleared, Dr. Khan did the operation. It was a very successful one. It was supposed to be 4-6 hours. However, I do believe it only took a little over 2 hours. The news was brought to me that her heart is strong and that the surgery was a successful operation. She was taken to CPU to recover. I received more news that she was going to be released in 4 to 5 days rather than 2 weeks. Everything went according to schedule. The doctor and the hospital staff were all working together for the benefit of the patient, and I am very grateful that they did a very good job and all I can say is I thank you for taking care of my wife. I trust Dr. Khan and his staff for doing a good job. - Frank, Husband"

"Dr. Khan is a wonderful surgeon. He is very informative and reassuring. When I first met him, I felt very confident of his abilities as my surgeon. In the future, I would definitely recommend him to family members and friends."

"Doctor Khan provided excellent care and compassion."

"So fortunate to live in the same city as this amazing surgeon. Can't say enough good things about this man. My heart is great now."

"I had a prolapsed mitral valve with significant regurgitation for 17 years, and was asymptomatic until this June. After a bout of atrial fibrillation, my cardiologist recommended repair/replacement surgery. He also recommended Dr. Junaid Khan as a very experienced surgeon, with extensive expertise in valve repair and minimally invasive techniques. I was fortunate to have a successful repair via the port access procedure, followed by a quick recovery. The minimally invasive approach certainly eased my recovery dramatically. I was walking 6-8 miles a day the first week. I started working and resuming more vigorous exercise within 5 weeks. Dr. Khan also performed a Maze procedure to control future arrhythmia, and I have been in stable rhythm for 4 weeks. Dr. Junaid Khan has assembled an excellent team at Alta Bates Summit, and their level of professionalism made me feel very confident that I was in good hands. In addition, their care and recommendations post-surgery have been very helpful, and were very important to my recovery. My wife and I are very happy that my surgery was performed here on the west coast with Dr. Khan, and we highly recommend him."

"My experience with Dr. Junaid Khan has been very good. He and his team are exemplary. All of the professional staff at Alta-Bates Summit have been outstanding as well. I can truly put my trust in the outstanding team of doctors. My recovery rate is very good and quick. I feel just wonderful after three and one half weeks after surgery. I was actually walking the day after my surgery."

"Dr. Khan and his fantastic team successfully replaced my aortic valve through open heart surgery on May 25, 2011. Five years prior, I had a 4-way bypass with a rough recovery. My cardiologist informed me I was in the beginning stages of congestive heart failure due to my failing aortic valve. We discussed my options. I have to admit, at 83, I am not afraid of dying. However, the quality of life I would have had without the surgery was not something I was willing to put myself or family through. I was referred to Dr. Junaid Khan. He was very a informative and caring doctor. At age 83, I was not excited to do this again but agreed to a second open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. In hindsight, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! To my pleasant surprise I have experienced very little pain and my recovery has been much easy and fast. From the first days after surgery, I was able to feel the benefits of my new valve. Five weeks after surgery, I am walking, with occasional help from a cane. I use a walker now only if I get up at night as a precaution (better safe than sorry). I am walking up and down 17 stairs daily to my bedroom and stairs outside for walks. I am eating well and even prepare some of my meals as I continue to get stronger. I still get a little fatigued but that is improving daily. I recommend Dr. Khan and his team highly to anyone needing heart surgery. Dr. Khan is an excellent surgeon! He and his team have made this procedure as comfortable for me as possible, for that I am grateful. But most of all, had I not done this surgery the quality of my life would have become unbearable. My family and I can not say THANK YOU enough to Dr. Khan and his team for giving me back the quality of life I once knew and am now able to once again enjoy!"

"I had a very good experience with Dr. Junaid Khan and the medical team at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. I wish I had the procedure earlier. It has only been one month and I already feel better then before the operation. Thanks to Dr. Khan!"

"Every aspect of the entire procedure went just fine -- Thanks to Dr. Junaid Khan. I knew what to expect,all the people, surgeons, nurses, ICU, office staff were super and the operation went even better than we had anticipated. It's been 3 weeks post operation and though I feel a bit pooped, I feel fine and am getting stronger every day."

"It's been 7 years today since Dr. Khan performed a valve replacement surgery at Alta Bates on me. His staff and the hospital are number one in my book. Today at 74 years young, feel fine and strong. Men just because you feel fine doesn't mean all is well, that's what felt. Schedule yearly checkups, do what the doctor says and most importantly do what God says."

"Dr. Junaid Khan was very professional and a excellent surgeon. His bedside manners was very good and caring. I am very happy and would recommend his services and staff any time to anybody."

"As an emergency patient, Dr. Junaid Khan fit me into his surgical schedule. It took just 4 days for him to diagnose my problem, complete the appropriate testing and operate on me. I was quite impressed with his expertise on this type of surgery and also was happy that he performed a portal surgical operation. He explained everything to my family and me in detail, but was optimistic that my outcome would be excellent. I left the hospital 2 days after surgery and feel great! It has been almost 3 weeks post op and I am back at work and walking 5 miles a day, thanks to Dr. Khan!"

"Dr. Junaid Khan is an outstanding surgeon. His technical wizardry in replacing my aortic valve with a minimally invasive procedure was simply amazing. He is a likable and emphasitic health care provider and his support staff are simply wonderful."

"Dr. Junaid Khan was great. He let me know about the benefits and risks associated with the procedure. He has a very confident manner that made me as relaxed as possible. The results have been great the portal access procedure enabled me to get back to my life in weeks not months. I was out of the hospital after 3 nights and back to work full time after 5 weeks."

"Dr. Junaid Khan is an excellent technical surgeon who performs many valve repairs and replacements each year, but he is not a 'care giver.' If you choose him you will deal with his excellent staff and the staff of the hospital, but face to face contact will be limited to a 15 min Q & A session that will ONLY be about the FACTS of your case, not you and one 10 min visit post op. I met other patients of his in cardiac rehab and all commented that while his skills are great, his bedside manner is abrupt at best. On the upside 6 mos later I have NO regurgitation, I feel great and a scar you can barely see."

"How do I begin? There are so many great things I can say about Dr. Junaid Khan. I had been seeing different doctors for over 5 years but nobody could tell me what was wrong until I met Dr. Khan. He was able to diagnose my problem and explain to me why I needed to have surgery. I was scared and felt lost but Dr. Khan helped calm my fears. I went through the procedure with flying colors and was up walking in the halls the next day. I had a speedy recovery, I feel better and I am doing fine. I am so glad that Dr. Khan healed my sickness and repaired my heart. Dr. Khan will always have a special place in my heart."

"For the last ten years I have had a condition where any exertion such as going upstairs, walking 100 yards, etc., caused shortness of breath. This condition was getting worse to the point that it curtailed most of my activities. I was referred to Dr. Junaid Khan, a cardiac surgeon, who has developed a new procedure for an aortic valve replacement that is less invasive than previous methods. Some of my family questioned whether at my age, 91 years, I was too old for such a procedure.. The operation was less than 3 hours, the next day I was walking the halls of the hospital, home in 4 days; and driving my car and resuming most normal activities in 20 days. My family, friends and I are very pleased with how Dr. Khan and his talented staff gave me back my breath. I am glad I had the surgery."

"Not a day goes by when I am out riding my bike, playing drums, or running up stairs that I don't say outloud, Thank You Dr. Junaid Khan! I still can't believe I had heart surgery on September 15th and was traveling in Cambodia on December 16th. Every day I say a prayer for you. Thank you for giving me 50 more years!"

"Dr. Junaid Khan was awesome!! The scar is barely visible and his bedside manner was great. I am more than happy with the result. It is due to his surgical expertise that I did not need a replacement valve, as he was able to repair the valve."

"My cardiologist recommended Dr. Junaid Khan because of his expertise in minimally invasive heart surgery. I met with Dr. Khan and found him knowledgeable, caring and considerate. He took all the time needed to calm my fears and those of my family, and answered all our questions clearly and patiently. His team is wonderful and his skill impressive. He replaced my damaged atrial valve and left me with only a small scar. I recovered quickly and was ready for discharge in three days. Dr. Khan visited me on the recovery ward and listened patiently to everything I wanted to tell him. In my eyes, he is a consummate professional. I felt completely safe in his hands, and remain grateful for his talents and his care."

"I was 75 when Dr. Junaid Khan did my valve replacement. I chose the Port Access method in spite of my nephew's (heart surgeon) objection. My recovery was quick & painless. I had a shower on the third day and I was up and about very soon after. I returned home & traveled across the world within 6 months. Thanks to Dr. Khan, my valve & health are good (now 82). I recommend Dr. to anyone at anytime."