Dr. Skarsgard was my surgeon in 2004, when he replaced my mitral valve with mechanical valve . Now, 20 years later, 2024, I still have no problems with it . A fantastic surgeon. Thank you, Dr. Skarsgard.

Submitted April 29, 2024

In March of 2023, I was diagnosed as having a significant heart murmur. This came as a shock to both myself, and my GP, as I had lead a healthy lifestyle, which included active exercise (4-5 times per week), was a non smoker, occasional drinker, and followed a healthy diet. There was also no history of heart issues in my family. Further tests (Angiogram) revealed that I not only had a left Mitral valve that was not working properly but I had four heart arteries that were blocked (one 70%, two 50%, and one 40%). My cardiologist referred me to Dr. Peter Skarsgard who he called the top valve replacement surgeon in Vancouver. My cardiologist indicated that my Mitral valve was beyond repair, and needed to be replaced.

To make a long story short, I had a telephone conversation with Dr. Skarsgard about a month or so prior to my surgery. I expected Dr. Skarsgard being a surgeon to lack so called "bedside manners?" Not that I cared as my preference was his surgical skills! Dr. Skarsgard was an attentive listener, and he answered all of the questions that I asked him, in a very respectful and professional manner. Dr. Skarsgard informed me that he could repair the Mitral valve, and that he and his surgical team would bypass the one 70% blocked heart artery with a blood vessel from my leg vein (saphenus vein).

On December 13th, 2023, I had my heart surgery. Prior to the surgery, and while being prepped for surgery I met Dr. Skarsgard in person for the first time. This meeting lasted less that five minutes.

My Mitral valve was repaired by using an angioplasty ring, and I was very pleased that it could be repaired versus replaced. After the surgery I personally had no pain, and I was released from the hospital on the following Monday. I have followed up my surgery with all of the recommended exercises, and am currently attending Cardiac Re-hab exercise classes twice a week for 26 weeks.

I have had my post operation follow-up phone call with Dr. Skarsgard. I could have requested an in person meeting but chose not to.

Getting the needed surgical care in the B.C. medical system was frustrating, and I personally got to see how our medical system needs fixing. Having said that once I had my surgery at Vancouver General Hospital, and being exposed to these medical professionals (Surgeon's, doctor's, anesthesiologist's and nurse's), I cannot speak highly enough of each and every one of them! They were not only professional, but they also showed empathy, and provided the best care possible.

I would like to give a special shout out to Austina a nurse in Post operative care, and Grace a nurse in the Cardiac Recovery Unit, at Vancouver General hospital. They were simply outstanding. Joyce from Dr. Skargard's office was very helpful in guiding me through this stressful process.

Dr. Peter Skarsgard is an excellent surgeon, and I would highly recommend him should you require heart surgery.

Lastly I have some significant scars from my surgery, and as a result the medical professional's (pre and post operation) who were a part of my medical prognosis, surgical team, and recovery, will always remain in my memory as part of my life.

A heartfelt thanks!

Rudy

Submitted March 30, 2024

My husband had his mitral valve replaced and the tricuspid repaired by Dr. Skarsgard in March 2016. What was to be a 5-hour surgery, became an 8-hour surgery because the mitral valve which was originally only to be repaired, had to be replaced! Dr. Skarsgard is a highly skilled, knowledgeable and excellent surgeon, who was prepared for the inevitable that saved my husband’s life. Today, nearing the 7th year since the surgery, my husband is doing well. I thank God for giving my husband a surgeon, who is not only brilliant and skilled, but a caring and sensitive human being. Thank you, Dr. Skarsgard.

Submitted Feb. 13, 2023

Dr. Skarsgard is extremely knowledgeable and highly skilled at what he does. He tries his best to not do a valve replacement if there is even a slim possibility that it can be repaired. I had a defective mitral valve that I was told by my cardiologist would require replacement. But Dr. Skarsgard was able to repair it. Amazing surgeon and great bedside manner too.

Submitted Jan. 19, 2023

My husband had aorta valve replacement on May 30, 2022. Dr Skarsgard was very friendly & explained everything well. He contacted me right after the surgery & was very informative. We were very apprehensive for my husband to have this surgery & Dr Skarsgard’s kind & competent manor was very much appreciated! If you need heart surgery we highly recommend Dr Skarsgard!

Submitted Nov. 28, 2022

Thanks to Dr. Skarsgård I am thriving 7 years after he replaced my mitral valve and repaired the tricuspid. I am so fortunate to have this skilled surgeon. He is the best of the best.

Submitted Feb. 26, 2022

Long overdue..
I am still alive!! 5 yrs now ,Dr Skarsgard fixed my Aortic Aneurysm and my valve.
He is most caring, humble,knowledgeable , very compassionate Dr..
He is brilliant .He explained all of the options and everything I need to know on the procedure.
I was lucky to have Dr Skarsgard assigned fir my surgery.
I am forever grateful.
I miss you Dr. !!!

Submitted Jan. 14, 2022

Dr. Peter Skarsgard is Awesome Experience Surgeon in the World. Absolutely He is the Best ! There Are Not Enough Words to Describe How Grateful We are for His Care of My Mum. My Mum Has just Returned Home From Having A 4 x Bypass, 6 Hours Long Heart Surgery in October 2021 at VGH. What an Amazing Job and Wonderful Top 1 Team in the World! We are so Appreciate Dr. Peter Skarsgard and All the Staff on the 10th floor at VGH. Forever Grateful from All My Heart And Soul. All My Whole Family and Friends Give You Guys 5- Star Score! XXXXX X ------ MERCI -------- 非常非常地感谢您挽救我妈妈的生命！

Submitted Oct. 29, 2021

Dr. Peter Skarsgard, is a brilliant and skilled surgeon. I am so grateful to him and to his surgical team for my double valve repair. Two other doctors told me that one of the valves would have to be replaced, it was so damaged, but Dr. Skarsgard was able to repair it. I feel great and am so grateful to be alive. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dr. Skarsgard.

Submitted Aug. 12, 2021

A brilliant and skilled surgeon!! Had to have a procedure called pericardiectomy as the pericardium had thickened causing CHF and ascites. Thank you for saving my life Dr. Skarsgard!! I am blessed and am grateful to you and your surgical team. David L.

Submitted Dec. 15, 2020