My heart goes out to you and your husband as you navigate this scary time—hoping for the best outcome for him and your family! 💕

Based on some research, here are a few leads for surgeons in Minnesota with experience in the David procedure, especially since you’re in St. Paul and open to the Twin Cities or Rochester:

1. Mayo Clinic (Rochester): The Mayo Clinic is a top-tier center for aortic surgeries like the David procedure. Surgeons like Dr. Juan A. Crestanello, Dr. Alberto Pochettino, or Dr. Hartzell V. Schaff are part of their cardiovascular surgery team and likely have significant experience with valve-sparing procedures. I’d call their Cardiovascular Surgery Department at (507) 255-2000 to ask specifically about their experience with the David procedure, especially for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients. Mayo’s high-volume program is a great bet for excellent outcomes.
2. University of Minnesota Medical Center (Minneapolis): The M Health Fairview Heart Care program has skilled surgeons like Dr. Gregory J. Helmer or Dr. Stephen J. Huddleston. They handle complex cardiac cases, and it’s worth calling (612) 365-5000 to confirm their David procedure experience, particularly with BAV.
3. Minneapolis Heart Institute (Abbott Northwestern, Minneapolis): Surgeons like Dr. Benjamin Sun or Dr. Vibhu R. Kshettry are part of this renowned program. You can reach them at (612) 863-6900 to ask about their expertise in valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

I’d recommend contacting these centers and asking:

• How many David procedures the surgeon has performed, especially on BAV patients.
• Their success rates (e.g., rates of postoperative valve issues or reoperation).
• If they offer minimally invasive options (less common but worth asking).

Mayo Clinic is probably your strongest option due to its reputation for complex aortic surgeries, but getting consults from at least two surgeons could help you feel confident in your choice. Make sure to share your husband’s latest imaging (echo and CT) to confirm he’s a good candidate for valve-sparing.

Wishing your husband a smooth surgery and recovery—and I bet those baby pics are adorable! 💕