Facing Open Heart Surgery?

A Mayo Clinic study of 286 patients found that 66% of diagnoses were refined or changed after a second opinion, and 21% were completely different.¹

In heart surgery, when the stakes are so high —

It just makes sense to get a second opinion.

A complimentary, same-day phone call with a Verus heart surgeon can lead to the clarity you need today, for a better outcome tomorrow.
You'll be discussing your case with a Verus Expert in the next 30 minutes!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Core Philosophy

At Verus, we believe that every patient deserves absolute clarity before open heart surgery.

Modern medicine runs on data, but trust still runs on people.

Our mission is to combine world-class clinical  expertise with the precision of cutting-edge AI — so every decision, every risk score, and every recommendation reflects both science and conscience.

Rahul R. Handa, MD
Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Close-up of a black stethoscope resting on a brown blood pressure cuff laid on a white fabric surface.
What we do
Verus ˈvɛ.rus/noun.
Latin.

1. “Truth,” or that which is genuine, real, unaltered.

2. The foundation of confidence when the stakes are highest.
At Verus, we bring truth, clarity, and confidence to the most complex corner of modern medicine — open heart surgery.

Our platform combines the judgment of leading cardiac surgeons and cardiologists with the analytical precision of advanced AI — reviewing your entire medical record, mapping each finding against national guidelines, and translating it into clear, actionable insight.
Grounded in the latest national guidelines and the strongest evidence from leading cardiovascular and thoracic surgery journals.
IconIconIconIconIcon
Lise S.
My journey began with an ER visit for a cracked femur and pneumonia, which quickly progressed to hospitalization due to concerns about persistent afib and the need for additional testing. A leaking mitral valve was identified, and I went from feeling invincible to fragile in a day.

Follow up to a short hospitalization turned into months of waiting to get on the schedule for the required tests and a surgical consult. I was scheduled for open heart surgery, but shortly before surgery, the surgeon was replaced with a non-board-certified one, prompting me to seek second opinions. I wish I had sought a second opinion earlier.

Dr. Handa helped me grasp the complexity of my case and assisted in moving my surgery to UCLA, a mitral valve center of excellence, with Dr. Shemin, a leading mitral valve surgeon. The surgery was completely successful, with no complications. Dr. Handa explained each aspect of the surgery and recovery, easing my fears. Three months after surgery, Dr. Patel joined my care team to advise on recovery and long-term care.

Verus Surgical Consultants' support has been invaluable. Their dedication and expertise have instilled in me a profound sense of confidence in my decisions and path forward. I highly recommend them for their exceptional care and commitment to their patients.
85%
Rate of alternatives available when surgery is initially recommended.
11%
Rate of average diagnostic error in the US.
67%
Of second opinions recommend a change in diagnosis or treatement when surgery was initially advised.
795k+
Annual cases of serious harm due to diagnostic error.
Clarity.
Evidence-based answers, always.
We decode complex records into straightforward, evidence-based answers. You’ll know exactly why surgery is recommended — or why it might not be.
Close-up of a white coat with a stethoscope labeled 'RAHUL R. PANDA, MD' and a blue lanyard reading 'AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THORACIC SURGERY'.
Precision.
Unparalleled AI technology meets surgical expertise.
Our reports are powered by Verus AI, benchmarked against national surgical outcomes to ensure accuracy and consistency in every recommendation.
Medical professional in protective gear analyzing a medical scan on a computer screen in a clinical setting.
Confidence.
World-class experts by your side, every step of the way.
Every opinion is surgeon-verified, data-supported, and personally explained — so you can move forward knowing you’ve seen the full picture.
Colorful anatomical model of a human heart placed on an open textbook with medical diagrams and text.

See what patients and families are saying about their experience with Verus.

"Verus is truly exceptional.

They went above and beyond for my dad during his open-heart surgery—always available by phone to answer questions, explain next steps, and guide us with clear reasoning.

Their knowledge, compassion, and ability to make us feel like family gave us confidence throughout the entire process.

We are beyond grateful for their care and highly recommend them to anyone in need of a cardiothoracic surgeon."
Dustin V.
Family Member
IconIconIconIconIcon
"I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience.

Both doctors took the time to review my medical history and current status, offering clear, easy to understand guidance on my options moving forward.

They helped put me at ease before my cardiac procedure and provided clarity and education at a time when medical technology is advancing.

Verus truly stands out for their expertise, compassion, and commitment to patient understanding."
Ryan E.
Patient
IconIconIconIconIcon
"My family member was diagnosed with a serious valve-related condition that needed urgent surgery to prevent life-threatening complications. While it took weeks and weeks to navigate the complicated referral to cardiologists and surgeons, The team at Verus Surgical Consultants bypassed the cumbersome process.

They reviewed the workup, explained it to us in great, easy-to-understand detail, and helped plug us in to a world-class surgeon locally who specialized in the exact condition.

Before Verus, we felt trapped in the slow lane and unable to merge. With Verus, we were on warp-speed and got the life-saving care we needed. Verus was very knowledgeable, accessible, and gave us great peace of mind.

I would recommend Verus to anyone navigating the world of heart surgery that would benefit from a guide, especially when time is of the essence."
Kevin J,
Family Member
IconIconIconIconIcon
"Verus immediately got on the phone and made arrangements for my father to be transferred to Johns Hopkins Medical Center.

Today, my Dad is recovering from a successful open heart surgery done by one of the best cardiac teams we could get our hands on.I can’t thank Verus Surgical Consultants enough for their expertise, professionalism, availability, and care.

My whole family felt much more confident and at ease that my Dad was getting the care he needed with their team by our side.

I highly recommend Verus Surgical Consultants if you or a loved one is facing heart surgery and unsure of the right way to go."
Drew V.
Family Member
IconIconIconIconIcon
Arrow
Arrow
Frequently asked questions
Why should I get a second opinion before heart surgery?
Arrow

Because heart surgery is one of the highest-stakes decisions in medicine — and even experienced patients can be given incomplete or rushed information. A Verus second opinion gives you time, data, and direct access to a cardiac surgeon who reviews your entire chart, imaging, and risk profile. Our reports often reveal alternative treatments, safer surgical options, or more experienced programs for your specific condition. In short, we make sure your incision truly needs to happen — and that it’s done by the right team, for the right reason.

Who actually reviews my case at Verus?
Arrow

Every Verus report is reviewed by a cardiothoracic surgeon — not a nurse, not a midlevel. In our “My Heart Team” (MHT) tier, a cardiologist and surgeon review your records together, ensuring both the surgical and medical perspectives are aligned before you make a decision.

How long does the Verus second opinion take?
Arrow

Most reports are completed within 48 hours of receiving your records. Urgent cases can be prioritized even faster. This rapid turnaround is powered by our AI-assisted data review, which parses your medical records instantly while the surgeon focuses on analysis and clinical judgment.

How is Verus different from hospital-based second opinion programs?
Arrow

Most hospital programs route your case through administrative staff and take weeks. Verus connects you directly with a surgeon, uses AI to streamline chart review, and delivers a complete report in 48 hours. We’re also independent — meaning no conflicts of interest, no internal bias, and no push toward a specific facility.

Will Verus replace my cardiologist or surgeon?
Arrow

No. We work alongside your care team, not against them. Our goal is to ensure you understand your diagnosis, your risk, and all available options before proceeding. Think of Verus as your surgical co-pilot — providing clarity, not conflict.

What types of conditions does Verus review?
Arrow

We specialize exclusively in heart surgery and advanced cardiac interventions — including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement (aortic, mitral, tricuspid), aortic aneurysm surgery, and complex reoperations. Every report is tailored to your specific diagnosis and anatomy.

Does Verus accept insurance?
Arrow

At this time, Verus operates as a self-pay service to preserve independence and avoid insurer interference. However, we provide detailed receipts for possible reimbursement under out-of-network review or health savings accounts (HSA/FSA). Insurance integration is planned for future phases.

Can Verus coordinate care if I decide to transfer hospitals?
Arrow

Yes. Our team can facilitate transfer to any U.S. cardiac center, including Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, UCLA, or Johns Hopkins. We communicate directly with receiving teams to ensure continuity, share imaging, and minimize delays. Our goal is to make transfers seamless and stress-free.

Can my family participate in the consultation?
Arrow

Absolutely. Family members are welcome — and encouraged — to join your consultation. We know heart surgery affects more than just one person, so we include loved ones in the discussion for clarity, emotional support, and shared decision-making.

What happens after I receive my Verus report?
Arrow

You’ll meet directly with your reviewing surgeon to go over every finding, recommendation, and alternative. You can choose to continue with your current team, request a referral, or have Verus coordinate care with a new surgeon or hospital. The choice — and control — are yours.

How does Verus protect my privacy and data?
Arrow

Your medical records are encrypted end-to-end, stored securely, and never shared without consent. Each report’s authenticity is verified through SHA-256 blockchain hashing — ensuring that no data can be altered or accessed by anyone outside your care process.