Professional Experience
- Current Position: Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgeon at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital since 1995
- Previous Roles: Cardiac Surgery Resident at Istanbul University’s Institute of Cardiology (1986–1991)
- Surgical Experience: Performed nearly 12,000 heart surgeries, including approximately 5,000 pediatric heart surgeries
Academic Contributions
- Regular participant in annual meetings of the American Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS)
- Contributor to medical literature on pediatric cardiac surgery, including studies on the Fontan procedure
Areas of Expertise
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Specializes in surgical treatment of congenital heart anomalies such as ventricular septal defects (VSD), Tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and single ventricle diseases
- Aortic Surgery: Expertise in surgical procedures involving the aorta
- Heart Valve Diseases: Surgical management of various heart valve conditions
Publications and Research
Dr. Polat has contributed to several peer-reviewed journals, focusing on pediatric cardiac surgery. Notably, he co-authored a study titled “27 years of experience with the Fontan procedure: characteristics and clinical outcomes of children in a tertiary referral hospital,” which analyzes long-term outcomes of the Fontan operation in children with single ventricle physiology.
His research emphasizes the importance of surgical techniques in improving patient survival and reducing complications in complex congenital heart diseases.
Patient Care Philosophy
- Patient-Centered Approach: Emphasizes clear communication and empathy to ensure families are well-informed and comfortable with treatment plans
- International Patient Services: Offers online pre-consultations and is experienced in treating international patients, ensuring cultural sensitivity and personalized care
- Commitment to Excellence: Dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes through meticulous surgical techniques and comprehensive postoperative care
Professional Affiliations
- National: Member of the Cardiovascular Surgery Association of Turkey
- International: Regular attendee of the American Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) annual meetings
FAQs
- Is Dr. Ahmet Bülent Polat board-certified?
- Yes, Dr. Polat is a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon with extensive experience in pediatric heart surgeries.
- What types of surgeries does he perform?
- He specializes in pediatric cardiac surgeries, including procedures for congenital heart defects, aortic surgeries, and heart valve repairs.
- Does he treat international patients?
- Yes, Dr. Polat offers services to international patients, including online pre-consultations and culturally sensitive care plans.
- How long is the typical hospital stay after pediatric heart surgery?
- The length of hospital stay varies depending on the procedure and patient condition, but Dr. Polat ensures comprehensive postoperative care to facilitate recovery.
- What languages does he speak?
- Dr. Polat is proficient in English and Turkish, enabling effective communication with a diverse patient population.
