Cardiac Clinic FAQs

Mr Adrian Pick’s Cardiac Clinic provides expert surgical care for a range of heart conditions, including mitral valve disease (mitral regurgitation and stenosis), coronary artery disease (blocked or narrowed arteries), atrial fibrillation and other rhythm disorders, and structural heart conditions (including congenital or acquired issues).

As a highly trained cardiothoracic surgeon, Mr Pick specialises in complex cardiac surgery, offering personalised treatment plans and advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive heart surgery and valve-sparing approaches. Patients are cared for with a collaborative, team-based model involving cardiologists, GPs, and rehabilitation specialists.

The mitral valve is one of the heart’s key valves, helping blood flow in the correct direction. Mitral valve disease occurs when this valve doesn’t open or close properly. The two most common forms are:

• Mitral Regurgitation – the valve doesn’t close tightly, allowing blood to leak backwards.
• Mitral Stenosis – the valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow.

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and a heart murmur. If left untreated, mitral valve disease can lead to heart failure or arrhythmias. Mr Pick is a mitral valve repair specialist, with expertise in restoring normal valve function to preserve long-term heart health.

Surgery is recommended when mitral valve disease becomes severe, especially if it’s causing symptoms or starting to affect heart function. In many cases, early intervention—before symptoms become disabling—can significantly improve outcomes.

Common reasons for surgery include:

• Severe mitral regurgitation or stenosis
• Symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance
• Worsening heart muscle function on imaging

Mr Pick works closely with your cardiologist to determine the right time for surgery and whether valve repair or replacement is most appropriate.

There are two main approaches to mitral valve surgery:

• Mitral Valve Repair – the preferred option when possible, preserving your natural valve
• Mitral Valve Replacement – used when the valve is too damaged to repair

Mr Pick has extensive experience in valve-sparing techniques, offering patients better long-term heart function and lower risk of complications. Where appropriate, he also performs minimally invasive or robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery, using smaller incisions for quicker recovery and less post-operative discomfort.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries, which can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle. It’s a leading cause of angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, and heart attacks.

When medications and stents aren’t enough, surgical intervention may be needed. Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) restores blood flow by creating new pathways around the blocked arteries. This procedure improves heart function, reduces symptoms, and lowers the risk of future cardiac events.

Coronary artery bypass surgery involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body—usually the leg or chest—and grafting it to bypass a blocked coronary artery. This restores blood flow to the heart muscle.

Mr Pick offers both traditional and minimally invasive CABG, including off-pump techniques (surgery performed without a heart-lung machine) for select patients. Benefits of CABG include:

• Improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart
• Relief from angina and breathlessness
• Better quality of life and long-term survival

Mr Pick will carefully assess your condition to recommend the safest and most effective approach.

Recovery after heart surgery typically involves:

• Hospital stays, usually 5-7 days after CABG or valve surgery
• Pain management and wound care with dedicated support from nursing staff
• Cardiac rehabilitation, including supervised exercise and education
• Return to normal life. Most patients resume daily activities within 6-8 weeks

Follow-up care includes regular check-ins with Mr Pick and your cardiologist to monitor healing and long-term heart function. Our team is committed to supporting you at every stage of recovery.

As with any major surgery, there are risks—these may include bleeding, infection, or irregular heart rhythms. However, these risks are carefully managed by Mr Pick and his experienced surgical team.

Mr Pick is known for his precision and expertise in high-risk and complex cardiac procedures, with a strong focus on safety, outcomes, and evidence-based care. He works closely with anaesthetists, ICU teams, and cardiologists to ensure optimal support before, during, and after surgery.

Yes. Cardiac surgery is one step on your ongoing heart care journey. After surgery, you’ll continue follow-up with your cardiologist to monitor your heart health and manage any underlying risk factors (like high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol).

Cardiac rehabilitation is an important part of recovery, helping to restore strength and confidence. Mr Pick’s team works with your GP and cardiologist to ensure seamless, long-term care.

Mr Adrian Pick is a highly trained cardiothoracic surgeon with a special focus on:

• Mitral valve repair and replacement
• Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)
• Minimally invasive and complex cardiac surgery

Known for his precision, compassion, and collaborative approach, Mr Pick partners with referring cardiologists and GPs to create personalised treatment plans. Patients receive clear communication, holistic care, and support every step of the way, from diagnosis to long-term recovery.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a cardiac condition and would like to explore your treatment options, or if you’re a GP or cardiologist seeking a specialist referral, please contact Mr Adrian Pick’s Cardiac Clinic. Referrals can be made directly by your GP or treating specialist.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more, please call (03) 9509 9577, fill out our referral form, or visit our contact page.