Dr. Neil Freedman

I am a cardiac surgeon caring for adult patients with a broad spectrum of cardiovascular disease, with a particular interest in aortic disease, such as aneurysm or dissection. I also perform many general cardiac surgery operations, such as bypass surgery for blockages in the coronary arteries and valve repair or replacement for narrowed or leaky valves. Every year, we continue to expand our transcatheter treatments for valve diseases and endovascular treatments for aortic diseases. Both of these approaches involve small incisions in the leg, addressing the problem with wires and catheters, rather than traditional open surgery. I chose to train and work as heart surgeon because it allows me to care for patients with life threatening conditions and debilitating symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Our goal at Duke Health is to extend lives and restore quality of life, enabling patients to return to their passions at home. I hope that heart surgery is something most patients only go through once in a lifetime. I strive to create an atmosphere where patients and their loved ones feel they are educated and involved leading up to surgery and during their recovery process. Dr. Vekstein is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Aortic Dissection. His top areas of expertise are Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Aortic Dissection, Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Heart Valve Repair.

Douglas Schocken is a Cardiologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Schocken is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Aortic Dissection. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema, and Hypertension.

Thomas Bashore is a Cardiologist in Durham,, North Carolina. Dr. Bashore is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Aortic Dissection. His top areas of expertise are Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Valve Stenosis, Aortic Regurgitation, and Atrial Fibrillation.