Dr Clavell did my surgery on 1/29/25. He is the same guy in person as he is on YouTube: straightforward, outgoing, great bedside manner.
During this new video he talks about why some patients need pre-clearance from a Cardiologist. Since I was over 65 (age 72) he recommended I get cleared by a cardiologist and submit an EKG prior to surgery. Well, I didn't have a cardiologist since I wasn't aware of any cardiac issues. I almost asked I could skip it since I'm pretty fit and healthy, but decided one more test won't kill me.
Since I was flying to Houston for my surgery, Clavell arranged for me to be video conferenced with a local cardiologist he knows in Houston. I went and had an EKG at my regular Dr's office in DC beforehand and sent it to him.
It turned out I have a previously undiagnosed cardiac issue, called a Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB). It's a minor electrical conduction problem that often occurs with age among other reasons. I discussed the RBBB with the cardiologist and was cleared for surgery. Had I skipped the EKG and cardiologist clearance, I could have had my surgery cancelled by the anesthetist while under anesthesia.
So moral of the story: don't try to take any shortcuts. Do everything your surgeon recommends both pre and post op to minimize problems.