Richard Ryckoff, a retired American living in Phuket, is enjoying life in the Thai resort. He spends his time doing his favorite pastime, cycling and reading. Then recently he felt breathless even when not exercising.

He consulted a cardiologist and the initial prognosis wasn’t positive. He got in touch with my American partner Planet Hospital and within a week he was in Singapore for medical treatment.

He went through a number of tests at the National University Hospital under the supervision of A/Prof Theo Kofidis, a specialist in minimally invasive surgery for heart valve. Richard was told he may need a mitral heart valve replacement but luckily Prof Kofidis managed to repair his valve without replacement.

After staying at the ICU for 3 days and another week at the normal ward, Richard was discharged and went home to Phuket today.

Prof Kofidis examining Richard                     Myself, Prof Kofidis and Richard

before discharge from hospital