Cigarroa

February 4, 2025

A Heartfelt Collaboration: The Cigarroa Clinic’s Continuum of Care that Prioritizes Patient Care

In an era where personalized medical care is paramount, the Cigarroa Clinic stands out with its unmatched collaborative approach to cardiology. Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa and his son, Dr. Ricky Cigarroa II, both highly respected Interventional Cardiologists, lead a practice that prioritizes comprehensive cardiovascular care. A key part of this patient-centered approach is their close collaboration with Dr. Arthur Santos, a skilled Cardiac Thoracic Surgeon based at Laredo Medical Center. While Dr. Santos is not part of the Cigarroa Clinic, their seamless coordination ensures that patients receive the highest quality care at every stage of treatment.

A Commitment to Excellence

Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, a pioneer in interventional cardiology, emphasizes the importance of teamwork in providing exceptional care. 

“At the Cigarroa Clinic, we believe that collaboration is the key to successful outcomes,” Dr. Cigarroa states. “By working closely with Dr. Santos, and the team at Laredo Medical Center, we can ensure our patients receive the most comprehensive treatment possible.”

Dr. Ricky Cigarroa II echoes this sentiment. “Our patients deserve the best, which means leveraging each of our specialties to create a holistic approach to their cardiovascular health.”

With a fresh perspective shaped by the latest advancements in medicine, Dr. Ricky is passionate about integrating innovative techniques into their practice.

The Heart of the Matter

At the Cigarroa Clinic, the focus is on accurate diagnostics and cutting-edge interventional procedures. The clinic’s ambulatory surgical center allows Dr. Ricardo and Dr. Ricky to perform a wide range of minimally invasive cardiovascular and peripheral procedures, ensuring that patients receive expert care close to home.

For advanced surgical interventions such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic valve replacements (AVR), mitral valve replacements (MVR), femoral bypasses, and carotid endarterectomies (CEA), the Cigarroa Clinic refers patients to Dr. Santos at Laredo Medical Center. This referral process is highly streamlined thanks to the strong working relationship between the physicians and the efficiency of both the clinic and hospital teams.

“Surgery is often the final step in a patient’s journey,” Dr. Santos explains. “The diagnostic expertise of the Cigarroas allows us to plan ahead and ensure that every patient receives the right treatment at the right time.”

This high level of coordination minimizes delays, reduces stress for patients, and ultimately leads to better outcomes. The ability to quickly transition from diagnosis to intervention—whether it be a catheter-based procedure at the clinic or a major surgery at the hospital—exemplifies a system built on trust, respect, and shared commitment to patient well-being.

In 2024, this partnership led to over 100 life-saving open-heart surgeries performed at Laredo Medical Center, highlighting the profound impact of their collaboration on the community. 

Patient-Centered Care

What truly sets the Cigarroa Clinic apart is their commitment to putting patients first. The trio believes informed patients are empowered patients. 

“We make it a priority to educate our patients about their conditions and treatment options,” says Dr. Ricky. “When patients understand their health, they become active participants in their care.”

This patient-centric approach means they often gather to discuss high-risk cases, share insights, and devise comprehensive treatment plans. 

“This collaboration ensures that we consider all angles before making decisions,” Dr. Ricardo adds.

Looking Ahead

The Cigarroa Clinic is continuously evolving to meet the needs of the Laredo community. With a commitment to innovation and accessibility, the clinic is exploring ways to expand services, ensuring patients receive the latest advancements in cardiovascular care without leaving their hometown.

“Our vision is to make sure the citizens of Laredo have access to top-tier heart care right here at home,” Dr. Ricky explains. “As technology advances, we are eager to integrate new treatments and techniques that can enhance patient care even further.” 

With a shared vision and unwavering commitment, Dr. Ricardo, Dr. Ricky, and Dr. Santos are not only treating hearts; they are healing lives.

To make an appointment with the Cigarroa Clinic, call (956) 725-1228. The clinic also accepts same-day appointments at 1710 E. Saunders, Tower B, Suite 500. Comprehensive services provided at the Cigarroa Clinic can be found at cigarroaclinic.com or by following the clinic on IG @Cigarroa Clinic.