Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
Dr. Nabil Sabbak is an Interventional Cardiologist who specializes in minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures to treat valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, and heart failure.
Dr. Sabbak completed fellowship training in Cardiovascular Medicine, Interventional and Structural Cardiology at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. Under the mentorship of leaders in the field, he developed an advanced skillset performing complex procedures including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), mitral and tricuspid valve repair and replacement, pulmonary valve replacement, patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) including treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO), left atrial appendage occlusion (Watchman), and implantation of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices for heart failure patients.
His research interests have focused on novel techniques to treat valvular heart disease, and the prevention and management of coronary artery disease. He is passionate about delivering high quality patient care with the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Sabbak completed internal medicine residency at Emory University, medical school at the Medical College of Georgia, and undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University where he obtained degrees in Economics and Neuroscience.
He is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and is happy to return home and serve the community where he grew up.
Meet Nabil Sabbak, MD
Specialties
Interventional Cardiology
Cardiovascular Disease
Nuclear Cardiology
Education & Training
Medical College of Georgia-Augusta University
Degree
Doctor of Medicine
Residency
Emory University School of Medicine
Fellowship
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine - Interv/Card
American Board of Internal Medicine Cardiovascular
Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Languages spoken
English
Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures
Alcohol Septal Ablation (ASA) in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Aortic Stenosis
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure
Cardiogenic Shock Management using percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS)
Cardiovascular Research
Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO)
Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Congenital Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Atherectomy
Coronary Lithotripsy
Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE)
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO, Watchman device)
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
I learned much about my condition and was given sufficient information to make my decision. Also, the Doctor was very polite, personal and extremely in tune with my questions. Can't praise this Doctor enough. Thank you Wellstar!
March 23, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak is great. He takes lots of time to ask questions, offers suggestions and seems very interested in my well-being. He is awesome.
March 19, 2026
5
Dr. Sabbak was very professional and very personable as well. He came and talked to me in mom when I was recovering and just was very personal, very kind, and went beyond what he had to do because that was not necessary for him to make a personal visit there, but I appreciated that. And yes, such a young-looking doctor is very professional, very knowledgeable, and very experienced. So I was very impressed. My initial doctor wasn't able to do the time that I needed to have the surgery done. And Dr. Sabbak was available, and it just worked out for the very, very best. Thank you very much.
March 18, 2026
5
The provider explained everything in a way that we could understand it very well.
March 14, 2026
5
Doctor and staff put my mind at ease for an upcoming procedure and answered all of my concerns. Great job!
February 27, 2026
4
I appreciated not having to wait more than a few minutes to see my doctor.
February 20, 2026
5
It turned out to be a great visit and I enjoyed the, everyone at the front desk was fine. The doctor explained everything very well and the nurse practitioner and the other nurse, they were all very good.
February 20, 2026
5
I have confidence in the dr. I'm skeptical about surgeries after a surgical mishap that made me a paraplegic 9 yrs ago. Now I have to decide if I want to go through with this.
February 8, 2026
5
The Dr did a pfo and fixed my heart which I am very greatful .
February 8, 2026
4
Hi, I made a mistake on the first question and answered with a one and it should have been a four. My experience was excellent. The doctor is excellent. I am very glad that he will be managing my case and performing the surgery. He was excellent and I'm very nervous that he gave me a lot of confidence in his care and I loved his bedside manner. Thank you.
January 28, 2026
5
The doctors and the staff were very informative. They walked us through the processes of what we would be facing down the road. Showed great concern for my health and showed great concern for my care.
January 28, 2026
5
I feel very hopeful about next steps in my care.
January 24, 2026
4
I just want to say not just with my visit on the 21st, but my whole experience with my surgery and everything leading up to the surgery. I just want to say thanks to all the caregivers, the doctors, nurses, everyone just made me feel so comfortable. I tell all my friends and family and relatives that You guys really did a wonderful job with me. And I want to say thank you to everyone. I really appreciate the way you guys treated me and the care rendered to me. God bless you all. And you guys did a wonderful job. Thank you. Bye.
January 25, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak saved my life by listening to my symptoms and concerns, and recommending the necessary tests to find the problem(s) with my heart. Then he recommended an excellent surgeon Dr Myung, whom corrected them. I feel very fortunate and grateful.
January 24, 2026
5
As a first time patient fresh out of the ER, Dr. Sabbak was very knowledgeable concerning my medical condition and the path forward.
January 24, 2026
5
Very satisfied
January 14, 2026
5
Very good service and very professional
January 9, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak has an excellent bedside manner. I felt well cared for.
December 26, 2025
5
Excellent care all around. Thank you!!!
November 28, 2025
5
Very informative session. All were very professional. Nurse provided immediate follow- up.
November 27, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak was very kind and made sure that I understood everything regarding my health. Thanks so much
November 8, 2025
5
Everyone I dealt with at doctor's office was pleasant and helpful.
November 8, 2025
5
Everyone i interacted was very friendly and professional.
November 7, 2025
5
Dr.Sabbak was aware of my physicals needs and possibilities. He spoke at a level I could understand. My daughter and I were very pleased and impressed.
November 6, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak is knowledgeable and precise in his explanations of procedures pre op and post op. He truly cares about his patients. He treats them with kindness whereby lessening the stress level.
October 31, 2025
5
Doctor Nabil Sabbak, MD was just wonderful. He took plenty of time to answer "ALL" of my questions and concerns about pulmonary valve surgery. Seriously the doctor and his entire staff could not have been better. I literally felt better just because having talked with Dr. Sabbak. I feel like I'm in good hands. Thank you
October 25, 2025
4
It was very informative!
October 25, 2025
5
Pleasant appointment
October 16, 2025
5
I feel like I will be in good hands no matter what course of treatment they provide,
October 17, 2025
5
Dr. SABBAK was very patient and thorough with me. He was able to pull up all my Wellstar ER visits and scans which he went over with me. Excellent visit!
October 12, 2025
5
I learned much about my condition and was given sufficient information to make my decision. Also, the Doctor was very polite, personal and extremely in tune with my questions. Can't praise this Doctor enough. Thank you Wellstar!
March 23, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak is great. He takes lots of time to ask questions, offers suggestions and seems very interested in my well-being. He is awesome.
March 19, 2026
5
Dr. Sabbak was very professional and very personable as well. He came and talked to me in mom when I was recovering and just was very personal, very kind, and went beyond what he had to do because that was not necessary for him to make a personal visit there, but I appreciated that. And yes, such a young-looking doctor is very professional, very knowledgeable, and very experienced. So I was very impressed. My initial doctor wasn't able to do the time that I needed to have the surgery done. And Dr. Sabbak was available, and it just worked out for the very, very best. Thank you very much.
March 18, 2026
5
The provider explained everything in a way that we could understand it very well.
March 14, 2026
5
Doctor and staff put my mind at ease for an upcoming procedure and answered all of my concerns. Great job!
February 27, 2026
5
It turned out to be a great visit and I enjoyed the, everyone at the front desk was fine. The doctor explained everything very well and the nurse practitioner and the other nurse, they were all very good.
February 20, 2026
5
I have confidence in the dr. I'm skeptical about surgeries after a surgical mishap that made me a paraplegic 9 yrs ago. Now I have to decide if I want to go through with this.
February 8, 2026
5
The Dr did a pfo and fixed my heart which I am very greatful .
February 8, 2026
5
The doctors and the staff were very informative. They walked us through the processes of what we would be facing down the road. Showed great concern for my health and showed great concern for my care.
January 28, 2026
5
I feel very hopeful about next steps in my care.
January 24, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak saved my life by listening to my symptoms and concerns, and recommending the necessary tests to find the problem(s) with my heart. Then he recommended an excellent surgeon Dr Myung, whom corrected them. I feel very fortunate and grateful.
January 24, 2026
5
As a first time patient fresh out of the ER, Dr. Sabbak was very knowledgeable concerning my medical condition and the path forward.
January 24, 2026
5
Very satisfied
January 14, 2026
5
Very good service and very professional
January 9, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak has an excellent bedside manner. I felt well cared for.
December 26, 2025
5
Excellent care all around. Thank you!!!
November 28, 2025
5
Very informative session. All were very professional. Nurse provided immediate follow- up.
November 27, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak was very kind and made sure that I understood everything regarding my health. Thanks so much
November 8, 2025
5
Everyone I dealt with at doctor's office was pleasant and helpful.
November 8, 2025
5
Everyone i interacted was very friendly and professional.
November 7, 2025
5
Dr.Sabbak was aware of my physicals needs and possibilities. He spoke at a level I could understand. My daughter and I were very pleased and impressed.
November 6, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak is knowledgeable and precise in his explanations of procedures pre op and post op. He truly cares about his patients. He treats them with kindness whereby lessening the stress level.
October 31, 2025
5
Doctor Nabil Sabbak, MD was just wonderful. He took plenty of time to answer "ALL" of my questions and concerns about pulmonary valve surgery. Seriously the doctor and his entire staff could not have been better. I literally felt better just because having talked with Dr. Sabbak. I feel like I'm in good hands. Thank you
October 25, 2025
5
Pleasant appointment
October 16, 2025
5
I feel like I will be in good hands no matter what course of treatment they provide,
October 17, 2025
5
Dr. SABBAK was very patient and thorough with me. He was able to pull up all my Wellstar ER visits and scans which he went over with me. Excellent visit!
October 12, 2025
4
I appreciated not having to wait more than a few minutes to see my doctor.
February 20, 2026
4
Hi, I made a mistake on the first question and answered with a one and it should have been a four. My experience was excellent. The doctor is excellent. I am very glad that he will be managing my case and performing the surgery. He was excellent and I'm very nervous that he gave me a lot of confidence in his care and I loved his bedside manner. Thank you.
January 28, 2026
4
I just want to say not just with my visit on the 21st, but my whole experience with my surgery and everything leading up to the surgery. I just want to say thanks to all the caregivers, the doctors, nurses, everyone just made me feel so comfortable. I tell all my friends and family and relatives that You guys really did a wonderful job with me. And I want to say thank you to everyone. I really appreciate the way you guys treated me and the care rendered to me. God bless you all. And you guys did a wonderful job. Thank you. Bye.
January 25, 2026
4
It was very informative!
October 25, 2025
4
I appreciated not having to wait more than a few minutes to see my doctor.
February 20, 2026
4
Hi, I made a mistake on the first question and answered with a one and it should have been a four. My experience was excellent. The doctor is excellent. I am very glad that he will be managing my case and performing the surgery. He was excellent and I'm very nervous that he gave me a lot of confidence in his care and I loved his bedside manner. Thank you.
January 28, 2026
4
I just want to say not just with my visit on the 21st, but my whole experience with my surgery and everything leading up to the surgery. I just want to say thanks to all the caregivers, the doctors, nurses, everyone just made me feel so comfortable. I tell all my friends and family and relatives that You guys really did a wonderful job with me. And I want to say thank you to everyone. I really appreciate the way you guys treated me and the care rendered to me. God bless you all. And you guys did a wonderful job. Thank you. Bye.
January 25, 2026
4
It was very informative!
October 25, 2025
5
I learned much about my condition and was given sufficient information to make my decision. Also, the Doctor was very polite, personal and extremely in tune with my questions. Can't praise this Doctor enough. Thank you Wellstar!
March 23, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak is great. He takes lots of time to ask questions, offers suggestions and seems very interested in my well-being. He is awesome.
March 19, 2026
5
Dr. Sabbak was very professional and very personable as well. He came and talked to me in mom when I was recovering and just was very personal, very kind, and went beyond what he had to do because that was not necessary for him to make a personal visit there, but I appreciated that. And yes, such a young-looking doctor is very professional, very knowledgeable, and very experienced. So I was very impressed. My initial doctor wasn't able to do the time that I needed to have the surgery done. And Dr. Sabbak was available, and it just worked out for the very, very best. Thank you very much.
March 18, 2026
5
The provider explained everything in a way that we could understand it very well.
March 14, 2026
5
Doctor and staff put my mind at ease for an upcoming procedure and answered all of my concerns. Great job!
February 27, 2026
5
It turned out to be a great visit and I enjoyed the, everyone at the front desk was fine. The doctor explained everything very well and the nurse practitioner and the other nurse, they were all very good.
February 20, 2026
5
I have confidence in the dr. I'm skeptical about surgeries after a surgical mishap that made me a paraplegic 9 yrs ago. Now I have to decide if I want to go through with this.
February 8, 2026
5
The Dr did a pfo and fixed my heart which I am very greatful .
February 8, 2026
5
The doctors and the staff were very informative. They walked us through the processes of what we would be facing down the road. Showed great concern for my health and showed great concern for my care.
January 28, 2026
5
I feel very hopeful about next steps in my care.
January 24, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak saved my life by listening to my symptoms and concerns, and recommending the necessary tests to find the problem(s) with my heart. Then he recommended an excellent surgeon Dr Myung, whom corrected them. I feel very fortunate and grateful.
January 24, 2026
5
As a first time patient fresh out of the ER, Dr. Sabbak was very knowledgeable concerning my medical condition and the path forward.
January 24, 2026
5
Very satisfied
January 14, 2026
5
Very good service and very professional
January 9, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak has an excellent bedside manner. I felt well cared for.
December 26, 2025
5
Excellent care all around. Thank you!!!
November 28, 2025
5
Very informative session. All were very professional. Nurse provided immediate follow- up.
November 27, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak was very kind and made sure that I understood everything regarding my health. Thanks so much
November 8, 2025
5
Everyone I dealt with at doctor's office was pleasant and helpful.
November 8, 2025
5
Everyone i interacted was very friendly and professional.
November 7, 2025
5
Dr.Sabbak was aware of my physicals needs and possibilities. He spoke at a level I could understand. My daughter and I were very pleased and impressed.
November 6, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak is knowledgeable and precise in his explanations of procedures pre op and post op. He truly cares about his patients. He treats them with kindness whereby lessening the stress level.
October 31, 2025
5
Doctor Nabil Sabbak, MD was just wonderful. He took plenty of time to answer "ALL" of my questions and concerns about pulmonary valve surgery. Seriously the doctor and his entire staff could not have been better. I literally felt better just because having talked with Dr. Sabbak. I feel like I'm in good hands. Thank you
October 25, 2025
5
Pleasant appointment
October 16, 2025
5
I feel like I will be in good hands no matter what course of treatment they provide,
October 17, 2025
5
Dr. SABBAK was very patient and thorough with me. He was able to pull up all my Wellstar ER visits and scans which he went over with me. Excellent visit!
October 12, 2025
5
I learned much about my condition and was given sufficient information to make my decision. Also, the Doctor was very polite, personal and extremely in tune with my questions. Can't praise this Doctor enough. Thank you Wellstar!
March 23, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak is great. He takes lots of time to ask questions, offers suggestions and seems very interested in my well-being. He is awesome.
March 19, 2026
5
Dr. Sabbak was very professional and very personable as well. He came and talked to me in mom when I was recovering and just was very personal, very kind, and went beyond what he had to do because that was not necessary for him to make a personal visit there, but I appreciated that. And yes, such a young-looking doctor is very professional, very knowledgeable, and very experienced. So I was very impressed. My initial doctor wasn't able to do the time that I needed to have the surgery done. And Dr. Sabbak was available, and it just worked out for the very, very best. Thank you very much.
March 18, 2026
5
The provider explained everything in a way that we could understand it very well.
March 14, 2026
5
Doctor and staff put my mind at ease for an upcoming procedure and answered all of my concerns. Great job!
February 27, 2026
4
I appreciated not having to wait more than a few minutes to see my doctor.
February 20, 2026
5
It turned out to be a great visit and I enjoyed the, everyone at the front desk was fine. The doctor explained everything very well and the nurse practitioner and the other nurse, they were all very good.
February 20, 2026
5
I have confidence in the dr. I'm skeptical about surgeries after a surgical mishap that made me a paraplegic 9 yrs ago. Now I have to decide if I want to go through with this.
February 8, 2026
5
The Dr did a pfo and fixed my heart which I am very greatful .
February 8, 2026
4
Hi, I made a mistake on the first question and answered with a one and it should have been a four. My experience was excellent. The doctor is excellent. I am very glad that he will be managing my case and performing the surgery. He was excellent and I'm very nervous that he gave me a lot of confidence in his care and I loved his bedside manner. Thank you.
January 28, 2026
5
The doctors and the staff were very informative. They walked us through the processes of what we would be facing down the road. Showed great concern for my health and showed great concern for my care.
January 28, 2026
4
I just want to say not just with my visit on the 21st, but my whole experience with my surgery and everything leading up to the surgery. I just want to say thanks to all the caregivers, the doctors, nurses, everyone just made me feel so comfortable. I tell all my friends and family and relatives that You guys really did a wonderful job with me. And I want to say thank you to everyone. I really appreciate the way you guys treated me and the care rendered to me. God bless you all. And you guys did a wonderful job. Thank you. Bye.
January 25, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak saved my life by listening to my symptoms and concerns, and recommending the necessary tests to find the problem(s) with my heart. Then he recommended an excellent surgeon Dr Myung, whom corrected them. I feel very fortunate and grateful.
January 24, 2026
5
As a first time patient fresh out of the ER, Dr. Sabbak was very knowledgeable concerning my medical condition and the path forward.
January 24, 2026
5
I feel very hopeful about next steps in my care.
January 24, 2026
5
Very satisfied
January 14, 2026
5
Very good service and very professional
January 9, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak has an excellent bedside manner. I felt well cared for.
December 26, 2025
5
Excellent care all around. Thank you!!!
November 28, 2025
5
Very informative session. All were very professional. Nurse provided immediate follow- up.
November 27, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak was very kind and made sure that I understood everything regarding my health. Thanks so much
November 8, 2025
5
Everyone I dealt with at doctor's office was pleasant and helpful.
November 8, 2025
5
Everyone i interacted was very friendly and professional.
November 7, 2025
5
Dr.Sabbak was aware of my physicals needs and possibilities. He spoke at a level I could understand. My daughter and I were very pleased and impressed.
November 6, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak is knowledgeable and precise in his explanations of procedures pre op and post op. He truly cares about his patients. He treats them with kindness whereby lessening the stress level.
October 31, 2025
5
Doctor Nabil Sabbak, MD was just wonderful. He took plenty of time to answer "ALL" of my questions and concerns about pulmonary valve surgery. Seriously the doctor and his entire staff could not have been better. I literally felt better just because having talked with Dr. Sabbak. I feel like I'm in good hands. Thank you
October 25, 2025
4
It was very informative!
October 25, 2025
5
I feel like I will be in good hands no matter what course of treatment they provide,
October 17, 2025
5
Pleasant appointment
October 16, 2025
5
Dr. SABBAK was very patient and thorough with me. He was able to pull up all my Wellstar ER visits and scans which he went over with me. Excellent visit!
October 12, 2025
5
Dr. SABBAK was very patient and thorough with me. He was able to pull up all my Wellstar ER visits and scans which he went over with me. Excellent visit!
October 12, 2025
5
Pleasant appointment
October 16, 2025
5
I feel like I will be in good hands no matter what course of treatment they provide,
October 17, 2025
4
It was very informative!
October 25, 2025
5
Doctor Nabil Sabbak, MD was just wonderful. He took plenty of time to answer "ALL" of my questions and concerns about pulmonary valve surgery. Seriously the doctor and his entire staff could not have been better. I literally felt better just because having talked with Dr. Sabbak. I feel like I'm in good hands. Thank you
October 25, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak is knowledgeable and precise in his explanations of procedures pre op and post op. He truly cares about his patients. He treats them with kindness whereby lessening the stress level.
October 31, 2025
5
Dr.Sabbak was aware of my physicals needs and possibilities. He spoke at a level I could understand. My daughter and I were very pleased and impressed.
November 6, 2025
5
Everyone i interacted was very friendly and professional.
November 7, 2025
5
Everyone I dealt with at doctor's office was pleasant and helpful.
November 8, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak was very kind and made sure that I understood everything regarding my health. Thanks so much
November 8, 2025
5
Very informative session. All were very professional. Nurse provided immediate follow- up.
November 27, 2025
5
Excellent care all around. Thank you!!!
November 28, 2025
5
Dr Sabbak has an excellent bedside manner. I felt well cared for.
December 26, 2025
5
Very good service and very professional
January 9, 2026
5
Very satisfied
January 14, 2026
5
I feel very hopeful about next steps in my care.
January 24, 2026
5
As a first time patient fresh out of the ER, Dr. Sabbak was very knowledgeable concerning my medical condition and the path forward.
January 24, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak saved my life by listening to my symptoms and concerns, and recommending the necessary tests to find the problem(s) with my heart. Then he recommended an excellent surgeon Dr Myung, whom corrected them. I feel very fortunate and grateful.
January 24, 2026
4
I just want to say not just with my visit on the 21st, but my whole experience with my surgery and everything leading up to the surgery. I just want to say thanks to all the caregivers, the doctors, nurses, everyone just made me feel so comfortable. I tell all my friends and family and relatives that You guys really did a wonderful job with me. And I want to say thank you to everyone. I really appreciate the way you guys treated me and the care rendered to me. God bless you all. And you guys did a wonderful job. Thank you. Bye.
January 25, 2026
5
The doctors and the staff were very informative. They walked us through the processes of what we would be facing down the road. Showed great concern for my health and showed great concern for my care.
January 28, 2026
4
Hi, I made a mistake on the first question and answered with a one and it should have been a four. My experience was excellent. The doctor is excellent. I am very glad that he will be managing my case and performing the surgery. He was excellent and I'm very nervous that he gave me a lot of confidence in his care and I loved his bedside manner. Thank you.
January 28, 2026
5
The Dr did a pfo and fixed my heart which I am very greatful .
February 8, 2026
5
I have confidence in the dr. I'm skeptical about surgeries after a surgical mishap that made me a paraplegic 9 yrs ago. Now I have to decide if I want to go through with this.
February 8, 2026
5
It turned out to be a great visit and I enjoyed the, everyone at the front desk was fine. The doctor explained everything very well and the nurse practitioner and the other nurse, they were all very good.
February 20, 2026
4
I appreciated not having to wait more than a few minutes to see my doctor.
February 20, 2026
5
Doctor and staff put my mind at ease for an upcoming procedure and answered all of my concerns. Great job!
February 27, 2026
5
The provider explained everything in a way that we could understand it very well.
March 14, 2026
5
Dr. Sabbak was very professional and very personable as well. He came and talked to me in mom when I was recovering and just was very personal, very kind, and went beyond what he had to do because that was not necessary for him to make a personal visit there, but I appreciated that. And yes, such a young-looking doctor is very professional, very knowledgeable, and very experienced. So I was very impressed. My initial doctor wasn't able to do the time that I needed to have the surgery done. And Dr. Sabbak was available, and it just worked out for the very, very best. Thank you very much.
March 18, 2026
5
Dr Sabbak is great. He takes lots of time to ask questions, offers suggestions and seems very interested in my well-being. He is awesome.
March 19, 2026
5
I learned much about my condition and was given sufficient information to make my decision. Also, the Doctor was very polite, personal and extremely in tune with my questions. Can't praise this Doctor enough. Thank you Wellstar!
March 23, 2026
Publications and Articles
MarioCare
Being proactive with his heart health proved lifesaving for Marion “Mario” Stokes—and paved the way for a minimally invasive artery replacement procedure that has given him renewed energy to do what he loves.
Catching a heart concern
Mario enjoyed a busy career as an attorney practicing commercial litigation. He also stayed active throughout his life, serving as a Navy Judge Advocate General Corps officer, becoming a certified scuba divemaster, and enjoying photography and studying history. When he noticed he was out of breath frequently—and his smart watch notified him of an irregular heartbeat—he discussed his symptoms with his primary care physician.
Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows, preventing normal flow of blood from the left ventricle, also known as the pumping chamber of the heart, to the aorta and the rest of the body. Over time, this narrowing causes the heart’s left ventricle to pump harder to push blood through the stenotic aortic valve.
“TAVR is an amazing technology offering a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery,” said Wellstar Cardiologist Dr. Nabil Sabbak, who performed Mario’s procedure at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. “The valve is delivered through a small catheter via a tiny incision in the groin, eliminating the need to open the chest or stop the heart. This approach is lower-risk for many patients and allows for a quicker recovery with less pain.”
Most patients are walking within hours of the procedure and leave the hospital within 24 hours, according to Dr. Sabbak. Many people return to daily activities within a week.
“I’m very sensitive to pain, but nothing ever hurt,” Mario said about his procedure.
‘It’s like a new heart’
Mario said his valve replacement has given him more energy than he had before, allowing him to enjoy his retirement and time with family. The improvement is evident in his regular walks around his neighborhood and exercise at Wellstar Health Place.
“There's a steep hill that's near our house. Before the procedure, I couldn't walk up the hill without stopping at least once or twice to pause and get my breath,” he said. “Now I can just walk right up—no problem. It's made a huge difference in my life."
He stays busy with his fiancée and their three-year-old granddaughter—taking her on trips to the zoo, botanical gardens and nature center—as well as visiting his two children in Las Vegas and Philadelphia.
“It's like a new heart. It's unbelievable really,” Mario said. “I slept twice as much before. Sometimes I'd sleep 10 or 12 hours a night and then maybe take a nap. I was really out of energy.”
“I have been super pleased with Wellstar,” Mario said. “The folks there are very professional, and they have a wonderful combination of intelligence, education and caring, from the receptionists to the nurses, physician assistants and doctors.”
