Javier Antonio Lafuente, MD, FACS

Javier Antonio Lafuente, MD,  FACS

Javier Antonio Lafuente, MD, FACS

Cardiac Surgery, General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery
Accepting New Patients
Video Visits Available

About Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente

"I aim to provide the highest level of care in a compassionate manner, with attention to detail and dedication to the needs of my patients."

Dr. Javier Lafuente is the medical director of the cardiac surgery program at Houston Methodist West Hospital. His 30-year medical career brings to the West Houston and Katy communities internationally recognized expertise in cardiovascular, thoracic and peripheral vascular surgery. Using the most advanced technologies available, Dr. Lafuente is highly experienced in every aspect of patient care, including a wide range of complicated surgical techniques, such as high-risk cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery; heart valve surgery; endovascular surgery for aortic aneurysms; arrhythmia surgery; thoracic surgery for cancer; pulmonary surgery; peripheral vascular disease surgery; heart and lung transplantation; and mechanical circulatory support.

Dr. Lafuente has served as a surgeon for the heart, lung and kidney transplant programs with The Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, as well as with The Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.

He renewed his affiliation with Houston Methodist in 2011, joining Houston Methodist West Hospital's heart and vascular surgery team. His research interests include surgical outcomes improvement, mechanical circulatory support, total artificial heart and myocardial preservation. Dr. Lafuente frequently presents at professional conferences worldwide and has been published in numerous medical journals.

Clinical Interests

Cardiovascular Surgery
Blood Conservation
General and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Thoracic Surgery

Accepted Insurance Plans

  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ESSENTIALS FROM UHC EP-1 (PPO) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE EXTRA FROM UHC EP-3 (PPO) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC EP-2 (PPO) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE CareFlex FROM UHC TX-44 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE CareFlex FROM UHC TX-45 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ESSENTIAL FROM UHC TX-21 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ESSENTIAL FROM UHC TX-22 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE EXTRA FROM UHC TX-27 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE EXTRA FROM UHC TX-28 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-35 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-38(HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-39 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-40 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-41 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-47 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-005
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-013
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-014
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-021
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-025
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-026
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-32 (PPO)** H1278-022
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-34 (PPO)** H1278-024
  • (WELLMED) SECURE HORIZON MEDICARE ADVANTAGE TX-0023 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) SECURE HORIZON MEDICARE ADVANTAGE TX-0025 (HMO-POS)**
  • Aetna Affordable Health Choices
  • Aetna APCN Plus Multi-Tier HM Tier 2
  • Aetna Choice POS / Open Choice
  • Aetna Common Spirit Minimum Value Plan
  • Aetna CommonSpirit Health KelseyCare
  • Aetna EPO
  • Aetna Health Network
  • Aetna HMO
  • Aetna International
  • Aetna Managed Choice / Elect Choice
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO
  • Aetna Medicare Dual Complete Plan (HMO D-SNP)
  • Aetna Medicare HMO Prime
  • Aetna Meritain Hlth/Aetna Premier Care (APCN)
  • Aetna Open Access
  • Aetna POS
  • Aetna PPO
  • Aetna Premier Care Network
  • Aetna QPOS
  • Aetna Select
  • Aetna Signature Administrators
  • Aetna Signature Administrators Allied Benefits
  • Aetna Signature Administrators CoreSource
  • Aetna Signature Administrators EBMS
  • Aetna Signature Administrators MODA
  • Aetna Student Health
  • Aetna Transplant
  • Aetna TX Pref Plus II Network
  • Aetna Workers' Comp
  • All Saver/United Healthcare
  • BCBS PPO GUIDESTONE
  • BCBS PPO Wespath
  • Best Doctors International
  • Bind Surest UHC
  • Blue Choice POS
  • Blue Choice PPO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Federal Employee Plan
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Out of State
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage PPO/UT Care
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield POS
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • Blue Edge
  • Blue Essentials
  • Blue Essentials Access
  • Cigna Allegiance Houston Methodist Employee Medical Plan
  • Cigna Allegiance OAP
  • Cigna Allegiance PPO
  • Cigna APWU
  • Cigna C-24 Network
  • Cigna Choice Fund
  • Cigna EPO
  • Cigna Global Health Benefits (International)
  • Cigna Great West
  • Cigna HMO
  • Cigna Indemnity
  • Cigna LocalPlus
  • Cigna NALC
  • Cigna Network
  • Cigna Network Open Access
  • Cigna Open Access
  • Cigna Open Access Plus (OAP)
  • Cigna POS
  • Cigna PPO
  • Cigna Qualcare
  • Cigna Shared Administration OAP
  • Cigna Shared Administration PPO
  • Cigna SureFit
  • Community Health Choice Medicare Advantage HMO DSNP
  • Community Health Choice PREMIER Gold
  • Community Health Choice PREMIER Silver
  • Coventry PPO
  • DEVOTED CORE 001 TX (HMO)
  • DEVOTED CORE 019 TX (HMO)
  • DEVOTED C-SNP Plus 031 TX (HMO C-SNP)
  • DEVOTED C-SNP Premium 030 TX (HMO C-SNP)
  • DEVOTED DUAL 010 TX (HMO D-SNP)
  • DEVOTED DUAL FULL 040 (HMO D-SNP)
  • DEVOTED GIVEBACK 006 TX (HMO)
  • DEVOTED HEALTH DUAL PLUS GREATER HOUSTON
  • DEVOTED PREMIUM 002 (HMO)
  • Entrust/90 Degree EDI Payer ID# 36878
  • First Health PPO
  • GeoBlue
  • HAA Preferred Partners (International)
  • HealthSmart Accel PPO
  • HealthSmart Payors Organization
  • HealthSmart PPO
  • Healthspring/Cigna MCR HMO
  • Healthspring/Cigna MCR PPO
  • Healthspring/Cigna MCR Total Care Dual
  • HMO Blue
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus/Choice
  • Humana Medicare Advantage HMO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage PPO
  • Humana TRICARE 2
  • Kelsey Seybold Affiliate Network
  • Medica Choice with UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus
  • Medicare
  • MEDICARE ADVANTAGE : TEXAN PLUS
  • Medicare Railroad
  • Molina Marketplace Exchange
  • Molina Medicare Complete Care HMO (Dual) HIDE
  • Molina Medicare Complete Care Plus (HMO Dual-SNP) FIDE
  • MultiPlan PPO
  • Olympus Managed Care (International)
  • PHCS Healthy Directions
  • PHCS MEDI-SHARE
  • PHCS PPO
  • PHCS/Multiplan Practitioner & Ancillary Only
  • ProCare Medicare Advantage
  • Sana Benefits
  • Three Rivers Provider Network
  • TRS-ActiveCare 2 Group 385002
  • TRS-ActiveCare Fully Insured Plan-South Texas Region Group 295430
  • TRS-ActiveCare Fully Insured Plan-West Texas Region Group 295781
  • TRS-ActiveCare HD Group 385000
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary Group 385003
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary Plus Group 385001
  • TRS-Care Standard ALT A I Group 485002
  • TRS-Care Standard ALT A II Group 485003
  • TRS-Care Standard ALT B I Group 485005
  • TRS-Care Standard ALT B II Group 485006
  • TRS-Care Standard CMED Group 485001
  • TRS-Care Standard Group 485000
  • TX Annual Conf of UMC-UMR
  • UHC COMPLETE CARE SUPPORT TX-1A (REGIONAL PPO C-SNP)** R6801-008
  • UHC Complete Care TX-16 (HMO-POS C-SNP)** H4527-039
  • UHC Complete Care TX-17 (HMO-POS C-SNP)** H4527-040
  • UHC Complete Care TX-18 (HMO-POS C-SNP)** H4527-041
  • UHC Complete Care TX-19 (HMO-POS C-SNP)** H4527-042
  • UHC COMPLETE CARE TX-29 (REGIONAL PPO C-SNP)** R6801-009
  • UHC DUAL COMPLETE TX-S001 (REGIONAL PPO D-SNP)** R6801-011
  • UHC GR MA HALLIBURTON HMO 137 ** H0609-822-137
  • UHC GR MA LOCKHEED HMO 164 ** H0609-822-164
  • UHC GR MA RIO TINTO SERVICE
  • UHC GR MA TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM HMO 199** H0609-822-207
  • UHC GR MA VERIZON HMO 207** H0609-822-207
  • UHC MEDICARE ADVANTAGE TX-0030 (REGIONAL PPO)** R6801-012
  • UMR
  • United Health Integrated Services
  • United HealthCare Community Plan Dual Complete (HMO SNP)
  • United Healthcare Nexus ACO RA or OA
  • United Healthcare Plan of the River Valley
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice
  • UnitedHealthcare ChoicePlus
  • UnitedHealthcare Core
  • UnitedHealthcare Core Plus
  • UnitedHealthcare EPO
  • UnitedHealthcare Golden Rule
  • UnitedHealthcare HMO
  • UnitedHealthcare Navigate
  • UnitedHealthcare Navigate Plus
  • UnitedHealthcare Options PPO
  • UnitedHealthcare Oxford
  • UnitedHealthcare POS
  • UnitedHealthcare PPO
  • UnitedHealthcare Student Resources
  • UnitedHealthcare West
  • UnitedHealthOne
  • US Family Health Plan
  • WellMed AARP Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • WellMed AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 1 & Plan 2
  • WellMed Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • WellMed Medicare Advantage Patriot
  • WellMed UHC Dual Complete HMO D-SNP
  • WellMed UnitedHealthCare Dual Complete Choice (Regional PPO D-SNP)
  • WellMed UnitedHealthCare Medicare Advantage Choice (Regional PPO)
  • WellMed UnitedHealthCare Medicare Gold (Regional PPO C-SNP)
  • WellMed UnitedHealthCare Medicare Silver (Regional PPO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Chronic Care (HMO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)
  • WELLPOINT ESSENTIALS MARKETPLACE
  • Wellpoint Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Full Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Home Care (HMO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Kidney Care (HMO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Kidney Care (HMO-POS C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Lung Care (HMO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO)
  • Wellpoint Select (HMO)
Insurance plans may change. Please verify your plan is accepted when scheduling an appointment.

Credentials

Board Certification
  • Surgery | American Board of Surgery | 1994
  • Thoracic Surgery | American Board of Thoracic Surgery | 1995
Medical School
  • Medicine | Universidad de Costa Rica Facultad de Medicina, San Jose, Costa Rica | 1981
Residency
  • Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery | University of Costa Rica Affiliated Hospitals, San Jose, Costa Rica | 1985
  • General Surgery | Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX | 1992
Internship
  • University of Costa Rica Affiliated Hospitals, San Jose, Costa Rica | 1980
Fellowship
  • Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantion | Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX | 1987
  • Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery | Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX | 1994
Affiliated Hospitals
  • Houston Methodist Hospital
  • Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital
  • Houston Methodist West Hospital
Center Memberships
  • Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish
Languages listed are spoken by doctor and/or office staff.

FAQ

Can I book an appointment with Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente?
Yes. Please contact the physician's office directly at 832.522.8600 to schedule an appointment or call 713.790.3333 for assistance in finding another doctor.
What insurance does Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente accept?
See all insurance plans that Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente accepts.
What practice does Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente work at?
Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente works at Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates.
Where is Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente office located?
How do patients rate Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente in reviews?
116 patients have reviewed Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.9/5. You can read individual reviews and ratings on Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente's profile.
What languages does Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente speak?
Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente, or the office, speaks English, Spanish.
What are Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente's specialties?
Dr. Javier Antonio Lafuente is a specialist in Cardiac Surgery, General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery.

Patient Ratings & Comments

What is a Patient Rating score?
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on our independently administered Patient Satisfaction Survey.
How are responses measured?
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score.
4.9 out of 5
(116 Ratings, 15 Comments)
  • 4.9
    Provider discussed treatment options
  • 4.9
    Provider showed concern
  • 4.9
    Provider explained things clearly
  • 4.9
    Provider included you in decisions
  • 4.9
    Likelihood of recommending this provider
Comments also are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
  • Jul 23, 2026
    Very knowledgeable and very professional.
  • Jul 21, 2026
    Good
  • Apr 16, 2026
    Very much appreciated dr Fuentes bedside manner and concern for my well-being.
  • Feb 6, 2026
    Real god discussions and explanations. Providers did their bst to make me understand what ans why thing had to be done.
  • Aug 7, 2025
    Dr. Lafuente was very clear when discussing my condition and test results and explained treatment options very clearly. His discussion of risk associated with the procedure was very detailed and clear. He answered every question I asked.
  • Jul 19, 2025
    All very good
  • Jul 15, 2025
    The doctor said he was going to consult with a different doctor and would call me the next day with more info about how to proceed for my serious heart issue. It's 4 days later and I haven't heard one word from him or his office.