"Dr. Trento had great bedside manner and did outstanding work reconstructing my aorta while sparing my valve. Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles is a top notch hospital."
"Making movie magic with my fifty head of horses and expert riders has kept me busy throughout the decades of my career. I do all kinds of stunts from driving semis to sword work. But horses are my specialty. I’ve provided horse stunts for Hollywood classics like “Mask of Zoro” and “Seabiscuit.” My horses helped Madonna with her “Don’t Tell Me” video. And you may have also seen television ads for Gucci and Lancone featuring my horses performing on LA landmarks. So, I don’t have time for problems with my health.
When my doctor first heard a heart murmur in 2017, we started tracking it. Tests showed that I had a bicuspid aortic valve with 60% calcification. A friend who’s a neurosurgeon researched the best heart specialists and found two, including Dr. Alfredo Trento at Cedars and another in Boston. The patient schedulers at Cedars are as fast as my horses and I was able to see Dr. Trento within a week and have surgery within three weeks. Dr. Trento said there was no exceptional risk of stroke or heart attack in my case, but with my weakened heart walls, open heart surgery was best. I’ve worked with a lot of movie stars, and I’ll have to say that Dr. Trento has an exceptional presence.
He’s very positive and confident without being cocky or cold. He met me on the level I needed to be met on. And he’s done enough of these surgeries to fill a stadium. By implanting a cow valve, I wouldn’t need blood thinners. Surgery and the follow up appointment went well. Nursing in the ICU was awesome and the regular floor nurses kept up on the Thanksgiving weekend. Since going home, the nursing staff has been responsive to my calls about arm and shoulder pain, which I have learned is normal in about half of all heart surgery patients for up to 15 months.
I was back to work doing stunts within six weeks. Six months after surgery, I’m doing well with my new heart valve. I give Dr. Trento an absolute 100% recommendation. My movie magic makes miracles look genuine. But Dr. Trento is a real-life star who creates authentic miracles. I could not feel more pleased or more blessed."
-- Tad Griffith, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 11/24/2025
"Dr. Trento is an excellent surgeon, world renowned. He replaced my aortic valve, removed additional calcification, and did a single coronary artery bypass. The operation went flawlessly and was a complete success.
The ICU and after care were excellent and professional. The entire surgical team kept me well informed and well cared for.
I highly recommend Cedars-Sinai and Dr. Trento."
-- Alain Wilkinson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Coronary Artery Bypass, 03/17/2025
"Dr. Trento and Marion McRae, his nurse practitioner, were extremely professional and answered all of my questions leading up to and following the surgery. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
-- Eric Myer, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/31/2025
"Dr Trento is unbelievable, an excellent surgeon! Totally dedicated to his expertise. I was blessed to have him do my surgery!"
-- Mark Elsbernd, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/23/2024
"My cardiologist recommended Dr. Alfredo Trento. After meeting with Dr. Trento in January 2024 and researching Dr. Trento and everything else I could get my hands on, also interviewing two other prominent thoracic surgeons, I felt I was in very experienced and extremely competent hands with Dr. Trento.
When Dr. Trento opened me up, he realized my condition was more severe and decided that a Bentall Procedure was the best course of action to take. I am grateful to Dr. Trento and everyone at Cedar-Sinai Los Angeles!
Through my "seamless" experience at Cedars-Sinai, I realized why Cedars Sinai-Los Angeles is #2 in the nation for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery!"
-- Don Charles, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, MitraClip, Root Replacement, 02/28/2024
"Dr. Trento is a no-nonsense guy who gets to the point with a wonderful staff and a feeling of confidence."
-- Geri Lynn Matthews, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 07/28/2023
"One of the pioneers in the intercostal approach for minimally invasive robotic mitral valve repair, Dr. Trento is exceptionally skilled and my results appear to be perfect (though I'm still healing as I write this review. Dr. Trento is matter-of-fact and businesslike; if you need a warm, fuzzy bedside manner there may be others who can offer this. If you want no-nonsense top surgical results, Trento is among the top surgeons anywhere.
I will say that the intercostal approach (3" incision below the right breast) can be a bit rough pain-wise for up to a month after surgery but offers an overall faster recovery than the sternum approach. This appealed to me as I'm a very active person and wanted to get back to a high activity level as quickly as possible."
-- William Brothers, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Maze Procedure, 01/27/2023
"Excellent consultation, successful results and excellent bedside manner! One of the best, if not the best heart valve surgeons, in the United States. I highly recommend Dr. Trento to anyone needing heat valve repair or replacement surgery. I personally requested Dr. Trento because of his outstanding reputation."
-- Leland Weinberg, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Maze Procedure, 10/12/2022
"Dr. Trento was straight to the point that my aortic valve would need to be replaced during my initial consult and answered all of my questions. His staff throughout the pre-operative period was outstanding, communicated clearly, and continued to answer my questions to help me prepare for a successful recovery.
Dr. Trento's primary surgical plan was to perform a Ross Procedure but was unable due to the size of my pulmonary valve. He successfully implanted an Edwards Inspiris Resilia valve which was the alternate plan that we discussed before surgery.
My surgery was completed on a Monday afternoon and by Friday afternoon of that week I was keeping my nursing staff busy walking at least a mile in the hospital each time I left the room. My recovery continued at home once I was released after 5 days in the hospital. I celebrated each week post surgery with a walk of that many miles (week 1 = 1 mile, week 2 = 2 miles, etc.) and was able to complete 8 miles - 8 weeks post surgery. I returned to my job as a career full time firefighter 9 weeks after surgery and continue to feel better every day!
I believe that my preparation, the successful surgery, and my successful recovery are directly related to Dr. Trento and his amazing staff. I cannot thank he and his staff enough for their great bedside manner, providing answers to my questions, and their support throughout my journey."
-- Michael Klusyk, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/06/2022
"Dr. Trento is a highly competent regular and robotic heart surgeon, who has done over 800 robotic cardiac surgeries. His success rate is excellent. I went from very severe mitral valve regurgitation, to trivial i. e. basically, no leakage. My recovery was rapid and uneventful. I am now doing great!
Dr. Trento is all business, do don't expect a lot of social conversation. He will fully answer any questions, and is professionally, very attentive. In my respectful opinion, he is the best. I can recommend him without hesitation. He is also doing major cardiac research at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, where I had my surgery. It is one of the finest cardiac hospitals in the USA."
-- Charles Rubin, Mitral Valve, Robotic Surgery, 03/11/2022
"Dr. Trento and the Cedars-Sanai team did an amazing job with my repair. Great bedside manner and answered all my questions. I couldn't have put my life in better hands. I'm 5 days post-op and feel great."
-- Dorothea Mansdorfer, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 10/05/2021
"I’m likely not adding anything new beyond what has already been said, but Dr. Trento is the man. I saw him twice before my surgery, and in both cases he answered my questions very honestly and directly. He does not beat around the bush at any point - pre or post op. However I couldn’t have felt like I was in better hands.
Cedars Sinai is a very busy hospital, and I would wager Dr. Trento is its busiest surgeon. But I always felt like I could reach him or his exceptional staff. They always checked in on me during my stay, and even after, and answered all my questions. He predicted exactly how the operation would go down to exactly how long I’d be in the hospital. I’m forever grateful for him and would recommend him in a heartbeat to my family and friends."
-- Benoit Landry, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, 11/17/2020
"Dr. Trento was great. He explained my surgery in detail prior to my choosing him. It was very successful and I would recommend him to anyone!"
-- Julia Velci, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 09/15/2020
"Dr. Trento was very confident and set proper expectations for the surgery. My results were better than expected and I could not have asked for more from Doctor Trento or his staff. I would recommend Dr. Trento and Cedars Sinai to anyone seeking medical attention for heart valve issues."
-- Jim Gollaher, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, David Procedure, 02/03/2020
"Professional heart surgeon with countless open-heart surgeries. Competent and confident. Pleasant bedside manner. Surgical results: new aortic valve, repaired mitral valve, reinforced aorta, and maze procedure. +++!!!"
-- Phil Crosbie, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Maze Procedure, 12/09/2019
"Working with Dr. Trento was such an incredible and healing experience. He has the most gentle and caring spirit. His presence during my procedure was so welcome and a big part of my healing.
After six years, I have not been in better shape. I will be forever thankful to Dr. Trento and his wonderful team for getting me to this happy and healthy place."
-- Vincent Kirsch, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/05/2019
"I can’t think of enough adjectives that would describe the process. Dr. Trento is a consummate professional, I knew I would be in excellent hands. Esteemed by his colleagues, clearly the staff respect him for the work he does. And he instilled confidence that all would be perfect in his hands. He spent all the time necessary addressing my questions and doing whatever he could to reassure me. And yes - a perfect repair as judged by the echo."
-- Joshua Nowack, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 07/23/2019
"Pre-surgery: Dr. Trento explained my condition and went through my options to make sure I understood.
Surgery day: He came to see me once more before being prepped and went through the procedure and introduced me to the anesthesiologist. He talked to me in a calming manner and made me feel like all was going to go right.
Post surgery: He showed up to check in on me the following day after surgery, even though, I think he probably showed while I was down in recovery in the ICU. He gave me some more words of encouragement. very positive about my recovery. I saw him until the last day 3 days later when i was released early. The surgery went well and 16 months later I'm feeling good and notice the difference with my replaced valve.
Dr. Trento and his team did a great job! All the team has great bedside manners. "
-- Noe Ramos, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/22/2019
"Dr. Trento completed my open heart surgery replacing the aortic aneurysm and repairing my valve. So grateful for his work, I was told by other surgeons the valve would need to be replaced, I highly recommend him."
-- Tim Anderson, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 11/15/2018
"Doctor Trento is an amazing doctor. He listened to all my concerns and made it clear to me on why I needed my mitral valve repaired, he explained everything he was going to do. When I was in the hospital I could see how his colleagues respected him. The nurses on the step down floors spoke of the great work he does.
My current cardiologist has remarked more than once after viewing my echo on the great repair I have. I can't say enough about Dr. Trento, he's an amazing skilled doctor and you couldn't be in better hands."
-- Nancy Takahashi, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 04/10/2018
"I am so thankful for the expertise of Dr. Trento and his team at Cedars Sinai. One year out, I have had an excellent result."
-- Suzanne Wilson, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, Maze Procedure, 01/23/2018
"Dr. Trento was a true professional and a most excellent cardiologist. Very thorough in his explanations and his staff was equally thorough, friendly and compassionate. The surgery was performed at Cedars-Sinai Hospital."
-- Robert Davidson, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 02/20/2017
"Could not ask/want for a better surgeon. Thank you Dr Trento and staff!"
-- Dale Salomon, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 01/10/2017
"I was so fortunate to find Dr. Trento. He is a very compassionate man and a world-class cardiac surgeon. Dr. Trento performed a aortic valve replacement and an ascending aortic aneurysm repair. Like a world class maestro, conducting a full symphony orchestra, His entire operating team were all top-shelf professionals.
The repairs were super successful. I was up and walking the next day and out of the hospital in five days total. The staff at Cedars is extremely caring and professional. I felt like I was in a first-class hotel. Thank you! Thank you. I am a lucky guy."
-- Lance Soury, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 11/15/2016
"Dr. Trento is the best. He is very competent and is on top of every aspect of your case. He uses the best specialists post operatively when needed. He is attentive and listens to your concerns.
Paul A. Lessler, M.D. (anesthesiologist)"
-- Paul Lessler, Mitral Valve, 06/02/2016
"I'm extraordinarily grateful that Dr. Trento was my surgeon. At my initial appointment, after reviewing the images I'd brought from my home hospital, he told me what he felt was the best course of action. I felt like I already knew him from the several videos about him on this site. We agreed on the decision; he disappeared to check scheduling, came back with a surgery date only two weeks hence. His bedside manner is friendly and thoughtful, although one might say he is a man of few words. But the right words. He saw my husband an daughter after the surgery and shared what was going on. He came by to see me almost every day and seemed pleased with my progress. I can't say enough good about him! And it seems at this point, two weeks out, that the results are perfect."
-- William Harrison, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 04/26/2016
"Wonderful bedside manner, Excellent team & great results!"
-- Robert Mussoff, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 04/07/2016
"Dr. Trento is a great surgeon and Cedars Sinai's cardiac care unit is wonderful. After years of feeling sick - I am finally feeling healthy again. Recovery from the surgery takes time however, so don't expect miracles over night."
-- Craig McCart, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Maze Procedure, 12/10/2015
"Dr. Alfred Trento saved my life. He takes his time to answer any questions that concern you. He cares for your well being.
You will leave his office knowing your in good hands."
-- Raymond Goad, Aortic Valve, Robotic Surgery, Root Replacement, 01/27/2015
"Do your research on Dr. Trento. You will find that he is the doctor you want operating on you when your life is on the line. He made me feel very comfortable during a very scary time. He made me feel like I was in good hands. I had an aortic valve sparring root replacement due to a 5.6 aortic aneurysm. It's nice to feel like you're in good hands with a doctor that you can trust with your life. That is Dr. Trento!"
-- Raymond Goad, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 01/27/2015
"First of all, we were very impressed with the staff at Cedars-Sinai as they were very capable, professional and friendly.
Dr. Trento was very business like (as I expected) but professional and spent some time talking with my wife and I which helped. The surgery went well and I'm still home recovering and will be for the next month or so. All in all, a good experience."
-- James Doyel, 09/09/2014
"It's been two weeks since my MVR for severe regurgitation and I feel great. I was told by my cardiologist that my repair was 100% successful with no leak or murmur. I am very grateful for the great outcome I achieved as a result of Dr. Trento's skill and the great care I received at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. I had my surgery Tuesday afternoon and I was discharged at 1pm on Friday."
-- Bob Glickman, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 02/18/2014
"Excellent surgical results. Dr. Trento was attentive and thorough."
-- Thomas Polinger, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 02/11/2014
"Everytime I walk up a staircase, I thank Dr Trento in the silence of my heart. Everytime I go to the beach and can stay under the sun as long as I want, I thank Dr Trento. Everytime I dance samba, I thank Dr Trento. I had the mitral valve repair 5 years ago and I can do anything I want. I am 62 now, I can jog, I can hike, I can swim, I can dance, I have no symptoms at all. The first thing that impressed me is that after just sending an email, I received a call from Dr Trento himself who answered my question and invited me to bring my exam for him to check if he could repair my valve. At the consultation I was surprised he is not what the typical Italian would be, he was quite serious but he took off with my exam and after 20 min came back and told me there was 95% chance he could repair my valve with no need for replacement. I liked his honesty and I totally trusted him immediately. That's it. The next time I saw him was on the second day after the surgery. He came in smiling and said he had already been warned by his staff how well I was doing. His staff was amazing. I loved all the nurses. Sweet and competent. Cedars-Sinai is first class treatment. I keep Dr Trento in my prayers for him to have long life and be able to continue his mission of saving lives. The best surgeon ever!"
-- Anna Penido, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 11/05/2013
"I'm nearing three months since my aortic valve was replaced. I am extremely happy with the results. I can't thank Dr. Trento and his team enough!"
-- JOSEPH GOLDBERG, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/02/2013
"It has been 10 years since my mitral valve repair, and I'm doing great. I couldn't be more grateful to Dr. Trento for his expertise, his excellence, and his kindness. Anyone fortunate enough to call Dr. Trento his/her surgeon has reason to feel very blessed."
-- Julie Puentes, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, Maze Procedure, 07/10/2012
"Dr. Alfredo Trento is world class surgeon. I am very pleased and consider myself very fortunate to have Dr. Trento as my surgeon. Not overly talkative, but takes the time to answer any questions. High quality staff at Cedars-Sinai. Everyone was excellent."
-- Terry Beaschler, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 07/05/2012
"Dr. Trento was fantastic!"
-- Doron Sacham, Pulmonary Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/10/2012
"Dr Trento had great bedside manner and did outstanding work in reconstruction of my aorta and spared my valve, in addition Cedars Sinai in LA was top notch hospital!!!"
-- Jerry Andis, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, David Procedure, 03/22/2012
"Dr. Trento at Cedars-Sinai did my surgery. He and his staff were outstanding."
-- IAN BURNETT, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/30/2011
"Dr. Alfredo Trento and the staff at Cedars-Sinai were wonderful. They took amazing care of me. I went home 4 days after the surgery and back to work after 4 weeks. I resumed full activity after 3 months. It was a fantastic experience. "
-- Donald Andrew Church, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Ross Procedure, 05/10/2010
"For me, a triple by-pass accompanied the valve replacement. I've had only a minor bout with cellulitis since. I was out of the hospital within a week, and home after another week in a convalescent hospital. Dr. Alfredo Trento and his staff were attentive and supportive both before and after the operation. I've experience no further difficulties and very quickly resumed my normal activities (I'm retired). "
-- Ralph Raphelson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/22/2010
"Dr. Alfredo Trento is a highly qualified and competent surgeon. He is very pleasant and patient. He is also very attentive to all aspects of the procedure -- both before and after. His staff reflects his overall attitude. They are also very friendly and accessible."
-- Robin Hirsch, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/27/2009
"The relationship was brief - Dr. Alfredo Trento was all business and spent little time for "bedside manners". However, the fact that I'M FEELING GREAT REGARDING THE SURGERY, AND HERE I AM WRITING YOU, IS PROOF THAT HE'S DONE A GOOD JOB. BEDSIDES MANNERS WERE NOT TOO IMPORTANT TO ME. THE SURGEON'S SKILL AND EXPERIENCE IS PARAMOUNT."
-- VINCENT PRINCIPALE, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/05/2009
"Dr. Alfredo Trento was very good, to the point, confident and matter of fact. I liked him very much, he was honest and I was extremely happy with the procedure and the result. It was the Da Vinci procedure - which is through the rib cage and does not break a bone."
-- Angie Brooks, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 10/16/2008
"Dr. Alfredo Trento is head cardiac surgeon at Cedars Sinai, and I was very happy with my experience at Cedars. Dr. Trento is a man of few words, but certainly has years of experience and is highly qualified. His staff was extremely helpful and kept me informed throughout the process. "
-- Tom Burnett, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 07/21/2008
"I was told I needed total heart transplant and would be lucky if heart valve replacement surgery would work to keep me alive. Dr. Alfredo Trento studied my heart pictures for 20 minutes. When he returned, he told me he could repair part of the valve and replace less of it. I am doing fine! Dr. Trento is very professional. People come to him from all over world. Plus, many from VA hospitals -- a surgeon for all, not just the rich. Dr. Trento also works on children's hearts -- said to have magical fingers as they are smaller. Knew I was in good hands; am feeling better now than a year ago before my heart failure. After 8 months am surfing again!! I recommend Dr. Alfredo Trento highly."
-- Jerry O'Dell, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 07/19/2008
"Dr. Alfredo Trento was amazing. He is an expert in his field. Dr. Trento believes in getting his patients up and around as soon as possible. We think he is great. His assistant was wonderful too."
-- Michelle Basch, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/12/2008
"Dr. Alfredo Trento is a top expert in his field. He is so experienced and knowledgeable. He will answer all of your questions and Dr. Trento has wonderful staff that is very attentive and organized. He saved my life!"
-- Rita B., Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Maze Procedure, 06/01/2007
"I have had my aortic valve replaced four times. Dr. Trento has done three very successful OHS aortic valve replacements for me throughout the years dating back to 1991, including a Ross procedure and an ascending aorta replacement. He also had his esteemed colleague Dr. Raj Makkar perform a TAVR on me in 2015 with outstanding results. I have had amazing outcomes throughout all of my surgeries with no complications whatsoever. Dr. Trento is known for excellent results throughout the entire process. He makes sure that his patients get up and moving as soon as possible after surgery. Because of this, post-surgical complications are very low for his patients. I went on to become a nurse which makes me appreciate his expertise even more. I would recommend him to everyone! I feel blessed to know him. "
-- Cathleen DeWitt, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Transcatheter, Root Replacement, Ross Procedure, 06/30/2005
"Excellent surgeon! His team was amazing! I had a successful surgery and 18 years later, my mitral valve is holding strong!"
-- Cheryl McQueen, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 09/30/1999
"Excellent surgeon with a wonderful demeanor, very caring and valve still functioning after 22 years. If another surgery required ,I would be there in a “Heartbeat” from Arizona! "
-- Carolyn Young, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 03/02/1997
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