About Dr. Aakriti Gupta,
Interventional Cardiologist

"I recently, and unexpectedly, needed a bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement. Although I had experienced some symptoms — heart palpitations and leg swelling — I had attributed them to other issues and medication. At my annual checkup, my doctor heard a murmur and referred me for an echocardiogram. I soon learned that I had severe aortic regurgitation and needed surgery. As I urgently researched where to seek the best treatment, I came across several videos on HeartValveSurgery.com where I first saw Dr. Catarino. It quickly became clear that the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai was where I wanted to be — and I was not disappointed.

I initially had a consultation with Dr. Gupta, an interventional cardiologist, hoping I might qualify for a minimally invasive valve replacement using TAVR. Because I did not have the calcification (stenosis) typically needed for a standard TAVR, another possibility was the ARTIST study. Qualifying required evaluation by both an interventional cardiologist and the cardiac surgeon who would perform open-heart surgery if needed.

Dr. Gupta was extremely knowledgeable and answered all my questions thoroughly. During our consultation, she texted surgeon Dr. Catarino about my case. That simple action made me feel that I mattered. At a time when I desperately wanted answers and action, Dr. Gupta was giving me options and moving things forward. She spoke very highly of Dr. Catarino and reassured me that I would be in excellent hands if open-heart surgery became necessary.

Because of the size of my aortic valve, I ultimately did not qualify for the ARTIST study and did need open-heart surgery. As you can imagine, that caused tremendous anxiety — until I met Dr. Catarino.

Meeting Dr. Catarino was transformative. He immediately made me feel comfortable, and I was extremely lucky and blessed to have him as my surgeon. His bedside manner made me feel heard, cared for, and never rushed. He is a humble, special person who put me at ease and reassured me he would take the most thoughtful and least invasive approach possible. He would do exactly what was needed for the best outcome. Dr. Catarino understood my anxiety and knew how to calm it.

My entire experience was shaped by exceptional people at Cedars-Sinai. Karen Chavez-Reyes, who first scheduled me with Dr. Gupta, was another team member who made me feel that I mattered. Throughout my care, the staff was attentive and responsive, and no one ever made me feel as though I was bothering them, no matter how many times I called the office. The level of care and customer service at Cedars is second to none.

After surgery, I was fortunate to have many wonderful nurses. Sierra Armstrong in the ICU, and Rebecca Soon and Tina Noori in the stepdown unit, were fantastic. They talked with me, were kind to my family, and made sure I had what I needed. The nurses helped get me walking after surgery, and my walks have been getting longer ever since.

Marion McCrae, Dr. Catarino’s nurse practitioner, is also wonderful. She often replied to my emails within thirty minutes and has a direct, no-nonsense way of answering questions that I found incredibly reassuring. She removed my stitches and continued to support me after I left the hospital.

Leaving the hospital and all that wonderful care was a difficult transition, but my family has been stellar. One of the nicest legacies of my surgery is that Dr. Catarino was able to perform it through a three-inch mini sternotomy, which meant less discomfort, faster healing, and less scarring.

If I had to summarize how I feel about Dr. Catarino and his entire team, I would say that they possess a beautiful balance of extraordinary technical and medical skill with the very human art of caring for people. To come through heart surgery with such warm feelings about the experience is remarkable. My family and I agree that Dr. Catarino is not only an exceptional surgeon, but one of the sweetest souls we have ever met."

"Having spent most of my career as a judge and attorney, I learned the importance of research and getting the facts straight. After retiring, I looked forward to running and swimming more, but shortness of breath led to the discovery that I needed my aortic valve replaced.

After a local surgeon recommended a full sternotomy, I wanted to evaluate other options. My surgeon suggested contacting Cedars-Sinai and Dr. Joanna Chikwe. Through Cedars’ virtual consultation program, I met with Dr. Chikwe, and interventional cardiologist, Dr. Aakriti Gupta.

First, I considered a transcatheter valve insertion, or TAVR. Dr. Gupta was highly informative and provided detailed information about the procedure. But because TAVR leaves the heavily calcified native valve in place, I worried that a future valve replacement could be difficult. Dr. Chikwe offered another minimally invasive option: robotic aortic valve replacement where my original diseased valve could be removed before implanting a new tissue valve. She patiently and thoroughly explained why that option made sense given my particular circumstances. After using HeartValveSurgery.com to learn more, I concluded that the robotic surgery was right for me.

My experience at Cedars-Sinai was fantastic. Dr. Chikwe possesses a rare blend of superb technical skills and extraordinary empathy that sets the tone for her entire team. She visited every day I was there and always took time to answer my questions. Dr. Dominic Emerson was her co-surgeon, and in recommending him too, I can only say that I’m impressed to have had two surgeons of such high caliber. The rest of the team was outstanding, from Mary who handles insurance coverage to Vivian, the nurse practitioner whose enthusiasm is a real morale-booster.

I am truly grateful for the nursing staff, who went the extra mile to make sure I was safe and comfortable, and the residents and fellows who visited every morning. The entire care team was professional, compassionate, and highly skilled. I was walking the morning after surgery, transferred to the step-down unit later that day, and released four days after surgery. After spending a week recovering in Los Angeles in my B&B, I returned home.

Within a month, I was walking 10,000 steps a day, breathing comfortably again, and steadily regaining strength. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Chikwe, Dr. Emerson, Dr. Gupta, and the Cedars-Sinai team. I can say with complete confidence that choosing Dr. Chikwe and the robotic aortic valve replacement was the right decision."