About Dr. Dominick Megna,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"My story begins with my family. Losing my brother to a heart attack four years ago was devastating. But sometimes it’s what we learn from our pain that makes all the difference. When that difficult loss occurred, my cardiologist, Dr. Erika Jones, recommended a full workup of my own heart, including genetic testing. At first, I was scared and put it off for a year. But then, I took the plunge and underwent a battery of tests. Genetic testing showed no problems with my heart. But an ultrasound of my heart did show something. That’s when the silent killer was discovered - a 4.8 cm bulge in my aorta that was well past the 3 cm normal measurement. I had heard of aneurysms before. As an entertainment editor for Variety Magazine in Hollywood, I knew that John Ritter died when his burst. And Jonathan Larson, the composer of the Broadway musical Rent, died suddenly from a ruptured aneurysm the night before its off-Broadway premiere. He was just 35. So, I already knew that my problem was serious, and I immediately became a partner in my own care. That’s when Dr. Jones referred me to my surgeon, Dr. Dominick Megna, at Cedars. Dr. Megna and Dr. Jones started tracking my aneurysm right away. Within a year of my first meeting with Dr. Megna in the spring of 2024, the measurement grew to 4.9 cm. That’s when Dr. Megna said that I should have surgery as soon as possible to avoid a fatal rupture incident, and because “the older you get, the harder the recovery.”

Dr. Megna and his entire staff were simply incredible. When my surgery had to be postponed due a scheduling change at the hospital, Dr. Megna called to tell me personally. Then, during my prep for surgery, when Dr. Megna came in, I asked him to pray for me. He agreed and said that prayer was important to him, too. After surgery, as I lay in the ICU waiting for the different tubes to be pulled out, the nurses were simply angels on earth. Tina Noori took especially good care of me, as did Kyla Miller, and two NP’s - Theresa Yeomans and Marion McCrae. Marion was Dr. Megna’s clinic nurse practitioner, and she was there for me every time I came in for an appointment. And then there was Dr. Megna, himself. He has a great bedside manner. He makes everyone feel comfortable. I later learned that Dr. Megna had a co-surgeon, Dr. Pedro Catarino. So, I have to recommend and thank Dr. Catarino for my great outcome, too. I had a bit of A-fib after my surgery and stayed on oxygen for a while. But I was home in eight days and kept taking longer walks every time I went out. During my months at home, I met with a physical therapist three times per week and regained my strength with three months of cardiac rehab, which included walking on a treadmill and riding a stationary bicycle. Throughout my recovery, Dr. Megna and Dr. Jones always answered all my questions. Every time I had the slightest concern, they calmed me down a lot. My aorta once again measures a perfect 3 cm. And even better - my scar barely even shows!

I love being back walking my dogs and living my life. Now, just over six months since surgery, I’ve just made my first trips to Las Vegas and New York for work and vacation. In fact, I recently presented an award to the CEO of Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Peter Slavin, for the hospital’s support of Project Angel Food. And I have a new cause - aortic awareness. I’ve been inspired by John Ritter’s widow, Amy Yasbeck, who founded The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health with a mission of promoting more awareness of the silent killer, and for ensuring that the African American community, which is disproportionately affected, receives adequate care. As an entertainment editor, I attend a lot of award shows and am often asked for my opinion. But when it comes to heart surgery, I’ll make it simple: All the awards should go to Dr. Megna and his entire care team, because they’re the REAL THING! Dr. Megna, his co-surgeon Dr. Catarino, and the choir of angels serving as their nurses — will always get a rave review from this Hollywood reporter."

-- Marc Malkin, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 03/19/2025

"Oddly enough, it was a scan related to a shoulder replacement that tipped me off that I had a dangerously enlarged aorta and underperforming aortic valve. After a year, it was time for surgery. First, I saw a surgeon in my hometown but found his style to be insensitive. He informed me that I was a “ticking time bomb” with only a 5% chance of survival if my aorta ruptured — but he wasn’t very delicate about it.

That’s when I asked for a referral and saw Dr. Megna. Meeting him was much more comfortable and worth the 100-mile drive. Dr. Megna took an hour, drew diagrams, and calmly explained my surgery. The first month after surgery was difficult, but the pain was manageable. And through it all, Dr. Megna was great. He was even able to repair my aortic valve so I wouldn’t need a replacement which would have required another operation within 15 years. Replacing the aortic root while saving the aortic valve is called a David Procedure.

Looking back, making the decision to have the surgery was the hardest part. The fear factor loomed large. Having one’s chest cut open is not comforting. But now, I no longer have to fear death from a sudden rupture of my aorta. Sharp little pains that, without the surgery, might signal a fatal rupture – no longer concern me.

I recommend Dr. Megna absolutely. While heart surgery isn’t something I’d care to do again, Dr. Megna made this as good an experience as it could possibly be. And six months later, I was back to golfing, walking a hilly, 6.5 mile course without a cart – twice per week. I couldn’t be happier with the results."

-- Randy Kordes, Aortic Valve, Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, David Procedure, 09/11/2024

"I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional care I received throughout my surgery and recovery — especially from Dr. Megna. From our very first consultation, he made me feel confident, reassured, and truly heard. His professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail were evident every step of the way.

Dr. Megna, along with the broader surgical team, took the time to carefully review my scans, walk me through what to expect, and ensure I felt prepared and supported. His judgment, especially in timing and approach, was spot-on — and I trusted him completely.

The surgery went remarkably smoothly. I was well cared for from the moment I arrived, experienced minimal pain, and didn’t even require pain medication afterward. The nursing staff was fantastic and played a key role in supporting my smooth recovery, which went exactly as Dr. Megna had described.

What stood out most was how accessible, personable, and present Dr. Megna was throughout the process — qualities you don’t always expect from a surgeon. He was not only technically skilled but also compassionate and engaged, which made a world of difference during such a vulnerable time.

Thanks to his care and expertise, my recovery exceeded expectations. Within four months, I was fully back to my daily activities and feeling better than ever. I’m deeply thankful to Dr. Megna and the entire team for giving me not just a successful surgery, but peace of mind and a full return to health."

-- G A, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 08/14/2024

"I had known about my swollen aorta for six years. Discovered from scans following a stroke, annual scans tracked it until the time for surgery arrived. I knew a ruptured aorta would be fatal, and I was scared. When a surgeon in my hometown said he only does five aortic surgeries per year, I asked for a referral, and he immediately suggested Dr. Dominick Megna at Cedars.

It was well worth the 100-mile drive. Dr. Megna very pleasantly shattered my stereotype of surgeons being gruff and brief. He was calm and patient, giving detailed answers while drawing diagrams for me. He asked four or five times if he had answered all my questions and then paused, waiting for me to think. Dr. Megna made me feel like a person who matters. His caring way really allayed my fears. Throughout all my appointment making, Dr. Megna’s schedulers and nurses were smooth, efficient, and constantly friendly.

My surgery went well, and I was fortunate that my aortic valve could be spared as this greatly reduces the need for future surgery. While my week in the ICU after surgery was challenging and I experienced fluid in my lungs, Dr. Megna and his staff helped me through it with the same calm and care I experienced from my very first appointment. After a month, I started feeling normal. Physical therapy really helped my recovery to the point where I looked forward to it. One of my therapists commented that my scar was the “straightest she had ever seen.”

Today, two years later, I play pickle ball regularly, I’ve ridden my e-bike over 700 miles in the year I’ve had it, and I have many more years to look forward to with my grandson. I cannot recommend Dr. Megna highly enough. He is everything you could ever want in a heart surgeon!"

-- Dorothy Chun, Aortic Valve, Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement, Median Sternotomy, David Procedure, 04/02/2024

"I have nothing but the highest praise for Dr. Dominick Megna and Dr. Alfredo Trento. I was originally referred to Dr. Trento, but he asked me to work with Dr. Megna because he was booked. But both were in the OR for my case and my care was superb.

I was the radio/TV/film producer for the American Heart Association here in Los Angeles for nearly ten years and wrote and produced all our commercials and educational films, as well as voicing most of them, as well. I also portrayed Dr. Harry Severance on a TV favorite, “Untold Stories of the ER.” So, I’ve learned a lot about what it means to have a great surgeon and I can truly say that Dr. Megna gave me the care I was hoping for.

My surgery had to be performed to prevent things from getting to a dangerous level, and my surgery with Drs. Megna and Trento was the New Year’s gift I needed for 2019. The Cedars heart program is ranked number 3 in the nation, so I saw no need to travel across country to the Mayo or Cleveland Clinics. Of course, heart surgery is serious, but I sincerely had no misgivings going into my procedure because I had done my homework. I “just knew" I was in the best of hands. My set of procedures lasted seven-and-a-half-hours and woke up in the ICU to the best and nicest nurses and attendants anyone could imagine. Hey, I’d seen my kind of surgery many times while at the Heart Association and I was confident in my two docs. But I never thought I would need it, myself. Trust me: I did.

Dr. Megna's bedside manner, as Dr. Trento’s, was delightful. Dr. Trento walked in on my second day in the ICU, gently squeezed my hand, looked me over, and said, “So?” Not much coming from such a famous surgeon, but it was everything. Hmm? What to say? I just said, “thanks!” He responded, “you’re welcome.” No, it doesn’t seem like a lot, but it was more than everything. Then, later, Dr. Megna visited. He mentioned that Dr. Trento and I had met, officially, and that we had a "nice conversation.” The best! Dr. Megna spent time with me that I needed to help me return to the sense of my good self, and his quality of care through his concern and kindness are part of my everyday life now. There are things that words don’t describe - stuff that you just feel and you know are right. I thank Dr. Megna for helping me have many more years.

During rehab following my surgery, I met several other patients who feel as strongly as I do about Drs. Megna and Trento. Looking back, I am delighted I chose Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Megna is my “surgeon for life.” If anyone reading this is looking for the way ahead, just email or even call me! I want you to feel as comfortable and confident as I did and still do. "

-- Ron Stark, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/09/2019