About Dr. Joanna Chikwe,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"I am very grateful to Dr. Joanna Chikwe and Dr. Alfredo Trento as well as the surgical team, physician’s assistants, and nurses for the excellent professional care I received during my stay from March 19 through 22 for my mitral valve repair.

Our prior research informed us that it is very important to choose a team with extensive valve repair experience, both for the surgeons and the technical support team. Drs. Chikwe and Trento are world class surgeons with extensive expertise in robotic repair of mitral valves and this team ranks as one of the best on the west coast.

Dr. Chikwe is a strong advocate for valve repair as opposed to replacement whenever possible as this leads to a more durable outcome. I came to surgery with significant regurgitation that was completely corrected by the robotic surgery. Dr. Chikwe explained the surgical outcome to my wife after the surgery in very clear terms.

I was impressed with her bed side manner and follow-up care of me. The nursing staff was exceptional in their kind care of me after surgery. I had very little pain afterwards and was up and walking the day after surgery. At two months after surgery, I was walking 10,000 steps per day. I would advise anyone needing mitral valve repair to consider Dr. Chikwe’s team for the surgery."

-- Richard Maki, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 03/19/2020

"I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation but was asymptomatic. In December 2019, after my last echo stress cardiogram, my left ventricle enlarged and my cardiologist recommended it was time for repair surgery and referred me to Dr. Joanna Chikwe, Professor & Chair of the Department of Cardiac Surgery Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars Sinai.

I was told she was an excellent surgeon and top in the field of micro-robotic mitral valve repair. I researched her background and found she was indeed one of the nation’s top surgeons. Her background, education and experience was remarkable and I felt lucky to have one of the best known cardiac surgeons.

Because of her notoriety, she could have been very egotistical like some of the doctors that I know, but she was so down to earth and more importantly very easy to talk to. She was informative but very personal. I was confident going into surgery knowing I had her as my surgeon.

After surgery, while I was in the hospital, Dr. Chikwe visited me every day and made me feel at ease showing interest in my recovery. Also, the nurses, staff, and Dr. Chikwe’s assistants were all very professional and cordial.

Anybody who is treated by Dr. Chikwe will be very lucky. Cedars-Sinai was very smart to recruit her from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York to head the Smidt Heart Institute. Thank you Dr. Chikwe."

-- Albert (Joey) Nakazawa, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 03/03/2020

"How fortunate I was to have Dr. Joanna Chikwe as my heart surgeon. I was suffering from an ascending aortic aneurysm, leaky aortic valve, and blocked coronary arteries. To my surprise and delight, Dr. Chikwe was able to repair the valve, rather than replace it. She also resected the aortic aneurysm and performed a coronary bypass graft on three arteries.

My father was a brain surgeon and I had a checklist of things I admire in surgeons. Dr. Chikwe met all my criteria. First, what a pair of hands she has—long and lithe fingers in perfect shape, well suited for quick and careful suturing of vessels. But more importantly, she is confident yet modest with an exemplary sense of empathy.

Almost immediately upon meeting her she put me at ease and I never worried about the result—I had a full and quick recovery. I also appreciated her post-operative care and her frequent checks on me while I was in intensive care. I recommend her highly and can’t say enough about the high quality of the care I received as a result of her skill and under her supervision at Cedars Sinai."

-- Chris Fager, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 01/15/2020

" Excellent!"

-- Patricia Reuter, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 05/14/2019

"Truly the very best surgeon. She possesses extreme skills and is very friendly and knowledgeable. The top surgeon in her field. Thanks, Dr. Chikwe."

-- ROBERT CROWLEY, Pulmonary Valve, 11/13/2018

"Dr. Chikwe is a national treasure. I would have a much shorter life had it not been for. Explaining the procedure, and the healing is understanding. She explains details. Personally, she’s my "Dr. Princess" who had my heart in her hands. Wishing you many years of success in your career and then again many more. I would not hesitate recommending a consult with her. ♥️"

-- Maureen Ahad, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 05/14/2018

"Dr Chikwe took her time to explain everything in detail, she exudes confidence and even when my Mitral Valve proved to be a "challenging" repair, she took the time to repair rather than replace, she also repaired my Aortic valve while she was in there. If you are faced with a valve problem, see her for consult, she is an expert in repair in my book and her credentials are second to none."

-- Arthur Hall, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/15/2017

"I have never had such confidence in a Doctor as I had with Dr. Chikwe. The most reassuring smile at all times. Dr. Chikwe was born to be a great surgeon and I was lucky to have her for my procedure. Thank you and the wonderful nurses that supported you."

-- Harry Vaughn, Aortic Valve, 10/06/2016

"Dr. Joanna Chikwe is a cardiac surgeon treasure find! A superb heart surgeon who effectively saved my life. Dr. Chikwe thoroughly explained with care to my wife, Jean, and I the details of the surgery and what to expect in recovery and rehabilitation. She has a very reassuring and comforting presence."

-- Arthur Lozeau, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Maze Procedure, 09/07/2016

"Dr. Chikwe gave Joe's heart back, and stole ours! She was magic. Perfect."

-- Anthony Bly, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 01/31/2015

"The best kind of professional, Dr. Chikwe was supportive and encouraging and kept me reassured while she did a great job. Five years later and all is well!"

-- GAVIN MASTERSON, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 07/23/2014

"Dr. Joanna Chikwe was extremely knowledgeable and very patient answering our questions. Dr. Chikwe was very available for discussion of any concerns before and after surgery."

-- Nancy Cruz, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 09/14/2011

"My experience with Dr. Joanna Chikwe was exceptional. Within a few minutes of meeting her I knew that she would be the surgeon to repair my mitral valve. She did not disappoint. Her warm, caring personality won me over. She was approachable,responsive and caring right up to the days before surgery. Not only was my surgery and immediate recovery uneventful thankfully, but she came to my hospital bed twice daily. Dr. Chikwe was a ray of sunshine with her warm smile and cheerful encouraging words. She was like a friend coming to cheer me on in my recovery. "

-- Bonnie Perman, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 10/04/2010