About Dr. Melita Viegas,
Heart Surgeon

"Our baby girl, Savannah, was born with a heart murmur. Echoes showed a congenital defect called "supravalvular pulmonary stenosis," a narrowing of the pulmonary artery just above the valve obstructing blood flow. When the cardiologist sent the echo results to Dr. Zahn at Cedars, he tried to avoid surgery by repairing it via catheter. When that didn't work, it was time for surgery. Savannah's pulmonary vein was working too hard.

Dr. Zahn sent my wife and I to Dr. Melita Viegas and Dr. Richard Kim – two superbly skilled pediatric cardiac surgeons at Cedars. Drs. Viegas and Kim walked us through the surgical steps. We opted for immediate surgery, as healing for a baby is easier than at age of three or four. The surgery was complex, with Savannah going on a form of life support called "ECMO" to do the work of both her heart and lungs. Seeing your baby have open heart surgery — especially when a baby's heart is only the size of an egg which demands heroic surgical skill — is nerve wracking.

My wife was scared. And although my medical background calmed me, I was still nervous. But everything progressed well during surgery, and someone called hourly from the OR with updates. When it was over, Dr. Viegas said everything had gone well. Throughout our three-month period between April and June 2025, the entire care team was supportive and made us feel like family. Nicole, the NP, called constantly and was amazing. From echoes to cardiac infusion to surgery — the doctors and nurses in the CICU were incredible. The nursing was phenomenal as they could explain to my wife and I what worked and what didn't and why.

Savannah's first day after surgery was a bit rough as she was restless and wanted to crawl. But her recovery went well, and she started moving more each day. Savanah was in the CICU for a week and never went to the regular floor. She was back to normal within three months. Do my wife and I recommend Drs. Viegas and Kim? Oh, yes! We've already referred a cousin whose baby has a heart murmur and fortunately does not need surgery. But it's comforting to know that these incredible surgeons are there – just in case. Meanwhile, our Savannah is back to walking, talking, running around, and playing. And that's the most comforting thought of all."

"Before surgery, I was busy flying F-18 fighter jets for the Navy, rock climbing, and acroyoga. When my flight surgeon heard a heart murmur and sent me to a cardiologist, the echo showed a bicuspid aortic valve, a common congenital defect meaning I had two valve leaflets instead of three. Yet, there were no symptoms for six months until I felt chest pain. At the ER, I was told that nothing had changed except that I could feel it. This is when contradictory advice started. One local cardiologist recommended a mechanical valve; another - an animal valve. It was time for my own research.

So, I came to this very website – HeartValveSurgery.com – and learned about the Ross procedure: a complex surgery where the patient keeps his own valve tissue by replacing his aortic with his pulmonary valve; and a human donor valve to replace the pulmonary valve. Cedars-Sinai was my best choice, as it’s the heart surgery program that regularly performs the Ross in California. Stanford, another center that performs the Ross, only does them rarely. The Cedars surgery center paired me with Dr. Richard Kim, a renowned congenital surgeon with Ross experience, and Dr. Melita Viegas, his co-surgeon.

Getting appointments through the schedulers was smooth and efficient. Dr. Kim was direct and friendly and explained that he could do all three options: the animal or mechanical valve; or – the Ross — meaning I would not need blood thinners and would likely never need surgery again. Dr. Kim’s ability to perform the Ross was important because other surgeons had denied this option to me. At first, surgery had to be postponed for two weeks due to hyperthyroidism, which can complicate heart surgery. Not all hospitals check for this, so this was another reason I was glad I had chosen Cedars. When surgery came two weeks later, I wasn’t nervous. I awoke with arm restraints and a breathing tube and was uncomfortable. Fortunately, the tube was out within the hour, and I was able to take my first walk around the ICU. I was sent to the step-down unit after just one day.

Dr. Kim came to visit and was great. Nicole Berndsen, his NP, was also awesome and she remained in touch after I went home. She answered my calls about my pain med levels and about controlling postop Afib, which I am told is common. A week after surgery, I was sent home. My mother stayed with me for a month. I would certainly recommend Dr. Kim to anyone who needs heart valve surgery. I’m happy to recommend his co-surgeon, Dr. Melita Viegas, as well. Heart surgery disqualifies me from piloting the F-18 again. So, my main goal is to fly civilian aircraft, and to return to rock climbing and acroyoga at my pre-surgery levels. My heart is healthy now. And I’m ready to get back in the game!"