About Dr. Raj Makkar,
Interventional Cardiologist

"When I was young, I was told I didn't need to do anything about my bicuspid aortic valve unless it became necessary. Fast forward: I was fifty when shortness of breath became an issue. Then, my cardiologist said, "it's time."

My first surgery was with Dr. Trento fifteen years ago. He did a great job. But, I was told then that the bioprosthetic valve would last about 15 years. So, for the past ten years, I've been keeping a close eye on my valve and my options with my cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Kaul.

One option was Dr. Raj Makkar, a pioneer in minimally invasive heart surgery where a new valve is slipped in with a catheter through the leg. Instead of needing six weeks for surgery and recovery, with Dr. Makkar – I only had to set aside two days.

Dr. Makkar won my trust immediately. He's so genuine. He just walked in and asked, "so, are you ready to do it?" I think he already knew my answer and actually – I did, too. I'm a PhD and I've served as a college dean, director, and vice-president. I know how to do my homework. Consumers of health care must educate themselves, seek out information, and seek out the best practice.

Online research makes it clear that Dr. Makkar is a rock star. He really stands out. Health Grades gives him the highest ratings and there's a great online video with Dr. Makkar. Dr. Kaul had also recommended him highly and I already knew Cedars Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles from decades of care. Getting appointments at Cedars and working with Dr. Makkar's team was seamless.

All my Q & A communications were answered. Dr. Makkar's staff was "Johnny-on-the-Spot." After my procedure, Dr. Makkar's team checked in on me, said hello, and made me feel like family. This is being different in the right way. The genuine interest shown by Dr. Makkar and his staff left me, as the patient, feeling I'd done the right thing. As a business analyst, I've learned to solve problems and get results. It worked this time.

My advice is to research in advance, gain as much knowledge as you can, and make good, well-informed decisions with confidence. Now I'm back at the gym and I'm hoping to take up tennis. I will make Dr. Makkar my #1 choice for my next valve in another fifteen years. I'll paraphrase a popular business expression: "When Dr. Makkar talks – people listen." I listened to Dr. Makkar and I'm glad I did. You will be, too!"

"I was having my regular check up when my doctor heard a heart murmur. The next doctor I saw heard it too and had his own echo machine. Just having completed a 30-mile bike ride, my doctor said, "don't do any more until you have your heart valve fixed."

Then he referred me to Dr. Raj Makkar at Cedars because he's "the best in the world." Dr. Makkar is renowned as an innovator of minimally invasive heart valve surgery. Simply put – he could slide a new valve into place by running a catheter up through my leg. Consulting with Dr. Makkar was great. He answered all my questions.

I do stunts in movies and television. You may have seen my work in the Matrix and Avengers movies, and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." But I didn't want to take any chances here.

I was so relieved when I was approved for Dr. Makkar's procedure. Knowing I wouldn't have my chest opened, I didn't lose any sleep before the procedure. I did have to sign a consent for open surgery in case there was a problem. When I woke up afterwards, the first thing I did was run my hand over my chest to feel if I had an incision and I knew that Dr. Makkar's procedure had been a success.

All I had to do was to stay overnight before I went home the next day. I felt nothing except for some tenderness where the catheter entered my groin, but that healed up within a few weeks. Then, I was back to all my regular activities, including movie stunts. I couldn't be happier with my entire experience.

Not only is Dr. Makkar great, but his NP, Izabela Harutyunyan, is amazing. Izabela is extremely knowledgeable, answered all my questions, and asked really good questions to understand me as a patient. The entire staff at Cedars is great.

Recently, I did a conference call with Dr. Makkar and other doctors to share my experience. And in sharing my experience here, I can say that I'm back to all my regular activities and would 100% do this again with Dr. Makkar and his team. Having my heart valve replaced while hardly feeling a thing is incredible. Now I know why the doctor that referred me to him said that Dr. Makkar's the best in the world!"