About Dr. S. Chris Malaisrie,
Heart Surgeon

"Undergoing the Ross Procedure in September 2024 was a major life event for me, but I couldn't have been in better hands than with Dr. Chris Malaisrie.

From the very beginning, he demonstrated genuine compassion, taking the time to answer all of my questions and ease my concerns. His surgical skill, combined with the attentive follow-up from his team, gave me confidence throughout the entire process.

Remarkably, only 8 weeks after surgery, I was able to return to officiating hockey — a testament to both his expertise and the quality of care I received."

"Dr. Malaisrie and team did an excellent job. From the initial consultation, where he described the procedure risks/benefits to the actual surgery, he was outstanding. He kept my family informed of the status during the day of surgery and the outcome was successful.

Dr. Malaisrie followed-up the weekend after surgery (2 days after surgery) and visited me several times to check on my status. His team (particularly Janice Knuckey) was a constant source of information and support who is also very impressive.

I would not be in as good as shape as I am today without Dr. Malaisrie and his team."

"After monitoring my aortic aneurysm and tricuspid valve issues, it was decided surgery was necessary. Along with my primary physician, I found it reassuring that every other person involved in my diagnostic testing and preparation had nothing but positive comments and complete confidence in Dr. Malaisrie being 'the one to see'.

After a long successful surgery, Dr. Malaisrie and the team at Northwestern saw me through 9 days of trying hospitalization. When rounds were made (multiple days with Dr. Malaisrie) I was reassured that the team was 'on it' and I had complete confidence in their abilities.

Each time, no one left without making sure I understood my care and what was transpiring. The team can count on my recommendation in the future... Another patient happy to say: 'He's the surgeon to go to'."

"I couldn't be more grateful and in awe of the life-saving work that Dr. Malaisrie, the cardiovascular surgical team and staff at Northwestern Medicine.

This all began with my very first appointment with Dr. Cremer. Then, with my very first appointment with Dr. Malaisrie. The Ross Procedure surgery I received and the post-surgery care given by the thoracic cardiovascular ICU staff and step down staff at Northwestern Medicine.

It could not have been better. Actually, there is no one better period. The care and professionalism received could not be matched anywhere in the world.

I've been a Chicago fireman for over 25 years. Having this job puts me at risk of so many cardiovascular related issues and potential problems over the course of my chosen career. There is no question as to where my care will be from now on. This team is the absolute best in the world. And I have been sharing my experience with so many fellow fireman on the Chicago Fire Department.

Now I'm just over 4 weeks out of surgery and I know it's early. But, I can confidently and proudly say that I already feel stronger! I already feel the benefits of the Ross procedure. I know that I will get better everyday and I'm so confident that I will recover fully. How do I know this? It's because of the doctors and nurses at Northwestern Medicine.

There are no words that I can say to show my appreciation for saving my life."

"Dr. Malaisrie is the best there is. I am from Boston and traveled all the way to Chicago for my aortic valve replacement, he's just that good!"

"I am forever indebted to Dr. Malaisrie and the incredible team at Northwestern Medicine that performed the surgery and helped me to recover."

"Dr. Malaisrie was thoughtful and took the time to explain the various options available, including the long term implications of each options. Ultimately, he helped me find the option that best fit my immediate needs and longer-term lifestyle goals."

"Dr. Malaisrie isn't just a top-notch surgeon. He's also the epitome of warmth and care in the medical profession. His humor brings light to the recovery process, and his genuine concern for patients shines through in every interaction. I wholeheartedly recommend him for not only his expertise but also the comfort and laughter he provides along the healing journey."

"From our first meeting, Dr. Malaisrie was warm, patient, communicated excellently, and LISTENED. My protective brothers did research about him beforehand and went along with me to meet him and offer me support. Our meeting confirmed his manner was as reassuring as his credentials.

Surgeons often have the reputation as being skilled technically but lack a "bedside manner". This is far from the truth regarding Dr. Malaisrie. He has such a pleasant personality, which relieved my anxiety. I went into surgery completely confident I was in the best of hands. He communicated to my family after the surgery which put them at ease. I highly recommend him without reservation to anyone requiring heart surgery.

I have told everyone I know about him and it's also a reflection on his team which is top notch. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my comments."

"Fantastic surgeon and fantastic doctor. Im 100% because of Dr. Malaisrie."

"Dr. Malaisrie is a fantastic surgeon with precision and honesty."

"Thank you Dr. Malaisrie and team for a wonderfully executed and efficient procedure that saved my life. I have been working on making sure I eat healthy, mostly have at home dash-diet approved foods, and have gotten my weight down by at least 25 pounds since the procedure.

I am also working to incorporate even more exercise and reduce excessive weight further. My family and I are very grateful."

"Completely aligned with my cognitive and emotional needs. Completely professional - confident and realistic. Answered all questions patiently and fully."

"I am a 56-year old athlete, and found out about my condition through a calcium score test. I had no idea that I was born with a bi cuspid aortic valve. This caused an aneurysm that was surgical immediately. I was also asymptomatic.

The procedure was Bio Bentall; cow tissue valve with Dacron graft ascending aorta. Dr. Malaisrie is excellent! Although only meeting him for 15 minutes prior to scheduling the surgery, I knew I was in good hands from the recommendations, pedigree and his bed side manners.

My recovery went surprisingly well. 4 weeks was the turning point, where the progress accelerated daily. Minimal painkillers were needed and last one taken was on day 3. I was back lifting weights (very light) at 6 weeks, and on the bike at 7 weeks (using an indoor trainer). By week 8, I was at 95% and had already returned to work. At weeks 10-12, I was up to 70 miles per week cycling, and was ramping up the resistance and heart rate with each workout.

I truly feel like I have a new lease on life, and am very appreciative of everything that Dr. Malaisrie and his staff at Northwestern did for me."

"I would not have imagined that a surgeon could be as calming, attentive, caring, professional, and communicative as Dr. Malaisrie, and in fact, his entire team.

The results speak for themselves, out of the hospital in 4-days, back to running within a few months! Virtually no pain the entire event, (maybe a bit on day 1), and no significant scarring. Just fabulous, I would not simply recommend him, I would challenge anyone to describe better results!"

"I just completed my first sprint triathlon (at a sanctioned event) last night and did not have any problems completing it even though it was warm and very humid."

"Dr. Malaisrie and his entire team were fantastic to work with from start to finish. He clearly explained why surgery was needed and what procedure was going to be done. Communication was fast and easy throughout the whole process, both in the hospital and after I was discharged. Dr. Malaisrie and his team checked in with me routinely after surgery (which went very smoothly) and I was discharged after only 3 nights in the hospital. I couldn't recommend them more!"

"Dr. Malaisrie was extremely professional,kind and thorough with his explanation of the surgery. Though it was during New Year's Eve he was still very attentive and visited me everyday. This was my second heart valve replacement in 10 years and I was scared and apprehensive but he made me feel calm and confident that things would work out. If you are in need for a heart replacement or any other heart issue I highly recommend Dr. Malaisrie."

"I was diagnosed with a Stanford Type A dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. Surgery was required to correct it and my valves.

A trusted friend, Albert C. Lin, MD, whom is an exceptional Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist, recommended Dr. S. Chris Malaisrie to me. Dr. Malaisrie is commonly referred to as a "WIZARD" by his peers.

The surgery was scheduled for 2-4 hours but ended up lasting 7 hours. When my sternum was opened, the damage was much more extensive than expected. Blood was flowing into my pericardium along with several other major issues. Blood consistently flowing into the pericardium is most often fatal.

While in the ICU, the surgical team came to visit me. One of the surgeons stated and I quote, "MR. Piper we are not certain how you are alive." Someone from the surgical team said, "He must be Superman!"

I am not certain about being Superman but I do know my wife & family's prayers played an important role.

Dr. Malaisrie's brilliance, confidence, single purpose, and exceptional manual dexterity are second-to-none. In my opinion, he is the #1 cardiac surgeon in the world!

Superman was in the operating room that day on 06/29/20. But, with all assurances... It wasn't me!"

"I had a great experience with Dr. Malaisrie. Very good bedside manner and great surgeon."

"It has been a year since my valve replacement. I had always been an outdoorsman and enjoyed metal detecting miles into the woods to find old foundations and the 1800's coins that were lost there a long ago time. For the last three years I was unable to do that because of a bad (bicuspid) aortic valve that was getting progressively worse. Last weekend I was able to bring my 2 year old dog on a hike in the woods for the first time ever! She loved it as we went over three miles and I COULD BREATHE!!! All because of Dr. Malaisrie.

I remember when he walked into my hospital room for the first time. He explained what was going on with my heart and explained the options. I was scared to death at first, but his confidence and knowledge was soothing. I remember he said he was going to do a minimally invasive surgery which meant they weren't cutting me open with a big entrance. Just a small 5" incision over my right breast. He asked if he could look at the site and I opened up my shirt and he immediately complimented me on my large tattoo. He said something about he would hate to ruin such a beautiful tattoo...then he paused, smiled and said, "actually, I think this will hide the scar extremely well!" I had my surgery.

During recovery, someone in the lab saw a problem with my numbers. Dr. Malaisrie and his team determined I had an allergy to Heparin which is extremely dangerous. I am sure if I were at another hospital it wouldn't have been caught and I could have died or lost limbs. I am so grateful to this awesome surgeon and his entire team at Bluhm Heart Center at Northwestern Hospital. I will be forever in this man's debt and pray The Lord bless him, his family and his team!"

"Dr. Malaisrie did an outstanding job replacing my aortic valve with an On-X mechanical valve. At 20 years old, I wanted an expert surgeon with alot of experience."

"Thank you to Dr. Malaisrie for his excellent care he provided for me and my family. You saved my life and I am extremely grateful to you."

"I was referred to Northwestern Medicine for my surgery by my cardiologist. By God's grace, Dr. Malaisrie was assigned to my case. From our initial consultation appointment both my wife and I were completely at ease that I had received the best surgeon possible for my surgery.

His warm, confident (but NOT arrogant) manner reassured us that all would be fine for me. He is surrounded by incredibly competent staff who are, as Dr. Malaisrie is, warm and friendly. The surgery went off without a hitch and I was able to leave the hospital after a week's recovery. At age 68, I returned to full-time employment (professional, not involved in physical labor) after about three months of recuperation. (I returned to part time work after about 2 months.)

I recommend Dr. Malaisrie with the highest endorsement. I am totally pleased with EVERY aspect of my needed heart surgery -- both pre and post operation! You owe it to yourself to consult with him if he is available."

"Today is my one year anniversary of open heart surgery. I suffered shortness of breath for one year. Finally, on June 5th 2019, Dr. Malaisrie did open-heart surgery and replaced my mitral valve. Dr. Malaisrie is a super hero. Since then, I fully recovered. No more shortness of breath. We thank Dr. Malaisrie and appreciate what he did. We will never forget Dr. Malaisrie. Your forever grateful patient, Liomar"

"Dr. Malaisrie was the best decision I have ever made for my heart and health!"

"He and his entire team at Northwestern were top flight professionals. They took care of everything before during and after."

"Dr. Malaisrie has great social graces and a great ability to explain procedures prior to surgery."

"Please thank Dr. Malaisrie and his team. I am doing well from my aortic valve implant surgery."

"I cannot praise him highly enough. I now have what is essentially a second life - by God's grace and the surgeon's hands. And post-op pain and inconvenience have been minimal."

"I am so very thankful I came to Northwestern to have surgery by Dr. Malaisrie, he is a magician! I do not regret having surgery there at all and I had a smooth recovery."

"I feel great. One month after Dr. Malaisrie did my surgery I was walking about 5 miles a day and now I am up to around 10 miles a day. I appreciate everything he and his team did for me."

"Excellent experience from office visits through surgery & post op! Willing to discuss questions & concerns. Gave honest opinion. Surgery could not have gone any better! Even has nurse call family from OR during procedure with updates. I highly recommend Dr. Malaisrie and would choose him again if I needed another surgery!"

"Outstanding from consult to surgery and at post-surgery follow up. Have waited two years to state this as we all know "time will tell." Highly recommend Dr. Malaisrie and the Cardiac Medical staff at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago."

"Amazing.....Great outcome...and Dr. Malaisrie was a good communicator!"

"Dr Malaisrie was very thorough with his explanation of pre-operation and operation procedures as well as what to expect after the surgery was over. My surgery was a complete success and rehab was exactly as was explained prior to surgery. I have completed phase 1 and 2 of rehab and am continuing Cardio excersizing with no complications.

I would highly recommend Dr Malaisrie to anyone in need of heart surgery and also the Northwestern Medical facilaty in down town Chicago Il."

"I cannot say enough amazing things about Dr. Malaisrie and his team. He had great bedside manner and made me feel extremely comfortable with getting the surgery. I healed up so well and his Nurse, Amy was extremely helpful with everything and made me feel so confident in the Doctor and choice to do the procedure. I would recommend anyone to Dr. Malaisrie and the amazing staff at Northwestern!"

"Thanks to Dr. Malaisrie, I had a great surgical result!"

"I feel wonderful thanks to Dr. Malaisrie. I am SO glad I chose Dr. Malaisrie for the minimally invasive surgery. My scar is small and I had no pain compared to other patients I saw while in cardiac rehab."

"My surgery was performed on 03/18/2016 by Dr. Chris Malaisrie at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I am 67 years old and was born with a bicuspid aortic valve which led to severe aortic stenosis. Dr. Malaisrie and his team replaced my aortic valve and repaired my dilated aorta all the way into the arch. Beforehand, the procedure was clearly explained by Dr. Malaisrie and all my questions and concerns were fully addressed.

He has a calm manner, is easy to talk to and I had complete confidence in him. The successful surgery was performed on Friday morning and I was sent home on Monday afternoon. The aftercare was great and the whole experience at Northwestern was terrific. I completed cardiac rehab and feel great. I want to thank Dr Malaisrie, his team, and my cardiologist Dr Robert Silverberg. I highly recommend Dr Chris Malaisrie."

"Dr. Malaisrie performed open heart surgery on my father a little over two months ago.The results have been amazing. My dad has been able to resume all of his normal activities and is planning to go on a trip next month out of the country. Dr. Malaisrie was extremely professional and straightforward and listened to our concerns and requests. We were impressed by his experience, knowledge and calm personality. I would highly recommend Dr. Malaisrie."

"The surgery did everything it was supposed to do and I feel great. I am back to exercising 5 times a week. I walk and run 1 mile, do the stationary bike and lift weights all without cardiac issues. I want to send a big Thank You to Dr. Malaisrie."

"Dr. Malaisrie is an amazing doctor! I feel so much better and doing great and I am back to working in construction."

"Dr. Malaisrie is an awesome surgeon, he was very confident and made me feel confident going into surgery. I am so very grateful for him. He saved my life."

"This was a new procedure limited to high risk patients. Many programs have done only 25 or so and have numerous surgeons and cardiologists involved. I interviewed many looking for someone who had done at least 100. Drs. Malaisrie and Flaherty at Northwestern had done 250! The results were far better than I expected."

"I have experience with Dr. Chris Malaisrie on two fronts: My AVR on Oct 1 - traditional open heart surgery, and 1 year earlier, my 94 year old mother did the TAVR approach with him. Both had great results.

I'm still recovering, but this was a mini AVR incision and all going well! Doctor Malaisrie was informative, helpful and took the time to ensure we knew all of our options - and excellent surgeon."

"I am very happy with the work Dr. Malaisrie did. I decided to stay in maintenance cardiac rehab longer and I am now bowling on Wednesdays."

"I am very happy that I chose Dr. Malaisrie, he did a great job and is at the prime in his career. I found the right person to do my surgery!"

"Dr. Malaisrie is a world class heart surgeon, educator, during our meetings he instilled total confidence and total peace of mind regarding my heart mitral valve prolapse surgical repair.

Dr. Malaisrie clearly explained all test results, repair options and my actual surgical repair experience at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago exceeded all expectations in July 2015, I have an excellent outcome and feel better now than the past several years. I highly recommend completing the cardiac rehabilitation program.

I am very grateful to Dr. Malaisrie for his care, skills and surgical expertise. The Northwestern Memorial Hospital staff is very professional, observant and did a great job for me during post surgery recovery. I highly recommend Dr. Malaisrie as the heart surgeon of choice to provide an excellent experience and successful outcome. Thank You!"

"The doctor was very comforting and professional. Dr. Malaisrie prepared me the best he could for the surgery. He gave me confidence in his ability and in my chance for recovery. I had my mitral valve and aortic root repaired at the age of 21 and was out of the hospital within the week."

"Dr. Malaisrie was fantastic throughout my entire experience. When I first met him, he gave me a clear explanation of the potential options. When I awoke from surgery I was amazed to hear that my valve was repaired and it meant not needing blood thinners (e.g. Coumadin) for the rest of my life.

Dr. Malaisrie was very professional and exuded a calm and confident demeanor throughout my experience. I've had my left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) checked yearly for the last four and it shown to be stable. Since surgery, I've been gradually progressing to eating a vegan diet (about 75% vegan) with the intent to eat almost entirely a vegan diet."

"An absolutely wonderful human being. Very intelligent, he explained my whole procedure so that both myself and my husband understood how it would be done. My husband was kept completely informed as to the progress of the surgery from start to finish.

Dr. Malaisrie and his complete team were more than accommodating! Result was unbelievable, after 4 weeks I'm back to nearly 100%. By the way, this was also my second open heart surgery. Dr Malaisrie and his team are very highly recommended!!"

"Yesterday was the 5 year anniversary of my AVR by Dr. Malaisrie. I am healthy, active, and doing activities I have always participated in and more. I'm also able to continue my work as an airline pilot for a major international carrier. Thank you!"

"I was a difficult case and the Northwestern teams (cardiac surgery and neuroophthalmology) didn't give up until they found out what was wrong with me. Dr. Malaisrie really fixed me up and my heart is A-okay."

"Dr. Malaisrie is an excellent physician and surgeon."

"My experience with Dr. Malaisrie was exceptional. He is who I wanted to operate on me. I had a 5.3cm aortic aneurysm and failing bicuspid aortic valve. He answered all my questions. He calmed my fears, and he was the first surgeon to even suggest repair of bicuspid valve. He is an expert in his field . He does this kind of surgery all the time. I said no to another surgeon because I loved Dr. Malaisrie's record and research.

I felt completely comfortable and safe going into surgery. I truly was ready the day of my surgery because I so trusted my surgeon, my cardiac doctor and the hospital I was at which was Northwestern. I knew I was in the best situation I could be in.

He truly is a hero to me. He came and saw me many times after surgery. His bedside manner is wonderful. Dr. Malaisrie and Northwestern were just the best. I can never say enough positive things about him. He is amazing!!"

"Surgeon was excellent in every way. Available to answer questions often anticipating questions from family members and myself. Dr. Malaisarie was calm , articulate and reassuring. Surgical results have been extraordinary."

"Outstanding surgeon with outstanding results. Dr. Malaisrie clearly articulated my particular situation and various options. He put my mind as ease, consistently exhibiting confidence in his ability and experience to perform this surgery successfully. I would highly recommend Dr. Malaisrie at Northwestern Memorial Hospital."

"Dr. Chris Malaisrie is an amazing surgeon. Northwestern Hospital is a team experience from the doctors to all the nursing staff. I would highly recommend Northwestern Hospital in Chicago to you."

"Dr. Malaisrie is an excellent surgeon. I highly recommend him."

"Dr. Malaisrie was very confident and a good communicator. I had a successful surgery and a good recovery. It's two years later and have had no post surgery issues."

"From the minute I meet Dr Malaisrie he spent his time with me going over options. He was not daunted by me being not an ideal patient. He pulled up his chair next to me and answered all my questions. I was alone during my meeting with him and he made me feel like under his teams care I would be fine. On surgery day he was great to my sister and brother. He saw me in the hall during my first walk on cardiac floor and was so sweet. All the symptoms and struggles I had prior to surgery are gone and I am very thankful to Chris and all of Northwestern medicine for their care.

Dr Susan Kim has overseen my ablation and follow up care and she is WONDERFUL too. I loved that they both looked me in the eyes and their trust and confidence was comforting - not arrogant."

"I had a relatively rare, but not uncommon, growth, sometimes called a "flipper" on the bottom of my aortic valve -- a non-malignant papillary fibro-elastoma. The growth had serious potential to cause a stroke if it was not removed. Dr. Chris Malaisrie, MD did an excellent job. He clearly explained what he would do, why, and what I was likely to experience. He speaks clearly, and does what he says he will do. I had a small (3 inch) incision. It was done on a Tuesday morning. I walked a bit late Tuesday afternoon and evening. His staff has high respect for him and appears to enjoy working with him. I was walking a mile indoors within about ten days."

"Confidence in his skill. Expert in field. Excellent explanation of options & surgery. My operation a total success. Highly recommend."

"Dr. Chris Malaisrie was very straight forward presentation of a broad range of information. He readily addressed all my questions. Very pleasant manner."

"Dr. Chris Malaisrie did everything perfectly. He explained everything to me in advance. I was taken care of afterwards with expert care. He went above and beyond my expectations during this experience. I highly recommend Dr. Malaisrie."

"I would love to recommend Dr. Chris Malaisrie at Northwestern's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute for being a professional, knowledgeable, caring and compassionate surgeon that gave my family and myself a "second chance" at life. I would like to thank Dr. Malaisrie for outstanding bedside manner, quick action and wonderful results of my surgery. I was able to go back to work and pursue and graduate from college this year -- all because of the lifesaving efforts of God working through Dr. Malaisrie. Thank you!"

"Dr. Malasarie was kind and reassuring. He made me feel very comfortable. I had some odd complications that required a few post-surgery visits and was always well-attended to by the Dr. and his PA."

"I received a valve-sparing aortic root replacement and bicuspid valve repair from Dr. Malaisrie on April 16, 2008. The care provided by Dr. Malaisrie and his supporting staff was superb both before and after the surgery. He was very clear and thorough in educating me about the procedure beforehand and patiently answered all questions I had about the surgery. I would recommend Dr. Malaisrie to others requiring similar surgery without hesitation."