About Dr. Betty Kim,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"I had my aortic valve replaced by Dr. Kim and her team in June of 2022. I was amazed that the procedure could be done with minimal pain and that I avoided going on the heart lung bypass machine.

Before my surgery I was very sick. I could not even walk in my trilevel home due to feeling so short of air. I also had severe fatigue which kept me from enjoying my favorite activities and leaving my home. When I heard about the minimally invasive procedure it seems like a good fit for me because I knew I needed my valve fixed but I was scared about undergoing a big procedure requiring a large incision and general anesthesia.

Dr. Kim’s team helped guide me through the process of testing and I was able to quickly undergo my procedure. Dr Kim expertly used my carotid artery as the access point to allow a minimally invasive catheter based valve to be placed in my old aortic valve. The anesthesiologist used moderate sedation and I was able to breathe on my own without a ventilator. I was moved quickly from the operating room and I spent only one night in the hospital.

Since coming home, I have gained more strength and endurance with the help of cardiac rehabilitation. I am now able to get out of my home and enjoy my family again without feeling so short of breath. Everyone tells me that I have so much more color and life in my face since the surgery. I am so thankful that I underwent this procedure by Dr Kim and her expert team at Penrose Hospital. "

-- Ralph Gustafson, Aortic Valve, Transcatheter, 06/15/2022

"Dr. Kim is the best in town. I would recommend her to anyone needing any type of heart surgery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Very easy to talk to. Explanation of my conditions and the surgical procedures were spot on. Kudos to her and her team; they took great care of me."

-- Andrae Farr, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 01/20/2022

"Dr. Betty Kim was very thorough, an expert in action. This surgery gave me back my life to live to the fullest. She follows-up to see how my replacement of my heart valve is wearing after four years and I am delighted to say it shows no evidence of wear and tear. I highly recommend her for any surgery she does."

-- Jan Smith, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/09/2020

"I knew Dr. Betty Kim was the surgeon for me after my consult with her. I was impressed with her background and experience and her ability to put me at ease. I liked the approach she considered in correcting my defective Aortic valve. She was very personable and I appreciated her direct follow-up following surgery. She called me 2 days prior to surgery to confirm I was ready, and while this might have been routine, It added a little personal touch. I was very impressed with Dr. Betty Kim and the entire surgical team. "

-- Dwight Miller, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 11/02/2016