About Dr. Hiroo Takayama,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"Dr. Takayama performed an amazing surgery. He repaired my aortic valve (instead of a replacement) which is a permanent procedure - no synthetic or animal valve.

He is not only one of the best heart surgeon in the world... Dr. Takayama's human qualities are tremendous. He cares about all aspects of the human being.

Also, the ICU team at the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital is a dream. At no time did I feel insecure or scared. Now, 2 months after surgery, I am in cardiac rehab, working out, rowing and walking a few miles!

So, do I recommend Dr. Takayama? Absolutely!!!!"

-- Yves Durif , Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, 01/12/2022

"I was very nervous but Dr. Takayama and his team put me at ease and explained every step to my wife and me.

Dr. Takayama did an absolute fabulous job. Now, I feel great. He checked in with me every day before-and-after the surgery.

Dr. Takayama has a great way with people and he really puts you at ease when he talks. I can’t thank him enough for saving my life!"

-- Kenneth O Connor, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/28/2021

"Dr. Takayama successfully repaired my bicuspid aortic valve in March. His work is exceptional, he is clearly one of the most gifted surgeons in the world. Dr. Takayama is a kind person who cares deeply about his patients. Dr. Takayama is also brilliant and can address all questions. I call him the firewall because he is the last line of defense."

-- Joseph Altobell, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, 03/19/2021

"He saved my life period. Dr. Takayama is gentle, kind and very confident. I felt very comfortable after i saw him. He cleared his schedule for me and gave me priority, not because I'm a nephrologist in NYP system, but due to gravity of my coronary artery lesions. I was discharged from the hospital in 5 days and back to work in 5 weeks. RIM /LIM"

-- Husein Sonara M.D, Mitral Valve, 08/19/2020

"From the moment I was told I would need surgery, Dr. Takayama displayed the utmost confidence in the procedure and its outcome. Everything went just as he explained it would, including my recovery."

-- Mike Cannon, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 12/05/2018

"I received an exceptionally positive experience which far exceeded my expectations from Dr Takayama, his OR team, the IC Unit staff and the step-down team of professionals at Columbia / NY Presbyterian.

My recovery has been 100% successful. I am very satisfied with the surgical outcomes."

-- Alex Miller, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Root Replacement, 05/03/2018

"Our experience with Dr. Takyama and his staff exceeded all our expectations. We all felt overwhelmed when given the news that an aortic value replacement surgery would be necessary. Dr. Takayama came highly recommended from three different sources including two other physicians. Starting with the consultation, everything was explained in full detail and not at all rushed which put us all at ease. The staff was incredible, answering any insurance questions we had. We knew my father was in the right place! The surgery was a complete success. We highly recommend Dr. Takayama for any heart procedure. Thank you Dr. Takayama!"

-- Raymond Ragozzino, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/22/2018

"My experience with Dr. Takayama was excellent. I believe he did a good job because I had no pain. His bedside manners are delightful, very friendly and professional God bless Dr. Takayama! "

-- Goemarus Stam, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Root Replacement, 02/08/2018

"Dr Takayama is amazing and his bedside manner made me feel much better."

-- Marisol Tavarez, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/05/2018

"Dr. Takayama was the third cardiac surgeon I contacted to address my severe aortic valve regurgitation. Reviewing my case with Dr. Takayama was the best decision I ever made. After my consultation with Dr. Takayama, I immediately felt at ease and confident that I had finally found the right surgeon. Dr. Takayama exuded confidence and skill. He is courteous, and precise in his explanations. The outcome of the surgery was the best outcome I could have hoped for. The recovery is proceeding ahead of schedule. I feel blessed that my path crossed with Dr. Takayama's and his very capable hands. I would whole heartily recommend to anyone in need of cardiac surgery, to do their home work and most importantly to talk with Dr. Takayama before proceeding with their surgery. They'll be glad they did, and they will join the long list of patients who were lucky, or indeed blessed, to have put their heart in the hands of Dr. Takayama."

-- Albert Tripoli, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Root Replacement, 01/02/2018

"Excellent care all my concerns were addressed by the proper staff. I would recommend Dr Takiyama and his staff to any one who needs heart surgery."

-- Linda Johnson, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 11/11/2017

"Dr Hirro Takayama made me feel secure going into open heart surgery. I felt safe being in his hands. He was very direct and to the point but very patient.

The surgical procedure was explained in detail and he also told me this is a fix. This procedure will give you a better quality of life. Dr Takayama is the best! All around surgeon you can ask for.Top of the line expertise in his talents for the heart surgery. My results were astonishing and exactly what he predicted.

I feel completely normal after 4 weeks but the sternum is a little sensitive but without pain. My life hasn't changed because of the open heart surgery I feel great. I'm happy to be so lucky that I had Dr Hirro Takayama as my surgeon and Doctor now and forever. I couldn't ask for any thing more!!"

-- Thomas Bifulco, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, 10/22/2017

"I am very pleased with all the procedures. I am getting stronger everyday. I highly recommend Dr.Takayma. He saved my life."

-- Ruzica Krasic, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, 10/02/2017

"Excellent!"

-- Ken Musillo, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/29/2017

"I am here thanks to the talented Dr Takayama and his surgical team. I am a 40 year old man who had an aortic root replacement without the need of replacing my valve along with a single bypass of the circumflex artery. Dr Takayama and his team helped reassure me through the entire process and continue to post operatively. Dr. Jimmy Doolittle who is also part of Dr. Takayama's team was also a great asset to the team. I am so happy with Columbia Presbyterians staff and care I would recommend them to everyone. Dr. Takayama is a gifted Surgeon who saved my life."

-- Jason Lopez, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, 08/16/2017

"I am very satisfied. The surgery was a great success and even the sutures were neatly done! Dr. Takayama is a top professional and I would recommend him wholeheartedly."

-- Alex P., Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 09/13/2016

"Doctor Takayama took the time to answer any and all questions both before and after surgery. He explained what was to be done during the surgery which gave me a warm feeling. He was warm and caring both to me and my wife before and after surgery. We need more doctors like him. Surgery results were excellent."

-- Allen Galloway, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/08/2016

"Dr Takayama took the utmost care regarding my surgery. He explained each procedure and how long the recovery time will be. His team was detailed and answered any question my family and I had. He always heard any concerns I had. I would recommend Dr Takayama and their to any my friends and family."

-- Antionette SURACE, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/08/2016

"THE DOCTOR AND HIS STAFF WERE FANTASTIC. THEY SHOWED HONEST CONCERN BEFORE AND AFTER THE SURGERY. DR. TAKAYAMA WAS WITH ME TO HELP UNDERSTEND MY OPTIONS BEFORE, THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OPERATION AND WHAT TO EXPECT IN RECOVERY. HE HAS A GREAT MANNER AND MADE THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY ALMOST ENJOYABLE. THANKS DOC! I BELIEVE YOU SAVED MY LIFE."

-- JOHN HAYDEN, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Maze Procedure, 02/04/2016

"The name of my operation is Ascending and Hemiarch replacement. Dr. Takayama is a very responsible doctor. He is very patient to listen and explain our questions. My surgery was very successful. Now, it's 6 weeks after my heart surgery. I'm filled with energy and walk more than 5 miles each day. "

-- BAYI MENG, Aortic Valve, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 01/21/2016

"Dr. Takayama is a very competent and thoughtful surgeon. He described what he was going to do and stays fully involved in a patients recovery. He did a minimum invasive chest incision. I had very little pain and was quite active after only 3 weeks. He and his team's positive approach makes a patient feel very confident about the surgical outcome. I would strongly recommend Dr. Takayama to anyone needing heart surgery. He is an asset to New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center."

-- Robert J. Postlethwaite, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/06/2015

"Efficient, professional, excellent bed side manner, and visited me often during my stay at New York Presbyterian. So far, 7 weeks from surgery, I've continued to improve each day. Results of surgery, excellent. one setback, pericarditis. His staff (PA's especially) are courteous, knowledgeable, visit often, and always return calls. I had many questions for him during my post-surgical followup appointment, each question was patiently and kindly answered. A very positive experience in his care. "

-- Teresa Fox, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 07/23/2015

"Dr. Takayama was wonderful from the moment he met me at the hospital. He was caring and explained everything about the surgery & I believed him. This was my second valve replacement & Dr.Takayama was very reassuring. I would not hesitate to recommend him. His office staff & his PA were excellent. Can't say enough good things about them."

-- John Urban, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Transcatheter, 11/13/2014

"Dr. Takayama is very professional and thorough both before and after surgery. He takes his time and answers questions. His answers are clear and concise. His manner is reassuring. I highly recommend this surgeon."

-- Eugene Hamilton, Aortic Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 11/06/2014

"A very nice and caring doctor. Pleasant and friendly. My operation went well and will have a small scar. I had no after-effects from surgery."

-- Phyllis Knecht, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/22/2014

"Dr. Takayama was tremendous!!! My results have me up and moving already. Go by what he tells you and things will work out. I highly recommended."

-- roger o'sullivan, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/08/2014

"Absolutely a top surgeon. My results were wonderful. I believe Doctor Takayama saved my life."

-- William Goodale, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 07/01/2014

"Dr. Takayama was great. At first, he didn't think I reached criteria for surgery for aortic aneurysm. A Cardiac MRI showed I did and the aortic insufficiency had increased to severe and my heart had started to dilate. We quickly changed gears, scheduling early surgery to correct both problems and to fix my aortic valve in the process.

I was discharged from Columbia Presbyterian Hospital Cardiothoracic Surgery a week later. Dr. Takayama, all the super trained nurses and the whole staff created an atmosphere which told you that what you were doing was serious, they were very capable and did it all the time and that you were to be fine when it was finished.

Six weeks later, I felt better than before surgery and was back at work and by eight weeks my exercise tolerance is more than 3.5 mph for 30 minutes.

I am very thankful for the skill, dedication and results Dr. Takayama, Columbia Presbyterian and staff delivered. When my heart and future hung in balance, they saved me."

-- Arthur Birnkrant, MD, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 06/19/2014

"In June 2014, Dr. Takayama replaced my aortic root with a dacron graft. He attempted aortic valve - sparing surgery, but the anatomy of my bicuspid AV made sparing the valve problematic. In the OR, Dr. Takayama determined to give me a tissue AV. At the same time, he replaced my mitral valve, also with a tissue valve. A 2008 MV repair had within two years regressed back to severe regurgitation. It is now six weeks from the surgery and I'm riding my bicycle again. My results have been superb.

Dr. Takayama was generous with his time in meeting with me and my family before the surgery. He patiently and thoroughly answered all our questions, including those from my son who is a post doc at MIT.

After surgery, I saw Dr. Takayama and his PA practically every morning as he made his rounds.

I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Takayama."

-- Michael Schiffres, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 06/10/2014

"Excellent!"

-- Salvatore De Rosa, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/28/2014

"Dr. Takayama is the best surgeon -- very professional and highly skilled. He saved my life.

I feel like I am transforming to a younger age. I am starting my new life. After surgery, I gradually recovered. Now, I can walk 2 blocks without break."

-- Jinzhi Wang, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/23/2014

"This surgeon is truly gifted. He was able to repair my ultra-rare, quadra-leaflet aortic valve. Furthermore, his cutting edge approach to Aortic root replacement ensures my best odds at avoiding the need for future surgeries.

If that wasn't noteworthy enough, Dr. Takayama made the time to visit me each day of my hospital stay. Equally as important, he spent time with my at my final follow-up with the PA. Not only is this surgeon gifted, he is humble, precise, and truly there for his patients.

I would recommend him to any and all who need open-heart surgery."

-- Michael Hunter, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Root Replacement, 02/19/2014

"My experience was excellent! The Doctor and his team were adept at putting me at ease and after surgery checked on me daily during recovery. Bedside manner was outstanding!"

-- John Bellantoni, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 12/24/2013

"Dr. Tayayama is a gifted surgeon with an excellent team. John, 81 years, had one of the biggest surgeries performed at Columbia Presbyterian Hosp. with a successful outcome. Dr. Takayama has a warm, caring and encouraging bedside manner.

He takes the time to answer all questions and educates the patient and family. John can now lead a normal & longer life w/out shortness of breath and without congestive heart failure."

-- John Bruckman, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 12/10/2013

"About four months ago, Dr. Hiroo Takayama performed open heart surgery to treat my ascending aortic aneurysm which had grown to 5.3 cm. The operation also included valve sparing aortic root repair. I have now returned to full health and resumed working.

I don't think I was an easy patient. At 43, I needed a lot of convincing that I needed the surgery. Dr. Takayama was professional and patient with me every step of the way providing a lot of clear and useful information. He explained at length the need for surgery, the operation he was planning to perform, and the various options and alternatives during several visits. I believe his willingness to provide all this information patiently, including the uncertainties and risks, helped me to trust him for this surgery. He is a good listener and a communicator. I know that he and his team also kept my cardiologist and primary care physician in the loop about my care and condition.

I also think that the successful outcome of my surgery has a lot to do with the entire team under the leadership of Dr. Takayama at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Being an informed and well-prepared patient is important to me; I was able to get all of my questions answered, and I felt like I could partner with him and his team in managing my medical care."

-- Ataman Ozyildirim, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 09/24/2013

"Dr. Takayama performed quadruple bypass and three weeks later a sternotomy. He was amazing. He visited me every single day. He explained everything to me. He put me at ease for each surgery. I won't have chosen anyone else. He explained each surgery putting them at ease. THANK YOU DOC!!!!!!!!!!!!"

-- mike seeler, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Median Sternotomy, 02/21/2013

"Dr. Hiroo Takayama (we call him "Dr. T") was fantastic. He checked on my husband every day. The operation was flawless. Doctor Takayama was there for all our questions. His bedside manner was warm and personal. I can't say enough about this excellent surgeon."

-- Linda Crampton, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 06/24/2010