About Dr. Kevin Hodges,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"My cardiologist recommended Dr. Hodges to me when she discovered that I had a murmur and severe mitral valve regurgitation caused by a bacterial infection in my heart a few months back. During my meeting with Dr. Hodges, I learned about his extensive background in mitral valve repair and research, which I reviewed on HeartValveSurgery.com. I was impressed to learn that Dr. Hodges has performed over 500+ mitral valve repairs, which gave me confidence in choosing him for my surgery.

The operation went as planned with no issues, and I am happy that I chose Dr. Hodges to perform this complicated mitral valve surgery with the added CABG procedure. I highly recommend Dr. Hodges for anyone needing mitral valve repairs."

-- Prakash Patel, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 02/14/2024

"My care from beginning-to-end was excellent. Dr Hodges explained everything very clearly and answered all our questions. My mitral valve repair went perfectly and staff kept my husband updated thru out.

Dr Hodges talked to him after. Surgery was at Northwestern in Chicago and care was also outstanding and I was only in hospital 3 days total. Two weeks out, I'm doing great!"

-- Wendi Mirretti, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 02/05/2024

"The moment I met Dr. Hodges on my teleconference, I believed he was the surgeon for me. He explained the various possible procedures, was confident, calm and caring. I felt very safe and knew that he would make the best decision for my condition."

-- Elizabeth Drake, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 02/01/2024

"Dr. Hodges was always kind and efficient. He handled everything perfectly and my surgery went very smooth. Dr. Hodges consistently made sure I knew exactly what was going on as well. Also, my incision is extremely thin and light and will one day be barely visible. Thanks again Dr. Hodges!"

-- Michelle Morgan , Aortic Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/17/2023

"I highly recommend Dr. Hodges. He did everything possible to ensure my surgery was successful. He is experienced and ensures the best outcome. His team were equally as good to work with and very caring and concerned."

-- Debbie Meister, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/07/2022

"I can not be anymore grateful for the care and treatment I received from Dr Hodges. Communication was very open from the beginning. Tests and preparation were ordered previously, so that Dr Hodges had all the information that he needed before surgery.

Everything went according to schedule. I was home and recovering before I knew it."

-- James Spikes, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 01/24/2022

"Dr. Hodges was the best doctor I could have asked for and was compassionate and explained everything thoroughly. My case was a little complicated by a large calcium deposit and they were not sure if they would gave to replace or could repair my mitral valve.

Luckily for me they were able to repair. Dr Hodges did a great job and I would not hesitate to recommend. Great doctor!"

-- Lauren Bongiovanni, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 01/05/2022

"I am an 82-year old woman. I was told that I needed a new mitral valve, but that my doctors would not operate because the surgery was complicated by other issues and was very risky.

They referred me to Dr. Hodges. Several days later, I was transported to that hospital. I met with Dr. Kevin Hodges, and he ordered a series of tests to assure that my physical conditions would be compatible with heart surgery.

Dr. Hodges then thoroughly explained to me and my family what the surgery would entail; it was complicated by a build-up of calcium around my aorta. Dr. Hodges carefully described what he would do during the operation, including dealing with the possibility of calcium breaking off and entering my bloodstream.

The operation went well, with no resulting complications and I'm getting stronger and better. Dr. Hodges had an understanding and patient bedside manner, and his knowledge and understanding gained my total confidence.

In a nutshell, God and Dr. Hodges saved my life."

-- Suzanne Poole, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 08/23/2021

"I intended to write a love letter to Dr. Kevin Hodges and hope this will suffice.

To say that my experience with Dr. Hodges was good would be an understatement -- three valve replacements and repairs as well as an ablation. Six weeks later it is even more clear how fortunate I was to have a surgeon like Dr. Hodges care for me. He is wicked smart and talented. However, his sensitivity and responsiveness to my concerns was overwhelming. I never felt rushed and felt like I was his only patient in the world.

There is also an aura that great professionals give off when you deal with them that oozes from their pores that basically says "I've got this handled. So relax and know you are in the right place with the right people."

Dr. Kevin has that aura and charisma. And the results of his nearly six hours in my chest justify that confidence. While no one knows ultimately how a surgery will prolong your life, I know that I am in a far better place than I was six weeks ago. My confidence in Dr. Hodges made the decision for the surgery rather easy and the follow up by his team and the clearly dramatic improvements in my health have earned my everlasting thanks.

He has allowed me to look at my children and grandchildren with an even deeper appreciation knowing they did everything that modern medicine can do to save and enhance my life.

Sorry if this note gushes but when all your valves are at a stage 4 of leakage and you can't walk fifteen feet without exhaustion and a surgeon and institution give you a new lease on life... Some gushing should be expected. I am a very fortunate person to have had Dr. Kevin Hodges come into my life when he did."

-- David Kelley, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 08/16/2021