About Dr. Michael Argenziano,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"Excellent surgeon. Very knowledgeable, accessible and personable. Results have been excellent to date for the valve replacement."

-- Vincent Racaniello, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 05/16/2016

"I have had mitral valve prolapse with moderate to severe regurgitation for almost my whole life, but surgery was never really mentioned until this year. When I was told four months ago to have a repair/replacement in the next six months I did not handle it well. As someone who tries to maintain a healthy lifestyle and believes in prevention before disease strikes, I simply had no foundation upon which to hold this information.

Dr. Argenziano was recommended to me by a former patient and I was able to get an appointment for the following week. I was very afraid and could not imagine undergoing surgery, especially open heart surgery. When he entered the examining room, there I was, sobbing, incredulous, and ready to run for the hills. As this doctor listened to my chest and proceeded to tell me a joke, I started laughing and my overworked heart was won over. While we talked, he casually mentioned that perhaps I didn't need to have surgery immediately. They could monitor me every three months. I was overjoyed as the thought of surgery was too much to bare initially. However, after my first echo showed no change, and the doctor said it was only a question of time before there would be damage, he recommended that I do it sooner than later while I was healthy. I decided during that telephone conversation to just go forward. I scheduled the surgery for the next month and then took a serious emotional downhill slide.

During this period of time, Dr. Argenziano met with me and my family two times, each time for an hour. He answered every single question thoroughly, with great knowledge, compassion, and yes, humor. On several occasions I had concerns prior to surgery and he called me back personally! After the surgery he showed up to check on me, even when it wasn't scheduled. Although he is a very busy man, chief of staff of adult cardiothoracic surgery at NY Presbyterian, and a pioneer of minimally invasive robotic surgery I have always felt that my well being was as important to him as my heart. I ended up needing a replacement but not until he was convinced that a repair was impossible. I am eight days out of surgery, home, walking around, and grateful that I found this doctor. I do not easily recommend doctors but Dr. Argenziano is an amazing human being as well as doctor."

-- Susan Kotansky, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, Maze Procedure, 10/01/2015

"Nothing short of spectacular. Total professional"

-- Leigh Farrell, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 05/15/2015

"At 51 years old, I had Mitral Valve Repair Surgery on 8/13/14 and all went well. A routine checkup of my prolapsing valve was done back in April and it showed that the prolapse went to severe which enlarged my heart. Surgery was required to prevent bad things from happening. I was very fortunate to be given a warning of the problem. I must have Angels looking out for me, as I had no symptoms.

After much research, Dr. Michael Argenziano and the team of terrific Doctors at New York Columbia Presbyterian were found to be the best choice. The Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair via Right Thoracotomy Approach was used. The minimally invasive way keeps the ribs and bones intact and has a shorter recovery time at 4-6 weeks. The things they are able to routinely do are truly amazing.

Recovery went well. At 4 weeks I was 65% of normal. At 6 weeks I was able to return to work. 38 visits to Exercise Cardio Rehab helped me regain my to strength. It did take my body a little over a year to fully recover.

Each day I thank God it all worked out. Life is so precious. Unlike so many who have died without warnings from heart problems, I was given the opportunity to have top ranking Doctors fix it.

No Worries, Life is good!"

-- Gil Aliberto, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/13/2014

"My results were perfect and Dr. Argenziano and his staff and the best, caring, professional, reasonsible. I definitely made the correct choice. "

-- Robin Weinfeld, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/11/2014

"Dr Argenziano was recommended to us by a friend for my 80-year old mother who required aortic valve replacement. He was wonderful. Our family was nervous prior her to surgery since 4 years prior she suffered MAJOR complications from bypass surgery that left her in intensive care for 8 weeks. We told him our concerns and Dr. Argenziano explained everything to us and was so kind and patient as we all asked him many questions. He responded quickly to all my emails prior to surgery and personally returned calls post surgery. My Mom did great! There was not one complication and the surgery and recovery could not have gone better. I give full credit to Dr. Argenziano and the staff at Columbia NY Presbyterian Hospital. "

-- Terri Christmann, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 10/05/2010