About Dr. Steven Bolling,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"Dr. Bolling was amazing to work with!

He took the time to explain what was going on with my heart and why a mitral valve repair was necessary. Dr. Bolling answered all my questions and made me feel at ease (as much as possible) for this type of surgery.

He specializes in mitral valve repair and has done thousands of these over his 30 year career. Dr. Bolling was professional yet humorous. I am happy with how the surgery went, my healing process and the fact that I no longer have a heart murmur!"

-- Katie Johnson, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 06/21/2022

"Dr. Bolling saved my Life. I cannot say enough about the care I received from him and his excellent staff and everyone who took care of me during my stay!!"

-- Raymond Schihl, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 05/26/2021

"Dr. Bolling and his staff are highly experienced in mitral valve repair/replace. I would recommend him and his team to anyone with valve issues. He and his team took the time to explain things and followed up with me each day I was in the hospital. They also followed up with me at home. His nurses and team are the BEST! "

-- Deena Royal, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 09/22/2020

"Dr. Bolling did my third open heart surgery. This time it was to insert a mechanical mitral valve. My valves had calcified, so it was hard to attach the valve to any tissue. I was in the hospital at the U of M for 28 days at the height of COVID. He went through my side to get to the heart.

Dr. Bolling kept me informed prior to the surgery. He prepped my family that I might not make it. Even after a successful operation Dr. Bolling checked up on me every day while I was waiting to have unplanned lung surgery. His primary assistant Marguerite was also a huge help too. It has been 18 months now since I had the operation and I'm doing great.

When I visit with my cardiologist he says that Dr. Bolling still follows up to see how I am doing. I can't think of a better surgeon to have put my heart in their hands."

-- James Belenis, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/14/2020

"My family adored him and felt that he took a good amount of time explaining the surgery while I was in recovery. My results have been great,I feel so much better than before surgery. "

-- Erin Anderson, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 12/20/2019

"I am so happy Dr. Bolling was recommended to me. His confidence in himself helped to reduce my nervousness. 6 months after surgery I competed in the Mackinac Island 8 mile walk. My time was an 18 minute mile. I was so pleased... before the repair I could not have done it."

-- Marcella Guinan, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 03/26/2019

"Excellent results. Good bedside manners. A real expert at his job."

-- Kim Simon, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 01/18/2019

"What an awesome doctor/surgeon! Very friendly but to the point, no sugar coating. He's an artist as well, can barely see my incisions after 8 months. The total outcome remains to be seen. Were hoping that my heart can remodel itself a little more after having the valve repaired."

-- Todd Costa, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, Maze Procedure, 09/28/2018

"This is the man you want to fix your mitral valve. He’s a no-nonsense, straightforward doctor. Bedside manner? Not much to speak of. Doesn’t matter. If you need someone to talk with, his cardiac nurse is the best. If you need the best mitral valve surgeon in the country, he’s your guy.👍🏻❤️"

-- Jennifer John, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Maze Procedure, 05/31/2018

"First surgery in July of 2003, a valve repair after bacterial endocarditis. Infection recurred several times and by 2/25/2004, emergency valve replacement by one of Dr. Bolling's partners. Porcine valve failed becoming severely stenotic and replacement done in February 2017.

Dr. Bolling was very very honest about risks and just the right combination serious and teasing when I was frightened. ALWAYS respected my input. "

-- Dale Dedrick, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 02/17/2017

"Dr. Stephen Bolling is an amazing doctor! He replaced my mitral valve with one that never needs to be replaced and I never have to take any daily dose of anything! I was out in about 3-4 days I believe. His nurse Marguerite Krajacic is great as well. I feel great and they are dynamic. I was very fortunate to be in their care! Seek Dr Bolling out if you need Valve Repair!"

-- Kevin O'Neill, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/18/2015

"My experience with Dr, Bolling was great. He has a great personalty, great bed side manner and did a great job with my surgery. His staff and all his helpers did a great job keeping me informed throughout my stay in the hospital and in all follow up appointments. I would recommend him to any one. His main concern is his patients. "

-- George Parrish, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 06/12/2014

"What a great experience, if there can be one when having open heart surgery. Dr Bolling and his staff have this procedure down to a science. Would recommend to anyone with valve issues. He took the time to explain things, and follow up was great. His nurses are AWESOME."

-- Chris McFatridge, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 11/19/2013

"Dr. Bolling is an amazing surgeon. He repaired my mitral valve 3 weeks ago. I interviewed 3 surgeons in the midwest from 3 large valve centers before deciding on Dr. Bolling. I had severe leaking of my mitral valve, however, I had no symptoms. Dr. Bolling was the most helpful in educating me on my condition and helped me to understand why it was so important to correct my valve now rather than wait for symptoms to appear. He pointed me to several publications to help with my decision. There was also a very good article in AARP magazine that rated the top hospitals in the country for safety by the www.leapfroggroup.org. University of Michigan was rated A+. Dr. Bolling and his team were professional, upbeat, and made me feel that they were concerned about "me" and not just patient number 123. They are the best!"

-- Linda Comai, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/20/2013

"Dr. Bolling promised to give me my life back. Dr Bolling and his exceptional staff at the University of Michigan delivered on their promise. Excellent surgeon, unique individual. "

-- Brian Reid, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, 04/16/2013

"Having been cared for and treated by Dr. Steven Bolling, MD and the University of Michigan, I am convinced seeking him out was the best decision I have made with regard to my mitral valve repair."

-- Jeff Adams, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 07/31/2012

"I highly recommend Doctor Steven Bolling. He is very confident and tells it like it is. I had surgery for severe mitral regurgitation on Friday morning and was on my way home Monday afternoon. His team at University of Michigan is phenomenal."

-- Gary Denolf, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 02/10/2012

"I am a 3rd time open heart patient with a pacemaker, (because of 3rd degree heart block)! I had my first two open heart surgeries when I was 8 and 15 years old! Because of the difficulty of this being my 3rd open heart surgery, and all of my other heart problems, (such as heart arrhythmia, damage done to my tricuspid valve, and 3rd degree heart block) there were only 3 surgeons in the country that could do my surgery! Dr. Steven Bolling was one of them! He was very upfront and forthcoming with me about the whole procedure! Made me feel very at ease, and answered all of my questions, no matter how trivial! He was also honest about the seriousness and risk involved with my particular procedure! He showed me the different mitral valves available, showed me the benefits of each one, told me why he implanted a particular one more than others, said I should take my time do some research on my own and then make my own decision as to which one I wanted him to implant!!! I am fortunate to have a brother and sister-in-law who are both very smart doctors to help me with my decision! So I decided to go with his recommendation of a pigs valve, (he tried a bovine valve, but it was to large)! And I do not have any regrets, at all! They've done all they can do to my heart now, (I have A-fib) They've done every type of ablation including the "Maze Procedure"! The only thing left is a heart transplant!!! All things being said, (except for the A-fib) my heart is in pretty good condition, thanks to the cardiac care doctors at the University of Michigan!!! And Especially thanks to Dr. Steven Bolling, who did my 3rd open heart surgery!!!"

-- David Dubay, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Maze Procedure, 11/02/2010

"I traveled from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor to have Dr. Bolling perform my mitral/tricuspid valve repair. My case was complicated by Stage IV heart failure as a result of dilated cardiomyopathy. Doctor Bolling is a well-published expert in these situations. My surgical experience and outcome was stellar. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Bolling, his staff, and those at the University of Michigan. No one should hesitate if they're doing your surgery."

-- Steven Griffith, PhD, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, Maze Procedure, 03/30/2010

"When I came to see Dr. Bolling, I struggled to breath with the simplest activities. I was 35 years old with three children to care for and even a simple task like grocery shopping was a huge struggle. I was very nervous about having surgery. Dr Bolling and his nurse were very reassuring and did a wonderful job of easing my anxiety. Since my surgery, I get to do all of the things I love with my family which include hiking, kayaking, biking, and just being with my family. I will forever be grateful to Dr Bolling."

-- Andrea Rundquist, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 01/19/2010

"Dr. Bolling was a 10 out of 10 as was the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center. Surgical skill and post-op could not be better. Highly recommended."

-- Arthur Hurlburt, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 08/28/2009

"Dr. Steven Bolling is the most incredible Mitral Valve Surgeon - from the first moment we met him. He diagnosed and told us exactly what would happen, how long my husband would be off work and his total recovery time. He was right on in everything he said. We loved him and would recommend him to everyone and anyone. He has great bedside manner, the University of Michigan Cardiac Care Unit was incredible as well. "

-- Elizabeth Knowlton, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 09/18/2008

"My cardiologist of 17 years is on staff at another hospital. He felt I was NOT ready for my mitral valve repair even though, as a 37 year old woman, I was not functioning well. My heart was enlarged, I was out of breath all the time and my chest pain became unbearable!

I was referred to Dr. Bolling at the University of Michigan hospital. From the minute he walked into my room, I felt at PEACE making the decision to CHEAT on my cardiologist and have my surgery!

I let my mom meet Dr. Bolling before actually scheduling my surgery. With her being a Registered Nurse, she approved him hands down!

He specializes in VALVES!!"

-- Shanthi Young, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 10/04/2007

"Just an amazing person and doctor! He saved my life!"

-- William Dillman, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, 01/05/2007

"HE SAVED MY LIFE. I HAD SBE AT AGE 14 AND LIVED WITH THIS LEAKING VALVE FROM THAT AGE UNTIL AGE 60. OTHER SURGEONS HAD VERY FRIGHTENING SOLUTIONS FOR MY EXTREMELY LEAKING VALVE, AND I WAS REFERRED TO DR BOLLING BY TWO CARDIAC SURGEONS AT ST JOHN IN MICHIGAN - WHO KNOW THAT HE WOULD BE THE CORRECT SURGEON TO SOLVE MY HEART PROBLEM - WHICH HE DID. HE WAS SUPERB AND WONDERFUL. HE HAS A GOD GIFT IN HIS BRAIN, HANDS AND MEDICAL ABILITY. THANK YOU DR BOLLING FOR GIVING ME THE THE LIFE AND LOVE THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME TO HAVE."

-- Kathryn Kittides, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 03/28/2006

"Wonderful surgeon. I would highly recommend him."

-- Ray James, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 02/04/2000