How to Find the Best Cardiac Surgeon in Los Angeles
March 5, 2026
Maria Tehranimd
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Picking the right cardiac surgeon at Los Angeles is one of the toughest decisions any patient can make, especially when it’s a loved one. Los Angeles has some of the best medical institutions and the most advanced professionals in the industry, but the options can be very overwhelming, especially when you get a life-threatening diagnosis.
This guide details what to look for when selecting a cardiac surgeon in Los Angeles, ensuring you get the best care available.
1. Board-Certified and Specialized Training
The very first step to take when looking for any cardiac surgeon in Los Angeles is to check if the surgeon is board-certified in cardiothoracic surgery. Board certification is proof that a surgeon has fulfilled the national benchmarks for education, training, and competency in that field.
Other Useful Considerations
The importance of fellowship training cannot be overstated as it indicates a strong pedigree. Dr. Maria Tehrani, for instance, finished her cardiac surgery fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, one of the best (if not the best) universities in the world, after her general surgery training in Basel, Switzerland. Such variation in training is a major differentiator among surgeons in Los Angeles.
2. How Specialized Are They In Your Condition
Cardiac surgery is a broad field with a large variety of specializations. Ensure that when you settle for one of the cardiac surgeons Los Angeles has, their experience is tailored towards your particular needs.
It is also best to settle for a surgeon who deals with a large number of patients requiring the same procedure as you. A large number of studies have shown that the more frequent a procedure is done by a surgeon, the more favorable the outcome is for the patient. So, do not be shy to ask how many such procedures a surgeon has done. You will be surprised that, a really good surgeon will be able to give you that number without batting an eyelid.
Dr. Tehrani offers a wide range of cardiac services, including:
– Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
– Valve repair and replacement
– Aortic aneurysm repair
– Correcting congenital heart defects
– Heart transplants
– Cardiac surgery that is minimally invasive
Because of his extensive experience, patients in and around Westwood and Los Angeles can receive specialized cardiac services from a single surgeon.
3. Quality of Facilities and Hospital Partnership
Where your operations take place is equally as important as who’s doing them. A leading cardiac surgeon in Los Angeles should be partnered with a hospital that is known for having a functional cardiac surgery unit and a robust post-operation support team.
Dr. Tehrani works at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, which is repeatedly listed as one of the best hospitals in the country. The UCLA Medical Center features state-of-the-art technology, a multi-disciplinary team, and one of the most highly regarded cardiac surgery services in the state. For Los Angeles patients, the UCLA Medical Center makes a significant difference in the quality of support and care.
4. Advanced Skills in Minimally Invasive Procedures
While there will always be a need for traditional open-heart surgery, there have been significant developments in cardiac care that allow for minimally invasive and catheter-based options for an increasing number of patients. These techniques typically result in smaller incisions, less pain, a lower risk of complications, and quicker recovery times.
When assessing cardiac surgeons in Los Angeles, inquire about the availability and applicability of minimally invasive approaches for your case. Not every surgeon is trained in every new method, making this an important question to bring up in your consultation.
Dr. Tehrani’s experience in traditional cardiac surgery and minimally invasive catheter-based techniques enables her to provide her patients with the most up-to-date and suitable options.
5. Academic Research and Pediatric Involvement
Surgeons who conduct research and participate in academic medicine are usually leaders in their specialties. They are most likely to have the most up-to-date practices, techniques, and treatments in cardiac surgery.Dr. Tehrani participates in research and clinical activities pertaining to pediatric heart and lung transplantation and cares for surgical patients with congenital heart disease, as well as follow-up care for adolescents and adults. This commitment to research and education illustrates a devotion that extends well beyond the surgery.
6. Effective Communication and Focus on the Patient
Alongside technical ability, successful cardiac surgeons in Los Angeles, explain the diagnosis and treatment options, answer questions candidly, and help the patient feel respected and listened to throughout the entire process.
During the first consult, evaluate the surgeon’s communication style. Do they use layman’s terms to explain things? Are they concerned about your interests? Do they answer your questions? These traits, in addition to education and experience, are important to the overall quality of care you receive.
Dr. Tehrani has a reputation for being one of the most accessible surgeons, and with that comes a longstanding and unwavering dedication to her patients.
7. It’s OK to Request a Second Opinion
You may already have a diagnosis or recommendation for surgery, and it’s completely understandable to have uncertainty. It is completely appropriate to reach out to another qualified cardiac surgeon in Los Angeles. It is completely understandable and even encouraged, given the gravity of the issue to seek out another opinion. A good surgeon will have no issues with you taking more steps to ensure you have as many details as you can before proceeding.
A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis and provide peace of mind for you or can shed light on additional treatment options that may be worthwhile to consider. Regardless, it’s a valuable journey to take as you will be better equipped.
Consult with Dr. Maria Tehrani Westwood Los Angeles
As one of the few cardiac surgeons in Los Angeles, Dr. Maria Tehrani is one of the best. She has a well-rounded practice that includes a focus on surgical skill, teaching and patient-centered practice. She is based at at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, and offers services to all of Los Angeles.
