Isaac George, MD — Local services in New York

A Grateful Heart: My Journey Through Open-Heart Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian From my initial consultation with Dr. Isaac George and Dr. Hiroo Takayama through to post-operative care, the entire cardiac surgical team — including Yanira, Maureen, and many others — was nothing short of exceptional. Their expertise, compassion, and clear communication made a daunting experience not only manageable but deeply reassuring. They treated me and my family with care, respect, and genuine kindness, making us feel truly special throughout the entire process. Pre-Operative Care: Thorough, Reassuring, and Compassionate The pre-operative experience was handled with remarkable efficiency and empathy. Every aspect of the procedure was explained in detail, and all my concerns were addressed with patience and clarity. What stood out most was the communication — consistent, transparent, and comforting. My family and I were kept informed every step of the way, which significantly eased our anxiety. The warmth extended beyond the surgical team. Nurses, physical therapists, and the entire hospital staff created a welcoming and calm environment that made a world of difference. Post-Operative Recovery: Attentive, Expert, and Kind My procedure involved open-heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm at the root, with the re-use of my valve. The care I received in the ICU and step-down ICU was world-class. The nursing staff, in particular, was phenomenal — not only delivering expert medical care but also offering constant encouragement. The mantra I heard — “Move, sit up, walk, and you will recover faster” — became my focus. That encouragement pushed me through a challenging recovery and helped me progress from surgery on Friday to discharge by Monday. Family support and the unwavering strength of my amazing wife played an essential role, turning one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced into something truly transformative. The Team Redefined Excellence My experience at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center reaffirmed its reputation as a premier cardiac center. The combination of surgical precision, seamless coordination, and deeply compassionate care sets this institution apart. I am forever grateful to Dr. George, Dr. Takayama, and the entire team for giving me a new lease on life. For anyone facing open-heart surgery, I wholeheartedly recommend the team at Columbia...

Columbia Presbyterian Hospital was highly recommended by our family doctor. I initially consulted Dr. Takayama who referred me to Dr. George for a TAVR heart valve procedure.

From our initial consultation, to testing, to surgery, and finally to postoperative care, Dr. George and his team were wonderful.

The TAVR procedure was explained by Dr. George in understandable terms. Testing was done by experienced technicians and results were available quickly. We also met with Dr. Vahl who further explained and was part of the surgical team. Seeing their familiar faces in the operating room was very reassuring. Maureen Gaine, Nurse Practitioner, was very helpful and supportive throughout the process.

The Columbia connect app was easy to use. Notes from the doctor visits, test results, appointment information and more were easy to access.

Highly recommended. My sincere thanks to all who took such...

I met Dr. George on May 6, 2025, at Columbia Cardiology. In preparation for this meeting, I had researched his impressive background in the TAVR process. Our meeting was brief as he, true to what I had read, was between surgeries. He quickly sketched an image of my aorta problem on an examining table paper cover showing how the heart had been enlarged due to the leaking valve. he handed me a valve to grasp just what the insertion process would entail. His explanation of what needed to be done and how he would do it left me knowing that I could live a life and not a disease. The day his team calls me to undergo this surgery I will be there overnight. His competency has greatly boosted my confidence in...