At UC Irvine, our cardiothoracic surgeons provide a full range of consultative and therapeutic services for conditions affecting organs of the chest (thorax), including the heart, lungs and esophagus. Many of the highest-level resources and treatments for cardiothoracic surgery in Orange County are available only through UC Irvine.

 

 Jeffrey Milliken, M.D.
 Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Dr. Milliken, co-medical director of UC Irvine's Cardiovascular Center, leads the cardiothoracic surgery services team. His clinical interests include all aspects of adult cardiac surgery, including complicated primary and reoperative coronary artery and valve surgeries. He is also experienced in the field of adult congenital heart surgery, thoracic aortic surgery, general and thoracoscopic/robotic pulmonary surgery and in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. Dr. Milliken is repeatedly listed in “The Best Doctors in America,” various “Who's Who” listings, and the “Guide to America's Top Surgeons.” He is also a member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, an organization whose members include the top 10 percent of cardiothoracic surgeons in the nation.

Learn more information about Dr. Milliken »

 

 Amir Abolhoda, M.D.
 Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Dr. Abolhoda performs adult cardiac and minimally invasive thoracic surgery, as well as directs the program in the stand alone surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. His clinical expertise includes treating complicated pulmonary oncologic and infectious problems. In addition to his cardiothoracic surgery training, he completed a fellowship in thoracic oncology at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Institute. Dr. Abolhoda is a multi-talented surgeon with special expertise in complicated pulmonary oncologic and infectious problems.

Learn more information about Dr. Abolhoda »

 

 Marvin Kirsh, M.D.
 Cardiothoracic Surgeon

A highly-experienced surgeon, Dr. Kirsh is professor emeritus in cardiac surgery at the University of Michigan. During his long and distinguished academic career, Dr. Kirsh was the chief of Cardiac Services at the University of Michigan, as well as the affiliated Veteran's Hospital. He has an extensive bibliography and the current chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Michigan is named in his honor. A superb clinician and educator, Dr. Kirsh's skills are used extensively on a daily basis to benefit patients, residents, and medical students.

 

 Rachell Eisert, RN, BSN
 Clinical Nurse Specialist

Rachell a clinical nurse specialist and a key contact for all the patients in terms of arranging pleasant and efficient care. She has been at UC Irvine for nearly 20 years, and has worked in critical care nursing (CCU/MICU), as well as in the gastroenterology laboratory and the emergency room. She has held management positions in various UC Irvine outpatient office settings.

 

 Patria Fopiano, RN, BSN
 Cardiothoracic Center Nurse

Patria has been at UC Irvine for more than 26 years. Patria’s expertise includes outcomes management and quality improvement initiatives, and she manages the cardiac and pulmonary databases for the team. Patria is also the principal liaison between cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology.

 

 Donna Sommerfeld
 Office Manager

Donna is often our patients’ first contact with the cardiothoracic surgery team. She assists in the coordination of pre- and postoperative visits and works closely with the offices of referring physicians to facilitate exceptional communication and efficient patient care.