Marc P Sakwa, MD

Marc Sakwa, M.D., is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive procedures for complex heart conditions. He serves as the Chief, Cardiovascular Surgery, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, and medical director, Cardiovascular Surgery at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center.

Dr. Sakwa is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive surgical procedures for complex heart disease. His clinical interests include aortic and mitral valve heart surgery with two- to three-inch incisions in the chest compared to traditional open-heart surgery. The significant advantage includes quicker recoveries, reduced hospital stays, less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and an earlier return to normal activities.

He earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Medicine and his first residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital at Harvard University Medical School in Boston MA. He then completed a second residency in cardiothoracic surgery at New York University Medical School. He is board-certified in cardiothoracic surgery.

Dr. Sakwa served as Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery and held an Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI.  Under his leadership, Beaumont was ranked in the US News & World Report Top 20 Best Hospitals for Cardiology & Heart Surgery (most recently #18 for 2020 – 21).

His research focuses on valvular repair, replacement and evaluation of new technologies for valve disease. His work has been published in multiple peer-review publications. In addition, he was recognized as a Top Los Angeles Doctor by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2021 and 2022. 

Dr. Sakwa and his wife enjoy finding new adventures in So. CA as recent transplants. They have three children and recently welcomed their first grandchild.  He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and watching the University of Michigan Wolverines football.

Sub-Specialties

• Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery

Areas of Interest

• Aortic Aneurysm Repair
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
• Heart Valve Repair & Surgery (aortic, mitral valve, tricuspid)
• Mitral Valve Repair & Surgery
• Septal Defect Repair
• Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)
• Thoracoscopy
• Tricuspid Valve Surgery

Additional Resource

Becker's Hospital Podcast