Dr. Kevin Miller
, Heart Surgeon
Lakewood, CO
- Unregistered Surgeon
Patient Recommendations (7)
"On Saturday evening, September 10th, you performed an aortic dissection on my dada, Lyle Zimmerman, and treated him in the ICU for two weeks. As I write, I find it difficult putting into words how grateful and thankful my family and I were at the time and continue to be for what you did for him.
We still talk about how thorough, caring and sensitive you were explaining what had been going on in his body, what the surgical procedure consisted of, you shared the success of your father's surgery and what we could expect post operatively. During the procedure my mom and I prayed so much but there was also a calmness knowing how comfortable we felt with my dad in your hands.
When you completed his surgery at 10:30 PM, your third major surgery that da, you came to where my mom and I were waiting, and knowing how exhausted you had to have been, you still discussed how dad was with such great comfort, patience and compassion.
His post op experience had its hiccups which we were aware could happen with a 90-year-old man considering all his body was going through, but your care and compassion were unwavering. My mom was growing weaker and no matter how my dad's health progressed, you knew we wanted him home. You identified a window when he was stable enough to make the trip back to Iowa and you made it happen.
Since his discharge, he was in a rehabilitation center for three weeks and breezed through it, then home care which has been discontinued already. The cardiac Physiologist performed tests and said not only was a miracle performed in Denver, but he didn't need a pacemaker at this time either. We thank God for the miracle YOU performed.
You said to wait until December to really assess how well he's doing. Other than a few minor cognitive moments and his new obsession with bowel movements (yikes), he is doing great! Thankfully he doesn't remember much about his ICU experience, but he remembers YOU and "that beautiful sport coat" you were wearing.
It brings tears to my eyes thinking how happy I am heading back to oIowa in a couple of weeks to spend Christmas with him ... a miracle for sure and I thank God for gifting you with the hands, the wisdom and compassion to be the wonderful surgeon you were to my dada and family.
Wishing you, your family and staff a healthy, happy RELAXING and enjoyable holiday season. You all deserve it, and we cannot thank you enough!"
Posted by Gail Zimmerman, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Root Replacement, 09/10/2022
"Dr. Miller is the best and he works at St Joseph which has one of the lowest infection rates in the country. My surgery while straight forward, presented some issues, and Dr Miller's skill probably saved my life."
Posted by Tom Dadismsn, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 10/04/2016
"Dr. Miller is an excellent surgeon and an excellent guide. Dr. Miller answered all my questions (many) and helped me make the decision which was right for me. He and his surgery team replaced my bicuspid aortic valve via the minimally invasive technique (through my ribs) instead of opening my chest. His surgery team also made excellent decisions right after surgery when they determined I was bleeding. I had a low platelet count. Their remedial actions stopped the bleeding and I was sent to recover without reopening my chest. He and his team stayed with me through my recovery and I am extremely thankful. Dr. Miller is an excellent choice in my opinion."
Posted by James Harvey, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/16/2016
"I am so thankful for Dr. Miller. He recommended minimally invasive surgery for my leaky valve, and everything turned out great. He is very knowledgeable, gracious, and darn good at what he does! I would highly recommend him, his staff, and St. Joseph's hospital!! Thanks again! Dane"
Posted by Dane Russell, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 03/27/2013
"Dr. Kevin Miller made an instant good impression on me, he was kind, gentle and patient. He answered my questions before I even asked them, he took lots of time explaining things to me, after surgery I remember seeing him and answering my questions, I wanted to know how I was, I think he might have been surprised that I was talking to him fresh out of surgery.
That's what I remember.
He told me the surgery lasted 9 hours and that he had tried to repair the mitral valve but he had to replace it, I am glad he did.
While I was in intensive care I knew he was there constantly, I was very groggy but I could see shadows and could hear his voice and the nurses as well. I also remember the male nurse looking after me.
I am very happy with my choice. Dr. Miller is the best."
Posted by Patricia De Leon, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Maze Procedure, 03/24/2011
"Dr. Miller explained the entire surgery to both my husband and myself in detail. The first visit was at least 1:45 hours long. I felt comfortable, and well informed. He and his staff were extremely competent, caring, and helpful. Recovery was a breeze! I found Dr. Miller on this site, and feel extremely lucky to have found him. He is the best!!"
Posted by gloria cappetto, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 06/15/2010
"Kevin Miller replaced my aortic valve and root with a Medtronic Freestyle Aortic Root Heart Valve seven months after I first consulted with him. He is a very sensitive, warm, informative, efficient surgeon, highly regarded by his colleagues, nurses, hospital staff and in the community. He is a very skilled and thorough communicator (when he came out after surgery to talk with my friends and family, he captured the attention of all in the waiting room with his detailed description of the surgery and aspects of it; the people in the waiting room were enthralled), really listens and understands individual circumstances and concerns. Dr. Miller and his group (Front Range Cardiology - all excellent surgeons and very nice people) have the best outcomes in the area and put all of their statistics on the table for you to see. I was out of the hospital on post-op day 4 (surgery being day 0) and am doing very well. I am a psychiatric consultation liaison nurse and have spent my career integrating mental health concepts into acute care. Dr. Miller is a gifted surgeon and a kind man. He practices exclusively at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver where I received the very best of care from start to finish, and I know good nursing care when I see it. These are the things that matter most when you need open heart surgery. "
Posted by Kelly Gaul, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 11/19/2009
