Have you been told minimally invasive valve surgery isn’t an option?
A second opinion could change everything.

Expert Heart Surgery.
Smaller Incisions.
Faster Recovery.

Jonathan D. Hoffberger, DO, FACOS, FACS is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive valve surgery and mitral valve repair at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Request a Consultation Call 941-917-8791
Cardiac Procedures
Years in Practice
Highest STS Quality Rating
Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center

Recognized for superior clinical outcomes

2021-2026 Multi-year Reference Center Award

Board Certified — Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

Sarasota Memorial Hospital

STS 3-Star Quality Rating

Patients’ Choice & Compassionate Doctor Awards

MEET YOUR SURGEON

Jonathan D. Hoffberger, DO, FACOS, FACS

Dr. Hoffberger is the Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and a specialist in heart valve surgery — particularly mitral valve repair and minimally invasive approaches that result in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.

With more than 6,000 cardiac and thoracic procedures performed over a career spanning more than two decades, Dr. Hoffberger brings deep expertise in coronary revascularization, TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), complex multi-valve operations, and thoracic-vascular reconstruction. He trained at the prestigious Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center and Florida State University College of Medicine.

Board Certified — Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surger

Columbia University & FSU Clinical Professor

Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award

Director, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery — SMH

Learn More About Dr. Hoffberger

Why Minimally Invasive Surgery

A Better Approach to Heart Surgery

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery uses smaller incisions to access the heart, offering significant advantages over traditional open-heart approaches.

Faster Recovery

Most patients are up and moving within 24 hours and home within days — returning to daily activities significantly sooner than with traditional surgery.

Reduced Risk

Smaller incisions mean less blood loss, lower risk of infection, and fewer post-operative complications compared to traditional sternotomy.

Less Pain & Scarring

A 2–3 inch incision rather than a full sternotomy means significantly less trauma to the body, less pain, and improved cosmetic results.

Find Out If You’re a Candidate

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Advanced Cardiac Surgical Care at Sarasota Memorial

One of only three cardiac programs in the United States and Canada to earn the highest 3-Star STS rating across all five measured categories. If you’ve been told you need heart valve surgery, learn whether minimally invasive cardiac surgery may be the right option for you.

Schedule Consultation

Specialties & Procedures

Comprehensive Cardiac Surgical Care

Dr. Hoffberger offers the full spectrum of adult cardiac surgery, with particular expertise in valve repair and minimally invasive techniques.

01

Mitral Valve Repair & Replacement

Recognized with the Reference Center Award for excellence in mitral valve repair. Repair is preferred over replacement whenever possible, preserving your own valve tissue.

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02

Aortic Valve Surgery

Surgical repair or replacement of a diseased aortic valve using the latest techniques and prosthetic valve technologies to restore healthy blood flow.

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03

TAVR

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement — a less invasive approach to replacing the aortic valve for patients at higher risk for traditional surgery.

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04

Coronary Artery Bypass (CABG)

Restoring blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries using proven surgical techniques.

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05

Atrial Fibrillation Surgery

Surgical treatment for AFib, often performed in conjunction with other cardiac procedures to restore normal heart rhythm.

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06

Complex & Multi-Valve Surgery

Expertise in complex cases involving multiple valve procedures, ascending aorta/arch reconstruction, tricuspid valve repair, and high-risk operations.

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Why Patients Trust Dr. Hoffberger

The Difference Experience Makes

Choosing a cardiac surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here’s what sets Dr. Hoffberger apart.

01

6,000+ Cardiac Procedures

Decades of surgical volume across the full spectrum of cardiac and thoracic operations — the kind of experience that directly improves outcomes.

02

Mitral Valve Repair Specialist

Named a Reference Surgeon by the Mitral Foundation and American Heart Association for superior clinical outcomes in mitral valve repair.

03

STS 3-Star Hospital Program

Sarasota Memorial’s cardiac surgery program earned the highest quality rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons in all five measured categories.

04

Academic Surgeon

Clinical professor at Columbia University and Florida State University, staying at the forefront of cardiac surgical innovation and evidence-based practice.

05

Patients’ Choice & Compassionate Doctor

Recognized with multiple patient experience awards including Patients’ Choice and Compassionate Doctor certifications on Vitals.

06

Peer-Elected Leader

Elected Chief of Surgery at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Chief of Staff Elect, representing over 1,400 medical staff colleagues.

Patient Stories

From the Heart

Real experiences from patients and families who trusted Dr. Hoffberger with their care.

  • “Dr. Hoffberger performed minimally invasive surgery to replace my aortic valve. I was out of bed within 24 hours and had no complications. Not having the traditional chest-cracking method saved me both pain and recovery time. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffberger.”
    Patient — April 2021
    Aortic Valve Replacement
  • “When we left his office after the original consultation, I personally felt more confident than on my way in. Dr. Hoffberger took the time to explain what was coming and how all was going to be done. I trusted this man with my husband’s life.”
    B. — 2022
    Open Heart Surgery (Spouse)
  • “Minimally invasive mitral valve repair. Surgery Monday morning — home in time for dinner on Thursday. I am a Registered Nurse for close to 30 years, and I cannot express how grateful I am for the professional and compassionate care I received.”
    G.R. — 2020
    Mitral Valve Repair & CABG
Read More Patient Stories

Advances in Mitral Valve Repair

Repair vs. Replace

“It’s important not only that more patients and their families know that mitral valve repair is an option, but also that they have the resources to find the hospital and the surgical team best prepared to give them the outcome they need,”
– Jonathan Hoffberger, DO, FACOS, FACS, Cardiothoracic Surgeon

If you need mitral valve repair or replacement, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery. Make an appointment today with Dr. Hoffberger.

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RECOGNITION & HONORS

Recognized for Excellence in Cardiac Surgery

Dr. Hoffberger’s commitment to outstanding patient outcomes has been recognized nationally by the Mitral Foundation, the American Heart Association, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and by patients who consistently rate him among the best.

View All Honors & Awards

Faster Recovery

Recognizing excellence and superior clinical outcomes — Mitral Foundation & AHA

STS 3-Star Quality Rating

Highest quality rating across all five adult cardiac surgery categories

Patients’ Choice & Compassionate Doctor Awards

Top ratings for patient care, bedside manner, and appointment timeliness — Vitals

5-Star Reviews

Rated “Excellent” on Vitals and Healthgrades by verified patients

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Heart Valve Surgery

We understand you have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Minimally invasive heart valve surgery is an approach that uses a small 2–3 inch incision between the ribs rather than the traditional full sternotomy (splitting the breastbone). This allows the surgeon to repair or replace heart valves with less trauma to the body, resulting in faster recovery, less pain, reduced blood loss, and smaller scars. Not every patient is a candidate — Dr. Hoffberger will evaluate your individual situation to determine the best approach.

Valve repair preserves your own natural valve tissue by fixing the existing valve, while replacement involves removing the damaged valve and implanting a new one (mechanical or biological). When possible, repair is preferred because it typically leads to better long-term outcomes, avoids lifelong blood-thinning medication, and preserves natural heart function.

Recovery varies by individual, but most minimally invasive heart surgery patients are out of bed within 24 hours, leave the hospital within 3–5 days, and return to normal activities within weeks rather than months. Many patients report walking a mile or more within a month of surgery.

TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery. A new valve is delivered through a catheter, typically inserted through a small incision in the leg. TAVR is often recommended for patients at higher risk for traditional open surgery, though it is increasingly used across a wide range of patients.

Absolutely. A second opinion is common in cardiac surgery and something Dr. Hoffberger encourages. If you’ve been told you need heart valve surgery, a consultation can help confirm your diagnosis, review your treatment options, including minimally invasive approaches, and give you greater confidence in your surgical plan.

Take the Next Step

Considering Heart Valve Surgery?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hoffberger to discuss your diagnosis, explore your options, and find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.

Request a Consultation Call 941-917-8791