Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

Chief: Peter K. Smith, M.D.

 

The Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery offers clinical programs for coronary artery bypass grafting, surgery for end-stage heart failure, adult congenital heart surgery, valvular heart surgery, atrial fibrillation surgery, pulmonary and cardiac transplantation, and congenital cardiac surgery for pediatric and adult patients. Special emphasis has been placed on the treatment of patients with complex coronary artery disease and heart failure symptoms and a multidisciplinary approach to lung and esophageal cancer, including the availability of advanced protocol therapy and participation in clinical trials.

 

New programs include minimally invasive coronary and mitral valve surgery, transmyocardial laser revascularization, and advanced artificial cardiac support including permanent left ventricular replacement.

 

The Division performs approximately 1600 cardiac procedures and 1500 general thoracic procedures annually, and has a dedicated 20 bed ICU with two 31-bed step down units. There are specialized care areas for pediatric heart surgery patients and for patients awaiting cardiac transplantation.