Category Archives: Cardiac Surgery

North Shore Medical Center is consolidating one service of its Heart Centerthe open heart surgery programwith Massachusetts General Hospital in August of 2016. Mass General has maintained a collaboration in cardiac care with North Shore Medical Center for decades and welcomes the care of these patients in our Cardiac Surgery Service. All other cardiac services currently offered atNorth Shore Medical Center will remain there. The Cardiac Surgery Service at Mass General comprises seven surgeons with expertise in minimally invasive surgery, heart and lung transplantations, and mechanical circulatory support. Our team offers leading treatments and preventive care for both common and complex cardiac conditions, including: Our cardiac surgery team performed more than 1,300 cases in 2015 and received a 3-star rating (highest possible) from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) in both aortic valve replacement (AVR) and AVR+ coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). Meet our Cardiac Surgeons If you have new patients requiring cardiac surgical services, please call the Mass General Heart Center Referral Line: 866-644-8910 (press 3) Contact our outpatient access team at 866-644-8910 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm to request an appointment. Our team will request information about your condition or symptoms and make … Continue reading →

Our cardiac surgeons provide multidisciplinary care in a state-of-the-art environment, treating a variety of heart conditions. They have extensive experience in all aspects of heart and chest surgery, and are board certified in thoracic surgery, general surgery, and surgical critical care. They are leaders of the Stony Brook Heart Institute. We offer both advanced minimally invasive alternatives and traditional surgical techniques to provide patients with the most appropriate care for their particular cardiovascular condition unique to them. Since 1982, when our heart surgery program was established, we have provided surgical care for well over 15,000 patients. Our cardiac specialists work closely with patients and their physicians to determine the best treatment approach for their disorder. We are highly regarded for our expertise in treating patients in a high-risk state following a heart attack or heart failure. In 2018, our cardiac team received the three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for its overall patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting procedures (read more). The three-star rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places us among the elite for heart bypass surgery in the United States and Canada. As part of a world-renowned research university, our … Continue reading →

The most comprehensive and current full-color cardiac surgery resource updated by leading surgeons In Cardiac Surgery in the Adult, Fifth Edition, the worlds foremost cardiovascular surgeons deliver thorough, up-to-date coverage of operative strategy, decision making, technique, and pre- and post-operative management for treating the adult cardiac patient. Unmatched in both scope and clinical rigor, this classic text contains 63 chapters that highlight every important topic in cardiovascular surgery. Presented in full color, Cardiac Surgery in the Adult takes readers through the optimal treatment of congenital, acquired, infectious, and traumatic diseases of the heart and great vessels. The book opens with a history of cardiac surgery and basic cardiac science, then moves into all types of cardiac surgery, providing both practicing surgeons and residents with insight into the very latest surgical protocols. Cardiac Surgery in the Adult is logically divided into ten sections: Basics (includes history, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, computed tomography, risk assessment, simulation, and the fully integrated cardiovascular center)Perioperative/Intraoperative CareIschemic Heart DiseaseAortic Valve DiseaseMitral Valve DiseaseSurgery of the Great VesselsRhythm SurgeryOther Cardiac Operations (including congenital heart disease, pericardial disease, and cardiac neoplasms)Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support The Fifth Edition has been updated throughout, and includes the latest advances in minimally … Continue reading →

Pioneers of Cardiac Surgery is a remarkable and unique account of the history of cardiovascular surgery. . . . Much of the information helps to clarify which contributor deserves a so-called 'first' in the field. I found the book fascinating and absorbing, and have spent enjoyable hours in reading how those pioneers overcame obstacles social, ethical, and forbidding which threatened their personal reputations. Many were objects of criticism by skeptics who mostly stood on the sidelines while exciting new developments appeared. The book should serve as a reference for any surgeon or physician interested in an authentic account of the history of the remarkable achievements of the era. --Denton A. Cooley, MD This volume's appeal is unique, in that it consists of material derived from personal interviews with the giants of the specialty and filtered through the discerning eye of an active participant and a giant of the specialty himself. The end result serves to humanize these individuals . . . . I recommend this volume to cardiothoracic surgeons of all ages. The older among us will revel, as I did, in the recalled memories of earlier times, and the younger surgeons will take inspiration from the similarities in the … Continue reading →

AppointmentsWhat to Expect Patients come from across the country and around the globe to the Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute for heart surgery. We want to make the process as easy as possible for you. The surgical review is a three step process. At every step in the process we are here to answer your questions. Toll-free877.843.2781 (877-8Heart1) Use our secure online form to submit an appointment request 24/7. We will receive it and follow-up with you as soon as possible. Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET):toll-free877.843.2781 (877-8Heart1) At all other times call Patient Access Services locally 216.444.8302 or toll-free 800.553.5056. Go to Desk J4-1, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute physicians, surgeons, and researchers continue to research into new treatments and therapies with the goal of improving patient care and outcomes into the future. Patients who choose to come to Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute for heart surgery can expect to be operated on by the best surgeons and cared for by the finest nurses and medical staff in the world. The Heart Surgery Program at Cleveland Clinic has been fine tuned from years of experience with patients and … Continue reading →

What Are Holes in the Heart? Holes in the heart are simple congenital (kon-JEN-ih-tal) heart defects. Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. These defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart. Your heart has two sides, separated by an inner wall called the septum. With each heartbeat, the right side of your heart receives oxygen-poor blood from your body and pumps it to your lungs. The left side of your heart receives oxygen-rich blood from your lungs and pumps it to your body. The septum prevents mixing of blood between the two sides of the heart. However, some babies are born with holes in the upper or lower septum. A hole in the septum between the heart's two upper chambers is called an atrial septal defect (ASD). A hole in the septum between the heart's two lower chambers is called a ventricular septal defect (VSD). ASDs and VSDs allow blood to pass from the left side of the heart to the right side. This means that oxygen-rich blood can mix with oxygen-poor blood. As a result, some oxygen-rich blood is pumped to the lungs instead of out to the body. … Continue reading →

Overview: Each day, thousands of people in the world have cardiac surgery (also known as heart surgery). Cardiac surgery is used to correct heart problems in children and adults. When medication and catheter-based treatments do not relieve your symptoms then cardiac surgery may be your only option for treatment for a range of heart conditions, including but not limited to mitral valve prolapse (MVP), atrial septal defect (ASD), and coronary artery disease. Facing either traditional heart surgery or open heart surgery to treat disorders occurring in the chest cavity can be a frightening experience. You have several decisions to make including choosing your cardiac surgeon, your hospital, and which procedure you and your physician choose. What is cardiac surgery? Cardiac surgery is a surgery on the heart performed by cardiac surgeons. Frequently, it is done to treat complications of ischemic heart disease (for example, coronary artery bypass grafting), correct congenital heart disease, or treat valvular heart disease caused by various causes including endocarditis. It also includes heart transplantation. Why Cardiac Surgery? The various types of Cardiac Surgeries performed may be used to address the following issues: Ventricular Assist Devices: VADs are mechanical pumps that are used to support heart function … Continue reading →

Aortic AneurysmThe USC Comprehensive Aortic Center at the Keck Medical Center of USC was created to provide the best and most advanced care for patients with aortic disease, including aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection and genetic disorders. The Aortic Center employs the recognized expertise of our cardiac and vascular surgeons to provide the full complement of endovascular and open aortic procedures. The center has implemented a quick-response program, which provides emergency transport to Keck Medical Center for patients with emergencies. Learn more The USC Center for the Comprehensive Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation at Keck Medicine of USC comprises a multidisciplinary team of world-renowned heart rhythm specialists dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. Our approach centers on the recognition that each patients condition is unique. Our model of care emphasizes the development of individualized patient treatment plans that incorporate state-of-the-art medical therapies for atrial fibrillation while striving to reduce or eliminate patient symptoms and decrease an individuals risk of stroke. We also offer full diagnostic services and treatment options via our USC Cardiology Program and USC Electrophysiology Program. Learn more Learn more about USC Cardiology. Learn more about the USC Electrophysiology Program. Learn more At the USC … Continue reading →

Anatomy of the Mitral Valve: The heart is a biological pump with four chambers and four valves directing the flow of blood. The right side of the heart collects the blood from the body and pumps it into the lungs. The left side of the heart collects the blood from the lungs and, in turn, pumps it into the body. Between the two chambers on the right side lies the tricuspid valve. The other valve -- the pulmonary valve -- is on the right side is between the bottom chamber and the main feeding artery to the lungs. On the left side lies the mitral valve between the top chamber and the bottom chamber. The aortic valve lies between the bottom chamber on the left side and the main feeding vessel of the body -- the aorta. The pulmonary valve and the aortic valve have three leaflets and are relatively simple valves. Their function resembles that of valves of an engine, except these valves allow blood to flow in one direction only. The mitral valve is a complex apparatus whose function is intimately related to the left ventricle -- the bottom chamber on the left side. This valve has four … Continue reading →

The pediatric cardiac surgery team at CHKD's Heart Centerprovides expert, patient-centered care in collaboration with our cardiologists,neonatologists and pediatric intensivists. Family members and referring physicians are also essential members ofour care teams. CHKD's cardiac surgery program is part of a regional collaborative between CHKD and the University of Virginia. CHKD and UVA combine the efforts of pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists, intensive care physicians and cardiac support professionals from both institutions with the goal of improving outcomes for children with complex congenital heart defects. Dr. Philip Smith, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at CHKD, andDr. James Gangemi, Surgical Director of the University of Virginia/CHKD collaborative, are both board certifiedby the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and perform the gamut of operations with a dedicated cardiac surgery team in CHKD's new state-of-the-art operating suite. CHKD's team includesthree board-certified pediatric cardiac anesthesiologistswho also assist in the care of patients who require any diagnostic or interventional catheterization procedure. In addition, they provide anesthesia for all complex cardiac surgery patients who require other procedures, including general surgery, dental procedures, endoscopy, as well as CT or MRI imaging studies. CHKD is Virginia's only freestanding full-service children's hospital. Every inch of our facility and all members … Continue reading →