About the Division of Cardiac Surgery and Heart Transplant

Surgeons in the UPMC Division of Cardiac Surgery and Heart Transplant have vast experience in performing the most complex heart and vascular operations.

As a recognized national center of excellence for heart surgery, UPMC:

• Represents one of a few centers in the United States to have performed over 1,400 heart transplant surgeries.
• Is one of the first to take the lead in developing ventricular assist devices, performing the first successful VAD implant in 1990.
• Implanted the nation's second artificial heart in 1985.
• Performed the first minimally invasive coronary bypass (MIDCAB) graft in the Pittsburgh tristate region.

• Have expanded these minimally invasive approaches to include valve surgery and the use of robotics.

Experts in Treating Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiac surgeons at UPMC specialize in both traditional and minimally invasive surgical methods for treating all kinds of cardiovascular diseases and conditions.

Areas of expertise include:

• Adult cardiac surgery
• Heart transplantation
• Thoracic aortic diseases
• Artificial heart and ventricular assist devices

Cardiac Surgery Residency and Fellowship Programs

The division offers cardiothoracic surgery residency programs and advanced adult cardiac surgery fellowships for qualified candidates.

These programs offer trainees full exposure to the entire spectrum of cardiovascular surgical techniques, including:

• Coronary bypass grafting
• Valve repair and replacement
• Endoscopic procedures and the latest minimally invasive therapies

Our cardiac surgeons take pride in our pioneering accomplishments in the field of cardiac surgery and in educating the surgeons of the future.

» Find details on patient services and treatments at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.

Locations

The Division of Cardiac Surgery provides heart and vascular surgery services at:

• UPMC Mercy Cardiovascular Center
• UPMC St. Margaret ​
• VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System — Oakland
• UPMC Jameson
• UPMC Hamot
• Washington Health System 
• UPMC South Hills​
• UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant
• UPMC Presbyterian Cardiovascular Services
• UPMC Shadyside Cardiovascular Services
• Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC