At UPMC, we provide surgical treatment options for people with a wide range of heart and lung-related conditions.
Our team of cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, and nurses have performed thousands of complex heart and lung surgeries using the most advanced technology and techniques.
What Is Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Cardiothoracic surgery is surgery performed on your heart, lungs, or other parts of your chest. UPMC cardiothoracic surgeons use advanced surgical techniques and technology to deliver outstanding care for a full range of conditions.
What conditions do you treat?
Your doctor may recommend cardiothoracic surgery as a treatment option for conditions including:
What Cardiothoracic Surgery Services Do You Offer?
We offer a full range of cardiothoracic surgery procedures including:
Open cardiothoracic surgeries
Cardiothoracic surgeries we perform include:
- Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Used to treat coronary artery disease, this procedure utilizes blood vessels from other areas that are grafted to the artery to restore blood flow.
- Heart valve repair or replacement. Our surgeons perform traditional open-chest valve repair and replacement. Whenever possible, our skilled surgeons will recommend repairing your valve. However, if your valve is too damaged to be repaired, your doctor will recommend valve replacement.
- Single, double, or triple valve surgery with or without heart bypass grafts. UPMC cardiac surgeons are experienced in complex surgeries involving multiple valve replacements and/or repairs.
- Aortic root surgery with or without aortic valve preservation (David procedure). During a valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedure (David procedure), your surgeon will remove the ascending aorta and coronary arteries just above the aortic valve, and a synthetic graft will be attached with small stitches. The coronary arteries also will be reattached to the synthetic graft. This eliminates the need to replace the valve with a mechanical valve. However, in certain situations your surgeon may replace your aortic valve during aortic root surgery.
- Hybrid arch debranching. Hybrid arch debranching treats aortic aneurysms without requiring a heart-lung bypass machine.
- Mediastinoscopy. Performed to examine the inside of the upper chest, this procedure involves a small incision and thin scope to detect problems and diagnose conditions and diseases of the lungs.
- Lung resection surgery. This is a surgical procedure to remove lung tumors or diseases.
Robotic-assisted surgery
Our surgeons use the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform complex cardiothoracic surgery procedures laparoscopically — through small incisions with unmatched precision.
Because the operation is performed laparoscopically, it is less invasive and requires small punctures rather than a large incision, meaning less time is required to heal. Most patients return to normal activity in 2-3 weeks instead of the 6-8 weeks common to standard open surgery.
Benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include:
- Smaller incisions with minimal scarring.
- Less trauma to the patient, including less pain.
- Shorter hospital stay (usually 3-4 days).
- Decreased use of pain medications.
- Less bleeding.
- Decreased risk of infection.
- Shorter recovery and quicker return to daily and professional activities: The patient can resume normal activities and work as soon as he or she feels up to it; there are no specific activity restrictions after robotically-assisted surgery.
What Can I Expect From Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Our cardiothoracic surgeons will create a comprehensive plan to treat your condition and reduce your risk of complications.
Before your visit
To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:
- Name, address, and contact phone number.
- Insurance information.
- Relevant medical records and test results.
- A referral, if required by your health insurance company.
If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.
During your visit
When you arrive for your first appointment, you'll meet with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. He or she will ask about your medical history and perform an exam.
We'll give you a:
- A complete explanation of your condition and treatment.
- A tailored patient education packet for you to take home.
Your health care provider will explain your treatment options based on how long you've had symptoms, your condition, and your health history.
Together, you will design and agree on a care plan.
Your care team may also:
- Order tests to learn more about your condition.
- Schedule a procedure in the hospital.
After your cardiothoracic surgery procedure
Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. You should contact our office if:
- You have questions about your treatment plan or medications.
- Your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected.
- You have any other concerns about your condition.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.
