Cardiothoracic Surgery
Advanced Heart and Chest Care at Valley Health
Cardiothoracic surgery focuses on treating conditions of the heart, lungs, and chest. At Valley Health, our team uses advanced technology and surgical techniques to help you recover faster and live with confidence.
What Does Cardiothoracic Surgery Treat?
You may need cardiothoracic surgery if you have:
- Heart valve disease: When valves do not open or close properly, making it harder for blood to flow through the heart.
- Coronary artery disease: When arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked, increasing the risk of heart attack.
- Thoracic aortic disease: Problems with the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the body, including aneurysms that can rupture if untreated.
- Atrial fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke or heart failure.
- Lung and esophageal cancer: Removal of tumors to help you breathe and swallow more comfortably.
- Thoracic disease: Conditions affecting the chest, including infections or structural problems.
Our surgeons also treat congenital (present at birth) heart problems and other complex chest conditions.
Why Choose Valley Health?
We combine experience with innovation to give you the best possible outcome. This means you can expect:
- Minimally invasive options: Smaller incisions mean less pain, less scarring, and a quicker recovery.
- Advanced imaging and technology: Helps your surgeon work with precision and safety.
- Comprehensive care team: Cardiologists, surgeons, and nurses work together to guide you from diagnosis through recovery.
- Personalized treatment plans: Every decision is based on your health, your goals, and your lifestyle.
Common Procedures We Offer
- Minimally invasive “port access” and catheter-based heart valve repair or replacement therapies, including TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) and Mitral Clip for patients who need valve treatment without open-heart surgery.
- Complex valve surgery for advanced valve disease.
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (on pump/off pump) to restore blood flow to the heart.
- Hybrid coronary revascularization, combining surgical and catheter-based techniques for optimal results.
- Minimally invasive aortic procedures, including TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair) and treatment of thoracic aneurysms.
- Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation to restore normal heart rhythm and reduce stroke risk.
- ECMO for acute respiratory failure, providing life-saving support for patients with severe lung conditions.
- Minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including treatment for lung cancer and benign or malignant thoracic diseases.
- General thoracic surgery for a variety of chest conditions.
What to Expect
Your care team will explain every step of your procedure and recovery. Many patients benefit from minimally invasive techniques, which often allow you to return home sooner and resume daily activities faster than with traditional surgery.
Take the Next Step
If you have been told you need heart or chest surgery, or if you want a second opinion, we are here to help.
Call Valley Health’s Heart & Vascular Center at 540-536-4000 to schedule a consultation.
