Ochsner's Section on Cardiothoracic (Cardiovascular) Surgery is a vibrant and nationally renowned division of our Department of Surgery. Ochsner Medical Center is nationally recognized as High Performing in Cardiology and Heart Surgery by U.S. News and World Report. Comprehensive cardiovascular and thoracic surgical care is provided by our staff of highly competent, board-certified, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons, who are recognized as experts in their field.

We specialize in coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve repair and replacement, congenital heart surgery, lung cancer surgery, surgery for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections and esophageal surgery. We are also one of the only programs in the region that provides surgical correction of heart arrhythmias.

Ochsner's Cardiothoracic Surgery Section is likewise one of the only comprehensive cardiovascular surgical groups in the region, providing treatments for children and adults. The Section specializes in heart transplantation, laser revascularization of the heart, left ventricular assistance (artificial heart), emphysema surgery, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, minimally invasive and off-pump procedures and endoscopic bronchial surgery. Ochsner’s Heart Transplant Program is among the most active in the U.S.

Ochsner's Cardiovascular Surgery Section is also strongly committed to surgical education and directs a fully accredited two-year fellowship program in thoracic surgery. The program is structured to provide comprehensive surgical training in all areas of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, leading to the successful completion of requirements for the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

Clinical and basic research carried out by the staff and residents of the Section on Cardiothoracic Surgery have resulted in more than 350 scientific articles and contributions to textbooks and videos. Among our many other ongoing research programs, Ochsner is one of only 20 REMATCH trial sites in the world studying ventricular-assist devices as an alternative to transplant.

For Referring Physicians

Referring physicians, for 24/7 transfers and referrals, call the Regional Referral Center at 1-855-OHS-LINK (647-5465).