Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in treating conditions that affect the heart, lungs and esophagus including the organs inside your chest. The Ochsner highly skilled surgeons specialize in treating even the rarest cases with precision. Common conditions the Ochsner team treats includes:

• Aortic aneurysm - a bulge in the wall of the main artery from your heart
• Aortic dissection - a rupture or tear of the aorta, often due to an aneurysm
• Atrial fibrillation and other types of arrhythmias - irregular beating of the heart
• Cardiomyopathy - a type of heart disease in which the heart can’t pump blood very well
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) - a subset of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that make it hard to breathe
• Congenital heart defects - birth defects that prevent the heart from developing normally, such as Ebstein anomaly, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of the great arteries
• Coronary artery disease - the most common type of heart disease
• Cystic fibrosis - a genetic disorder that causes lung damage
• Esophageal cancer
• Esophageal disorders, including Barrett’s esophagus, GERD and hiatal hernia
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Lung cancer
• Lung failure that requires extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or lung transplant
• Valvular insufficiency - a type of heart problem in which your heart valves do not close properly
• Valvular stenosis - a hardening of one or more valves in the heart due to fatty buildup

Ochsner provides a range of advanced surgical procedures, tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Our highly trained cardiac surgeons, thoracic surgeons and pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons work with a team of advanced practice providers, nurses, nurse navigators, radiologists, social workers and technicians to ensure your surgery and recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Procedures include:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery - a procedure that grafts a blood vessel to bypass a blocked coronary artery in your heart
• Aortic aneurysms and dissection repair
• Arrhythmia correction
• Congenital heart surgery
• Esophageal resection - removal of part of the esophagus
• Esophageal surgery
• Heart transplant
• Heart-lung transplant
• Left ventricle restoration - surgery that restores the left ventricle
• Lobectomy - removal of one lobe of a lung
• Lung transplant
• Mitral valve repair and replacement
• Pneumonectomy - removal of an entire lung
• Thoracic surgery
• Total artificial heart - a mechanical circulatory support procedure that replaces the function of both heart ventricles
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) - a surgical procedure that replaces a diseased aortic valve with an artificial one
• Tricuspid and pulmonary valve repair and replacement
• Vascular assistive device implantation - surgery that implants a device that acts an external pump for your heart
• Wedge resection - removal of part of a lung

Ochsner cardiothoracic surgeons use both minimally invasive and open-heart surgery, depending on the patient and the procedure.

Caring for children's hearts requires expertise and compassion. The Ochsner Children's pediatric cardiothoracic team offers advanced treatments for children with congenital heart defects, heart failure and other critical conditions. 

The Ochsner Children's pediatric heart transplant program is nationally recognized for its exceptional outcomes, ensuring the best possible care for every child.

Ochsner has long been recognized for the excellence of its cardiothoracic surgery program. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “High Performing” in multiple cardiothoracic related specialties, including:

• Aortic valve surgery (AVR)
• Heart bypass surgery
• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment
• Heart attack
• Pediatric cardiology and heart surgery
• Lung cancer surgery
• Stroke
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

Additionally, Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans is one of only 13 hospitals in the U.S. to have performed over 1,000 heart transplants. Ochsner also conducted the first adult and pediatric implantation of the HeartMate 3 biventricular assist device, along with the first total artificial heart implant in the Gulf South.

The John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute has been recognized as one of the top five centers in the nation for implanting left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), which are mechanical pumps designed to support heart function and blood flow in patients with advanced heart failure. 

Ochsner consistently ranks among the highest performing centers in the U.S. for high patient survival and low complication rates.

Clinical and basic research carried out by the staff and residents of the cardiothoracic surgery department has resulted in more than 450 scientific articles and contributions to textbooks and videos. 

Ochsner consistently ranks among the top centers for clinical trials, including:

• CTSNET Trials: Ochsner lead important studies funded by the National Institutes of Health. These include the PACES trial, which looks at treating irregular heartbeats after heart surgery, and the PRIMARY trial, which focuses on the best ways to care for people with heart valve problems.
• MOMENTUM Trial: Ochsner ranked second in the country for the teams work testing the HeartMate 3 LVAD. This device helps pump blood for people whose hearts are very weak.
• ARIES Trial: Ochsner are in the top five in the world for research on using aspirin safely in patients with LVADs.

"The technology that Ochsner had to do my procedure was unbelievable. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else getting that procedure done and coming out the way I did. It's just amazing." -- Adam M., cardiology patient. 

Ochsner stands out due to its unmatched expertise, innovative research, and the use of advanced technology. Ochsner has a proven track record in performing complex surgeries with excellent patient outcomes, backed by Ochsner's involvement in groundbreaking clinical trials.

Yes, Ochsner specializes in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques, which often result in shorter recovery times, less pain, and better overall outcomes for patients.

Absolutely. Ochsner's expert cardiothoracic team frequently provides second opinions to ensure patients have the information and confidence they need to make the best decisions for their care.

Scheduling a consultation is easy. Contact the Ochsner cardiothoracic surgery team directly through the Ochsner website or by phone, and the dedicated team will guide you through the process to ensure your needs are met promptly.