Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
Why choose Ochsner for cardiac surgery?
Ochsner Health delivers advanced cardiac surgery care across Louisiana, with dedicated programs in New Orleans, Slidell, Covington, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles. Patients receive coordinated care within one connected system, supported by surgical teams who treat both routine and highly complex heart conditions every day.
The Ochsner cardiac surgery team combines surgical expertise, advanced technology and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to help patients achieve strong outcomes and long-term heart health.
Leading the way in advanced cardiac care
Ochsner offers patients the full spectrum of complete cardiac surgical care in one system, including:
- Comprehensive care for complex aortic conditions, including aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections
- On-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery
- Structural heart surgery, including mitral valve repair and replacement, aortic valve repair and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
- Advanced treatment options that span the full spectrum of cardiac (heart) surgery
- Access to minimally invasive surgical techniques designed to support faster recovery and strong outcomes
Advanced treatment for complex cardiac disease
Ochsner is the only center in the region offering heart transplants, lung transplants and ventricular assist device surgery for both adults and children. Ochsner transplant teams use advanced surgical techniques and evidence-based care pathways to support patients with the most complex heart and lung conditions.
Qualified patients may also have access to clinical trials and research-backed treatment options, helping bring emerging therapies and new surgical approaches to patients across the Gulf South.
Backed by a legacy of innovation and a science-based approach, Ochsner continues to be recognized for strong outcomes and patient-centered care. Ochsner teams are committed to delivering advanced cardiac surgery with expertise, compassion and a focus on every patient’s long-term health.
Clinical Trials & Research
Clinical and basic research carried out by the staff and residents of the Ochsner cardiac surgery team 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: Following Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network” (CTSN) trials, which are National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) funded collaborative clinical trial infrastructure and other multi-center trial with the primary goal to obtain knowledge that will promote health while ensuring the safety and health of research participants.
- Anticoagulation for New-Onset Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation After CABG (PACES)
- Percutaneous or Surgical Repair In Mitral Prolapse And Regurgitation for patients over 60
- Embolic Protection Trial (EMPRO)
- ENVISION: studying the Navitor™ Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) System in patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis
- MOMENTUM Trial: Ochsner ranked second in the country for our work testing the HeartMate 3 LVAD. This device helps pump blood for people whose hearts are very weak.
- ARIES Trial: Ochsner is in the top five in the world for research on using aspirin safely in patients with LVADs.
The Ochsner Aortic Center is involved in two clinical trials:
- WARRIORS international randomized trial: Comparing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with watchful waiting in women with small abdominal aortic aneurysms that measure between 4-5.5 centimeters.
- Gore TAG Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis Zone 0/1 Post-Approval Study: Evaluating mid- and long-term post-market follow-up data for the GORE TAC Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis (TBE Device) used in the ascending aorta and aortic arch.
The Ochsner Cardiac Surgery Team is nationally recognized for its excellence in heart surgery and innovation.
From pioneering lifesaving treatments to earning top rankings, our center is dedicated to providing patients with the highest level of care. Below are some of the accolades and achievements that set Ochsner apart:
High-performing care across multiple cardiac specialties
U.S. News & World Report rates Ochsner as “High Performing” in several cardiac-related areas. including: aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, heart attack and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Leadership in heart and lung transplantation
Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans is one of only 13 hospitals in the nation to perform more than 1,000 heart transplants. Our teams have also achieved several regional and national firsts, including: The first adult and pediatric implantation of the HeartMate, 3 biventricular assist device and the first total artificial heart implant in the Gulf South.
Excellence in advanced heart failure and VAD therapy
The John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute is recognized as one of the top five centers in the nation for implanting left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Ochsner's high volumes and strong outcomes reflect deep expertise in both surgical management and long-term patient support.
Consistently strong outcomes and patient safety
Ochsner ranks among the highest performing centers in the U.S. for: High patient survival, low complication rates and strong surgical outcomes across complex cardiac procedures. Ochsner combines advanced technology, multidisciplinary collaboration and a science-driven approach to deliver safe, effective care for every patient.
