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UT Southwestern Medical Center is one of the nation’s leading centers for cardiac surgery, providing comprehensive, advanced procedures for aortic, atrial fibrillation, bypass, congenital heart disease, heart failure and valve surgery. Our cardiovascular surgeons are widely recognized by their peers as authorities in the innovative and effective use of surgical procedures to improve heart health and achieve impressive outcomes. Our cardiac surgeons are specially trained in a variety of surgical procedures, such as:

• Coronary artery bypass graft surgery
• Minimally invasive heart valve surgery
• Traditional heart valve surgery
• Surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation

Treatment

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is one of the most effective treatments for coronary artery disease and heart failure, greatly improving blood flow to the heart and helping to limit the effects of the No. 1 health threat to men and women in the U.S. The procedure can also reduce chest pain as well as significantly decrease the risk of experiencing a heart attack.

Our CABG surgeons and cardiologists will develop a specific plan of action for a patient’s particular condition and structure their surgery accordingly. By using a blood vessel graft from the arm, leg or chest, a cardiovascular surgeon will bypass one or more arteries that have been narrowed due to the build up of plaque. The procedure can allow the return to a normal lifestyle, by relieving symptoms of coronary artery disease, including shortness of breath and angina.

For patients who have experienced heart valve damage and whose specific condition permits it, UT Southwestern can provide minimally invasive heart valve surgery. The procedure is performed using small incisions and lessens the length of a hospital stay. If a person is a candidate for traditional heart valve surgery, a surgeon will repair or replace one or more of their heart valves to protect against further damage, improve heart function and decrease symptoms.

In cases where medication is insufficient for treating atrial fibrillation, or abnormal heart rhythms, our surgeons can perform advanced procedures to control the heart rate and help prevent the dangers associated with blood clots. Surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation can also be performed at the same time as other procedures, such as during bypass or valve surgery.

Patient Education

As with every case of cardiac surgery at UT Southwestern, a team of specialists will evaluate patients’ specific conditions, including their medical history, symptoms and the results of advanced diagnostic testing, to determine the best approach to treating heart disease. Our cardiologists and surgeons are dedicated to working with patients to determine the appropriate intervention needed to improve their health.

For more information, please visit the Health Library.