Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Saint Louis University School of Medicine's Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery continues a legacy of excellence that began with Missouri's first open heart surgery. Division surgeons are leaders in their field, advancing patient care through growth, research innovation and novel surgical techniques.
Trusted Specialists in Heart and Lung Health
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery specializes in thoracic surgery, adult cardiac surgery and congenital cardiac surgery. Its team of skilled experts is known for offering advanced, compassionate care. They treat patients at several local clinics and perform most surgeries at the following sites:
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
- SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital -- St. Louis
- SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital
The division’s thoracic surgeons treat a breadth of intrathoracic pathologies, including:
- Lung cancer
- Empyema
- Esophageal disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Chest wall disease
- Thoracic outlet obstruction
- Achalasia
- MALS
- Hiatal hernias
Surgeons utilize modern technologies such as robotics, novel tumor marking, advanced imaging techniques and uniportal surgery — all while working on a collaborative, multidisciplinary team made up of oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, pathologists, radiologists and gastroenterologists.
The division’s cardiac surgeons offer some of the most advanced heart disease treatments available in St. Louis. Specialists treat both adult and pediatric heart problems, including managing congenital and acquired cardiovascular disease.
Surgeons are also nationally recognized for developing innovative treatments, including new procedures like the hybrid maze, a minimally invasive "hybrid" approach to treating atrial fibrillation (AFIB) that combines surgery and catheter-based techniques to put a patient's heart back into proper rhythm.
The division’s pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons provide advanced treatments for children with heart and lung conditions — from congenital defects to acquired diseases — while working with the nationally ranked heart team at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, recognized by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery.
Surgeons use the latest techniques and technologies, and they collaborate with experts in cardiology, neonatology and maternal-fetal medicine to deliver compassionate, cutting-edge care. The team is known for clinical expertise as well as a heartfelt commitment to the well-being of children and their families.