Adult Cardiac Surgery - Section Overview

For more than 50 years, the cardiac surgeons at the Medical College of Georgia have been offering the highest quality care for patients. We offer a wide spectrum of cardiac surgical services for the adult patient, encompassing well-established techniques and the newest innovations. Our surgeons have trained at the leading centers in the US and are expert in all conventional cardiac surgical procedures. New procedures are carefully evaluated and only the safest and most efficacious are offered to our patients.

These same surgeons are committed to continually studying and evaluating new methods of surgical treatment and improving surgical outcomes through clinical and laboratory research in such areas as protection of the brain and neurological systems during bypass operations. Often, patients will benefit from new therapies not readily available at other medical centers. 

Hospitalized patients are cared for on a specialized cardiothoracic surgery unit. Comprehensive education, including heart and lung health and nutritional instruction, begin when patients are prepared for surgery and continue through recovery and the return home. Our goal is to make sure patients are comfortable throughout their stay and to attend to their recovery needs efficiently and compassionately. Comprehensive team approach to postoperative management brings our patients the best in care. A shorter hospital stay, greatly reduced recovery time and maximum attention are only some of the benefits to our patients thanks to this approach.

Dedicated to meeting the needs of people who require cardiac and related surgeries, the department operates through the use of an innovative team approach including surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, floor staff, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers and care coordinators, who are completely dedicated to the care of the cardiac patient. This team often expands to include immediate care from on-site physicians from every medical specialty required. Our multi-disciplinary approach and expertise has gained us the reputation of being the best-prepared surgical practice to handle procedures that may be complex and/or complicated by underlying illness or age. The team coordinates the care of the patient from before the surgery through the surgical experience and into the recovery period with support programs designed to assist and guide the total process. Patients and families receive state-of-the-art cardiac surgery and care delivered by a team of dedicated caring professionals.