Cardiothoracic Surgery

Expert cardiothoracic surgery at St. Joseph’s Heart Hospital

At The Heart Hospital, our dedicated team of cardiothoracic surgeons performs more open-heart procedures annually than any other health system in Southeast Georgia. These experienced surgeons bring specialized training and skills to each patient’s care, using their expertise to improve outcomes and reduce complications. Thanks to technological advancements, our surgeons now have the flexibility to select the most effective surgical approaches to restore optimal heart function.

Heart valve repair and replacement with TAVR

For patients with severe aortic stenosis at high risk for traditional surgery, our cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists offer a low-impact option: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). TAVR is ideal for older patients or those with conditions that make open valve surgery too risky. It restores blood flow through the aorta, helping relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Heart valves can either be repaired or, when necessary, replaced to achieve normal function. Replacement may involve a biological valve made from animal tissue or a mechanical valve made of durable metal and cloth. This range of choices allows our patients to find the best treatment solution based on their specific needs.

Coronary artery bypass for severe coronary heart disease

Our skilled team specializes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a leading surgical solution for coronary artery disease. In CABG, the surgeon uses healthy blood vessels from the patient’s body to bypass narrowed areas in the coronary arteries, improving blood flow and heart function. The procedure involves a careful incision to access the heart, where a heart-lung machine temporarily takes over heart function, allowing the surgeon to work precisely and safely. This surgery is widely recognized for radically enhancing heart health in patients with advanced coronary disease.

Off-pump minimally invasive surgical technique

Our team also offers off-pump surgery, a noninvasive CABG alternative that avoids using the heart-lung machine. This technique allows the surgeon to perform bypass surgery while the heart is still beating, using a stabilizing device to minimize movement. This surgery option can benefit patients by shortening hospital stays, reducing recovery time, and lowering the risk of complications, bleeding, and infection.

Thoracic Oncology

The Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center and is a collaboration of multiple specialists led by Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center Medical Director and Interventional Pulmonologist Dr. M. Douglas Mullins, with Southeast Lung Associates, and Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Marc Bailey, with SJ/C Physician Network. Learn more here.