Cardiac Surgery

Life-changing cardiac care from the most comprehensive team of experts using advanced procedures and latest surgical techniques.

At the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, our team of board-certified, and fellowship-trained cardiothoracic surgeons perform procedures ranging from mitral valve repair, cardiac bypasses, and congenital heart defect repairs to heart transplants and other complex procedures for high-risk adults. We use the most advanced equipment and latest surgical techniques, including minimally-invasive robotic surgery in state-of-the-art operating rooms.

We are committed to providing the safest and highest quality patient care, and work closely with cardiologist, and other specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for both common and complex cardiac conditions, one that is grounded in trust and open communications, and built on the notion that every patient deserves a compassionate care team whose only focus is to care for that patient and provide them the best outcome possible.

Conditions we treat

Amyloidosise — A disease characterized by an abnormal build up of proteins (called amyloids) in various organs in the body.

Aortic disease — Disorders of the aorta (the main artery that supplies blood from the heart) can be extremely life threatening and may include aneurysms, tears in the inner lining, and penetrating ulcers.

Arrhythmia — An abnormal heart rhythm that is considered serious when it causes the heart to beat too slow or too fast to effectively pump blood.

Cardiomyopathye — The deterioration of the function of the heart muscle that often leads to heart failure.

Congenital heart disease — A defect in the structure of the heart and associated vessels, present at birth.

Coronary artery disease — Occurs when arteries in the heart narrow or become blocked; may cause angina, a heart attack, or congestive heart failure.

Heart failure — Also known as congestive heart failure (CHF). This occurs when the heart muscle fails to pump blood due to a range of conditions.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — A genetic condition in which the muscle of the heart is abnormally large in the absence of an apparent cause. When the muscle of the left ventricle of the heart becomes thicker than normal, blood flow is obstructed to the rest of the body.

Pericarditis — Inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart.

Valvular heart disease — Any disease involving one or more of the valves of the heart. Valvular heart disease may be inherited or acquired.

Treatments and Procedures

We are one of the leading centers for advanced robotic valve surgery and advanced robotic bypass surgery in the country, putting patient care first with outstanding experiences and outcomes. We take great pride in being able to provide high-quality, innovative, and life-changing care that improves the health and well-being of our patients.

Our surgeons also use the most advanced procedures, including:

• Minimally invasive cardiac surgery
• Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery
• Transcatheter valve procedures (including Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement – TAVR)
• WATCHMAN© Left Atrial Appendage Closure Implant
• Percutaneous mitral valve treatments
• Aortic surgery
• Atrial fibrillation surgery (AFib)
• Bypass surgery
• Congenital heart surgery
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy surgery – septal myectomy
• Heart failure surgery – left ventricular assist devices, left ventricular reconstruction
• Heart transplant
• Valve surgery

About our Centers of Excellence

At the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, we focus on the whole patient, not just an area of the body. That’s why we’ve created the Centers of Excellence. Our team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, and thoracic surgeons work collaboratively with other specialists across multiple disciplines to better diagnose and treat patients. Learn more about the following related centers:

Center for Aortic Surgery →
Center for Aortic Valve Disease →
Center for Atrial Fibrillation →
Center for Cardiac Innovation →
Center for Mitral Valve Disease →

Additional Video Resources

• Can The Cox-Maze IV Procedure Reverse Heart Failure Symptoms in Atrial Fibrillation Patients?
• Robotic Heart Surgery at the Center of Aortic Surgery
• Advantages of Robotic Mitral Valve Repair with Dr. Vinay Badhwar
• Atrial Fibrillation & Maze Procedure with Dr. Harold Roberts
• Advantages of Aortic Valve Repair with Dr. Lawrence Wei

Patient Resources

Facts about heart disease

Heart disease is something to be taken seriously. People may be able to survive clogged arteries, heart attacks, arrhythmias, and other heart issues through medication and surgery. But preventing heart disease in the first place is preferable. Our experts give advice about preventing or overcoming heart disease. Learn the facts →

Heart Surgery Guide

In this heart surgery guide, you will find vital information about the days leading up to and following your surgery for you and your family. We ask you to bring this guide to all of your appointments. It will allow you to follow your surgery progress and address any specific concerns you may have about your procedure. It is our wish that this detailed information answers your questions about what to expect from your surgery and, most importantly, allows you to trust us with your heart.

Download the guide →