Excellence in Heart Surgery, Recognized by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Our cardiac surgery program has earned the highest possible 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)—a distinction awarded for exceptional quality and outcomes in heart bypass surgery. This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality cardiac care as part of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute.
Advanced Cardiothoracic Care for Heart, Lung, and Chest Conditions
WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, through its partnership with the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, provides expert cardiothoracic surgical care for conditions affecting the heart, lungs, esophagus, chest wall, and other structures within the chest.
Our experienced surgeons use proven surgical techniques, innovative technology, and a patient-focused approach to deliver individualized treatment plans for complex conditions.
Conditions We Treat
Our cardiothoracic surgery team provides specialized surgical care for a wide range of heart, lung, esophageal, and chest conditions. We work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their condition and individual needs.
Cardiac Conditions
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Aortic aneurysms and aortic disease
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Heart failure
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart conditions
Thoracic Conditions
- Lung cancer and lung nodules
- Benign and malignant lung nodules
- Emphysema
- Esophageal cancer
- Achalasia
- Hiatal hernias
- Pleural disease
- Mediastinal masses
- Chest wall tumors and abnormalities
When Every Second Matters.
Hear one patient's story of receiving lifesaving cardiac care at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals. From emergency treatment through recovery, this experience highlights the expertise, teamwork, and dedication our cardiac care teams provide when patients need it most.
Every patient's journey is unique, but our commitment remains the same—delivering skilled, compassionate care at every step.
Services We Offer
WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals offers surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, esophagus, and chest. Our cardiothoracic surgeons use their expertise and the latest surgical approaches to develop treatment plans tailored to each patient.
Cardiac Surgery
- Aortic surgery
- Atrial fibrillation surgery
- Bypass surgery
- Congenital heart surgery
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy surgery (septal myectomy)
- Heart failure surgery, including left ventricular assist devices and left ventricular reconstruction
- Valve surgery
Esophageal
- Esophagectomy
- Heller myotomy
- Hiatal hernia repair
Pleural & Chest Wall
- Decortication
- Resection of mediastinal masses
Lung & Airway
- Lobectomy
- Wedge resection/segmentectomy
- Pneumonectomy
- Lung volume reduction surgery
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Our cardiothoracic surgeons use innovative surgical techniques and proven expertise to provide treatment options for complex heart, lung, and chest conditions. Whenever appropriate, we offer minimally invasive approaches, including robotic-assisted surgery and Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS), along with traditional surgery when needed to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient.
Advancing Heart Care at Thomas Hospitals
The launch of open heart surgery at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals marked an important milestone in expanding cardiovascular care for patients throughout the region. Hear from Nestor Dans, MD, about the vision behind the program and the collaboration that continues to bring specialized heart and vascular expertise to our community.
Why Choose WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals?
Choosing a cardiothoracic surgery team is an important decision. At WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, patients benefit from experienced surgeons, specialized expertise, and the resources of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute—all working together to provide high-quality care for complex heart, lung, and chest conditions.
Recognized for Excellence
Our cardiac surgery program has earned the highest possible 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), recognizing outstanding patient care and surgical outcomes. This distinction places our program among the highest-performing cardiac surgery programs in the United States and Canada.
Part of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute
Through our partnership with the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, our patients benefit from coordinated care among cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, vascular specialists, and other experts dedicated to treating complex cardiovascular conditions.
Comprehensive Cardiothoracic Expertise
Our surgeons provide a full range of cardiac and thoracic surgical services, including procedures involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, chest wall, and mediastinum. Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient's condition, goals, and overall health.
Innovative Surgical Options
Our team uses minimally invasive, robotic-assisted, video-assisted, and traditional surgical approaches to provide patients with treatment options that are appropriate for their individual needs.
A Team Focused on Each Patient
From diagnosis through recovery, our team works closely with patients, families, and referring providers to create a coordinated treatment plan built around each patient's needs.
Meet Dr. Nathaniel Kister
WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals is proud to have Nathaniel Kister, MD, as part of our cardiothoracic surgery team. Along with Nestor Dans, MD, Dr. Kister provides specialized surgical care for patients with complex heart, lung, and chest conditions.
As part of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, our cardiothoracic surgery team continues to expand access to innovative procedures, advanced surgical techniques, and expert cardiovascular care for patients throughout Southern West Virginia.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you've been diagnosed with a heart or thoracic condition or have been referred for surgery, our cardiothoracic team is here to help. Call 304-414-HVI1 (4841) to learn more about our services, schedule an appointment, or speak with your provider about a referral.