Baptist Health Cardiothoracic Surgery Services
Each person has unique health needs—and heart and lung care at Baptist Health are customized to meet your specific needs.
Dedicated Experience
Baptist Health and the UAB Multispecialty Clinic have over 25 years of dedicated cardiothoracic surgery experience. We specialize in surgical techniques of the heart and lungs and perform cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures. Our cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in surgical procedures of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest.
Our team's clinical interests include adult valve repair and replacement and completing the Carpentier Mitral Valve course among other advanced procedures. We have extensive experience with mitral and aortic diseases, including surgical repair of aortic dissection.
Conditions Treated:
- Abnormal enlargement or aneurysms of the large arteries in the chest
- Atrial fibrillation
- Blockages in the heart valve(s)
- Cardiac tumors and valve disease
- Collapsed lungs
- Coronary artery disease or blockages of the arteries in the heart
- Heart failure
- Leaking heart valve(s)
- Lung cancer diagnosing via biopsy and tumor removal
- Mediastinal masses
Procedures Offered:
- Aortic aneurysm, Aortic dissection, and Tricuspid valve repair
- Aortic valve replacement
- Atrial fibrillation surgery
- Coronary artery bypass
- Lobectomies
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Mitral valve repair
- Thoracoscopic surgery
Learn More
Find a Surgeon or call our Physician Finder at (334) 273-4444.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cardiothoracic surgeries can help to open coronary arteries that have narrowed with time and are filled with fatty plaque buildup. It can also repair weakened heart muscles or defects, or correct heart rhythm problems. Since they operate on the cardiothoracic cavity, they can also operate on organs such as the lungs.
- Yes. We will keep you asleep and pain-free. Your anesthesiologist will take care of your comfort during the procedure.
- There is typically a tube placed in your windpipe, keeping you breathing with the use of a ventilator. Sometimes the tube will stay in place for a few hours after surgery to ensure you are breathing comfortably on your own.
- In order to get to your heart, the physician makes an incision (cut) down the middle of your chest and separates your breastbone (sternum). Afterward, he puts the bones back together and closes your incision.
- You may or may not know that the heart is stopped during the surgery and restrated again once the surgery is complete. We use a heart-lung bypass machine (a pump) to do the work of the heart during the surgery. Some surgeries don't require this step, while others do. Talk to the physician about your specific surgery.
- We have a special ICU for heart patients. You will be taken there and monitored for your incision, your alertness and your blood pressure. You will likely stay for several days.
- There will be a temporary tube that drains fluids and blood from the incision, that your nurses will care for.
- Managing pain by following your doctor’s advice is very important. It may be difficult to swallow as your neck could be sore. Softer food often eases that pain.
- Take all medicines as directed by your doctor. This may include an antiplatelet [an-tahy-PLEYT-lit] medicine (that helps prevent blood clots).
- Limit your swelling – keep your head propped up for the first week or so while you are lying down to prevent swelling.
- Driving is not permitted until you are given permission from your doctor.
- Don’t do any heavy lifting, strenuous activity or any unusual activity. You can return to your normal routine when the doctor gives you permission.
- Listen to your body. If you feel any neck swelling or headache around the procedure site, alert your doctor immediately.