UAB’s national and international prominence in adult cardiac, pediatric and thoracic surgery is attributed to the men and women whose thoughts, work, research and dedication to medicine began in 1950. Our rich history of innovation led to the significant advances that continue to benefit today’s patients. Our mission is to improve the cardiovascular health and well-being of society, particularly the citizens of Alabama.
The UAB Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery is the only one in Alabama offering heart transplantation and long-term mechanical circulatory support, and the only center in the state performing surgery for complex congenital heart disease. Surgeons operate as part of multidisciplinary teams that include cardiology, advanced heart failure, pulmonology, thoracic oncology, anesthesiology and cardiovascular critical care, and they train the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons through integrated and traditional residency pathways.
Specialized care is delivered through the following sections:
- Adult Cardiac Surgery: Coronary revascularization, valve repair and replacement, complex aortic and arrhythmia surgery, including minimally invasive and robotic approaches for selected patients.
- Thoracic Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support: Heart transplantation, lung transplantation and the full range of durable and temporary support devices, including ventricular assist devices and ECMO, for patients with advanced heart or lung failure.
- Adult and Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery: Repair of congenital defects in neonates, infants and children, with continued surgical care for the growing population of adults living with congenital heart disease.
- Thoracic Surgery: Treatment of lung, esophageal, mediastinal and chest wall disease, including robotic and video-assisted resection for cancer and benign conditions of the airway and esophagus.