Programs and Services
Advanced Open and Minimally Invasive Therapies
The Division of Cardiac Surgery offers a variety of advanced open and minimally invasive therapies to preserve, regain and advance heart health.
Awarded Highest Rating For Exceptional Quality
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has awarded the Division of Cardiac Surgery its highest, 3-star rating for exceptional quality. Approximately 15 percent of hospitals receive this 3-star rating.
Center for Aortic Surgery
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Atrial Fibrillation
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Total Arterial Revascularization
Heart Failure
Advanced Cardiac Imaging
Center for Aortic Surgery
Excellent Outcomes in Complex Aortic Surgeries
The CardioVascular Institute (CVI) has achieved excellent outcomes in complex aortic surgeries, drawing on expertise that is unique in Boston.
Multidisciplinary Team
Our multidisciplinary teams may include combinations of cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists and interventional cardiologists, working seamlessly to deliver state-of-the art, hybrid therapies.
Performs a Wide Array of Procedures
The Center for Aortic Surgery performs a wide array of procedures each year including:
- Aortic reconstruction
- Thoracic aortic root surgery
- Ascending, descending and arch aortic surgery
- Aortic dissection treatment
- Valve-sparing aortic root operations
- Homograft (using donor tissue) surgery
- Stentless aortic valve replacement
These very complex cases are performed with a mortality rate that is far better than expected at most heart surgery centers.
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Pioneer in Developing Minimally Invasive Techniques
The CardioVascular Institute is a pioneer in developing minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques for patients with valve stenosis and regurgitation.
In a CVI-developed approach, our surgeons perform mitral valve repair and replacement surgery through a 1.5- to 2-inch incision in the right chest. Results over three years show that efficacy is similar to the open procedure but with a less painful incision, shorter length of stay, a better cosmetic outcome and faster recovery, which means an earlier return to work. Using a combination of advanced technology and our newly developed minimally invasive devices, this type of surgery has become routine at the CVI.
Other types of minimally invasive surgery routinely performed at the CVI are aortic valve replacement, atrial septal defect repair, patent foramen ovale repair, coronary artery bypass grafting and Maze surgery to correct atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
One of Just a Handful in New England That Offers the MiniMaze Surgery
The CardioVascular Institute is the only institution in Massachusetts and one of just a handful in New England that offers minimally invasive Maze (MiniMaze) surgery to restore and maintain normal cardiac rhythm.
This procedure potentially eliminates the need for lifelong medical therapy and its associated risks. The surgeon uses minimally invasive techniques to electrically isolate the pulmonary veins from the left atrium and to remove the left atrial appendage. The MiniMaze is a new procedure with short-term success rates of greater than 90 percent one year after surgery.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
Performs More Than 450 CABG Surgeries Per Year
CVI surgeons perform more than 450 CABG surgeries per year. Surgeons use endoscopic vein harvest - removal of a portion of vein from inside the leg through small incisions -- in more than 98 percent of procedures.
This approach significantly decreases complications and infection. Tight control of blood sugar (glucose) following surgery results in low rates of infection of the breastbone (sternum).
Off-pump and Hybrid Approaches
For Patients At Extremely High Risk for Conventional Bypass
The CVI offers expertise in off-pump beating heart surgery to patients at extremely high risk for conventional bypass because of heavily calcified aortas or advanced renal or pulmonary disease.
This surgery uses special techniques to stabilize the heart during surgery so that it is not necessary to use a heart-lung machine. Off-pump beating heart surgery can also be performed as part of a tailored approach (hybrid procedures) whereby patients undergo minimally invasive off-pump surgery in conjunction with stenting.
Total Arterial Revascularization
Experienced Surgeons
Surgeons are also experienced at total arterial revascularization - restoration of the blood supply to the heart by using the bilateral internal mammary artery from the chest and the radial artery from the arm.
Heart Failure
Experts in High-Risk Surgeries with Ventricular Assist Back-Up
CardioVascular Institute surgeons have particular expertise in high-risk surgeries with ventricular assist back-up. These mechanical devices supplement or replace the function of a failing heart, on a short or long-term basis. Ventricular assist procedures are available in the context of transplant evaluation by our heart failure specialists.
Advanced Cardiac Imaging
National and International Reputation for Innovation and Expertise
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has gained a national and international reputation for innovation and expertise in non-invasive cardiac imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiography, and nuclear medicine.
Pioneer in Developing Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Techniques
We are a pioneer in developing cardiac Magnetic Resonance techniques for coronary artery imaging, and for expert assessment of patient cardiomyopathies, pericardial disease and congenital heart disease.