Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Part of Carilion Cardiovascular Institute, our team of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons use advanced technology to treat heart, lung and vascular conditions.

About

Program Overview

Cardiothoracic surgery is the medical specialty that encompasses surgical procedures involving the organs inside the chest. Heart surgery, thoracic vascular surgery (which involves the vessels and arteries of the heart) and lung surgery are included in this specialty. Carilion Clinic has been providing advanced surgical care for cardiac and thoracic surgery patients in western Virginia for more than 30 years. Our surgeons have more experience than any others in our area, having performed more than 21,000 heart and lung procedures. We work hand-in-hand to deliver patient-centered, highly coordinated care.

Virginia Tech Carilion Partnership

First in the region to perform open heart surgery

Carilion was first in the region to perform both TAVR procedures and LVAD implants.

Carilion has more experience than any others in our area, performing more than 21,000 procedures.

Mission, Goals and Strengths

Our number one goal is to provide exceptional, patient-centered care. Combined with a wide range of clinical research and teaching opportunities through our partnership with Virginia Tech’s School of Medicine, CVI’s Cardiothoracic Surgery section is the prime choice in a clinical partner for the region.

Message from Leadership

Carilion Clinic has been providing advanced surgical care for cardiac and thoracic surgery patients in Southwest Virginia for more than 30 years. Carilion Clinic Cardiothoracic Surgery offers a full compliment of services in Adult Cardiac Surgery, Aortic and Endovascular surgery, and General Thoracic Surgery. Our faculty are part of Carilion’s multidisciplinary Structural Heart, Aortic Center, and Thoracic Oncology Programs. The Cardiothoracic faculty and staff provide services for patients at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital; however, we serve the entire south-western region of Virginia and beyond. Our reputation for excellence in the clinical setting, stellar outcomes, and dedication to providing great customer service, drives our patients’ decisions to receive surgical care here.

Joseph Baker, M.D.

Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiovascular Institute at Carilion Clinic

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Department specs

Program Size

5 Cardiothoracic Surgeons
14 Advanced Care Practitioners
Service area of approximately 1 million people

Volume of Procedures

Cardiothoracic Surgery performs roughly 500-600 cases annually

Services

Aortic aneurysm repair
Aortic dissection treatment
Aortic root surgery, including valvesparing technique
Aortic valve replacement
Cardiac arrhythmia surgery
Complex coronary revascularization, including hybrid procedures
Minimally invasive atrial fibrillation surgery
Coronary artery bypass grafting (on-and-off-pump)
Implantation of ventricular assist devices
Minimally invasive valve surgery
Mitral valve repair and replacement
Pacemaker and defibrillator implantation
Thoracic aortic endografts
Bronchoscopy
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis
Lobectomy
Lung biopsy
Mediastinoscopy
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery
Pleurodesis
Pneumonectomy
Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer
Surgical treatment of lung cancer
Surveillance and workup of solitary pulmonary nodules
Thymoma surgery
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Wedge resection of lung
Pacemaker/Defibrillator Lead Extractions

Conditions Treated

Aortic stenosis
Mitral valve stenosis
Mitral valve regurgitation
Endocarditis
Coronary artery disease
Tricuspid Valve regurgitation Re-operative Heart surgery
Heart rhythm disorders

Awards

Recognized as High Performing for Lung Cancer Surgery at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital by US News and World Report.
Recognized as High Performing for Heart Bypass Surgery at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital by US News and World Report.
Department has achieved a distinguished three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes.