The latest advances in cardiac surgical care, research and training
The Section of Cardiac Surgery at WashU Medicine has a long tradition of excellence in patient care, research and teaching. As part of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, established by Evarts Graham, MD, our section has made significant contributions to the field of cardiac surgery.
Our heart program is consistently ranked highest in Missouri and among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report, and our surgeons are recognized as national leaders and top doctors in the region. Highlights of our program include:
- ECMO gold level recognition from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization
- Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center with The Joint Commission’s Comprehensive Cardiac Center Certification
- Multidisciplinary aortic surgery center with 24/7 coverage for emergent cases
In the area of research, our group developed and refined the Cox-Maze procedure, the surgical cure for atrial fibrillation. Today, we continue to innovate through NIH-funded research in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Laboratory.
We train future leaders in cardiac surgery through our residency and fellowship programs. In partnership with the general surgery residency at WashU Medicine, we offer an early specialization pathway for cardiothoracic training. Our section also offers a fellowship in mechanical cardiac support and heart transplantation.
High clinical volume
Advanced cardiac training
Innovative research
Section chief
Tsuyoshi Kaneko, MD
Director, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
John M. Shoenberg Chair of Cardiovascular Disease
Section of Cardiac Surgery
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Video Profile
- Phone: 314-362-7260
Patient care
Cardiac surgeons at WashU Medicine provide the highest level of care for people with valve disease, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and other complex conditions. Working with cardiologists, vascular surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists and a highly skilled nursing staff, our surgeons offer the latest advances in technology and innovative therapies.
Education
Our section trains general surgery residents in cardiac surgery and offers an early specialization pathway (4+3) for residents interested in careers in the field. Additionally, we offer a one-year mechanical circulatory support and heart transplant fellowship. This fellowship develops proficiency in surgical implantation and medical management of mechanical circulatory devices and heart transplants.
Research
The Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Laboratory focuses on developing and implementing treatments for cardiac problems. Research in the section is supported by multiple grants, including a longstanding NIH R01 grant. Combined, cardiothoracic research facilities comprise roughly 6,500 square feet of lab space. We conduct collaborative research alongside investigators in cardiology, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, vascular surgery and other fields.
Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Laboratory >>
Our faculty
Alexander A. Brescia, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Section of Cardiac Surgery
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Video Profile
- Phone: 314-362-7260
Ralph J. Damiano Jr., MD
Evarts A. Graham Professor of Surgery
Section of Cardiac Surgery
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Phone: 314-362-7260
Puja Kachroo, MD
Associate Professor of Surgery
Section of Cardiac Surgery
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Co-director, aortic center
- Phone: 314-362-7260
