Letter from the Director
In 2025, I had the honor of assuming the role of division director. To lead a division with such a rich history—and with legendary figures among our past and present faculty—is both humbling and inspiring. It is particularly meaningful to continue this work alongside Dr. Ralph Damiano and Dr. Alec Patterson, whose leadership has shaped the division’s national and international stature. Their continued presence represents not only continuity but also an extraordinary opportunity to build on a legacy while advancing the division to the next level of impact through surgical innovation across clinical care, education, and research.
Our division encompasses the full breadth of cardiothoracic surgery through four integrated subspecialty units: adult cardiac surgery, adult general thoracic surgery, pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, and heart and lung transplantation. We remain deeply committed to education, with one of the nation’s oldest and most respected cardiothoracic residency programs, established in 1929. The expansion of training opportunities across university, community, and VA hospital settings continues to enrich our residents’ experience and prepare future leaders in our specialty.
Clinically, the division has experienced sustained growth in both adult cardiovascular and general thoracic surgery, supported by expanded inpatient and outpatient facilities. We remain a pioneering center in transplantation, recently celebrating our 2,000th lung transplant, while also leading programs in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, advanced arrhythmia surgery, endovascular techniques, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support. These advances reflect our faculty’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible for our patients.
Our research mission continues to thrive, supported by a robust clinical research and data management infrastructure and participation in more than 100 clinical trials annually. Our basic science laboratories remain well funded through peer-reviewed extramural support, reinforcing our leadership in translational and discovery science. The opening of a new state-of-the-art inpatient bed tower in 2025 further underscores the institution’s investment in our future.
Above all, the greatest strength of this division has always been its people. Our faculty, staff, trainees, and research teams work collaboratively, support one another, and take pride in shared accomplishments. It is a privilege to serve as division director for such an exceptional group, and I am deeply optimistic about what we will achieve together as we honor our legacy and shape the future of cardiothoracic surgery at WashU Medicine.
Tsuyoshi Kaneko, MD
Director, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
John M. Shoenberg Chair in Cardiovascular Disease