Cardiothoracic Surgeries
The cardiothoracic surgery program at King's Daughters Medical Center is one of the best in the nation. In fact, we've been ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation for cardiac surgery by HealthGrades for four years in a row (2007-2008-2009-2010). Thomson Reuters has ranked King's Daughters as one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals for cardiovascular care for four years in a row (2006-2009). We are extremely proud of our reputation for quality and safety ... as well as the fact that we offer some of the most advanced and complex procedures performed in the region. We offer virtually every treatment option — including the latest minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques — using an individualized approach that returns patients to their daily routines as safely, comfortably and quickly as possible. The conditions we treat and the surgeries we perform include:
Aneurysm Repair
Aneurysms can be silent killers because they rarely show any signs or symptoms. Although aneurysms can occur in any part of the body, the most serious ones appear in the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) and in the brain. Untreated, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, often called a Triple A, can rupture and cause serious internal bleeding, complications and death.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm problem caused by faulty electrical signals in the heart. Cardiothoracic surgeons can treat this problem surgically through a procedure called a maze. During the procedure, the surgeon destroys the abnormal electrical pathways that are causing the heart to beat irregularly. This is done through freezing or burning the tissues. The resulting maze of scars disrupts the abnormal electrical flow. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with bypass or valve surgeries, or as a stand alone, minimally invasive technique with small incisions.
Carotid Artery Blockages
Carotid artery blockages are caused by severe plaque buildup in the arteries leading to the brain (carotid arteries). Surgeons make a small incision in the neck and remove the plaque to restore blood flow to the brain.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S. to treat heart disease. Traditional bypass surgery involves stopping the heart, clamping the aorta and connecting the patient to a heart-lung machine. This creates a bloodless, motionless heart on which the surgeon attaches bypass grafts (arteries or veins taken from the chest or legs) to reroute blood flow around a blocked artery. However, a newer bypass surgery, called "beating heart" or off-pump bypass, is performed while the heart is still beating, and the patient is not attached to a heart-lung machine. The surgeon stabilizes the portion of the heart that is being worked on, while the remainder of the heart continues to beat. King's Daughters surgeons were first in the region to perform beating heart surgery.
Heart Valve Repair and Replacement
This operation may be needed when the valves of the heart do not close properly, causing blood to leak backwards. Surgeons can repair a valve, or, when necessary, replace a valve with mechanical or tissue substitutes.
Lung Cancer
KDMC surgeons were first in the region to perform minimally invasive lung surgery, removing diseased sections of the lungs through tiny incisions on the chest.
Other Surgeries
The cardiothoracic surgeons at King’s Daughters also perform complex surgeries of the esophagus (food pipe) and trachea (wind pipe).