Overview

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine welcomes you. We encourage you to explore our web site to learn more about our clinical, research and teaching programs.

The division evolved into a leading international cardiothoracic surgery program from one of the earliest such programs in the United States. Evarts A. Graham, M.D., established and directed the program in the 1930s. Graham is known for many outstanding achievements, including the first successful pneumonectomy (lung removal) for cancer in 1933.

Today, the program – led by G. Alexander Patterson, M.D., the Evarts A. Graham Professor of Surgery – continues to provide leading-edge medical care and research in four subspecialties: adult cardiac surgery, adult general thoracic surgery, pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and cardiothoracic critical care.

As a pioneer in developing treatments for heart and lung disease in adults and children, the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery continues to pursue its mission:

•  Deliver the highest quality care to patients with heart and lung disease

•  Train the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons
  

•  Advance the science of cardiothoracic surgery with a program of innovative clinical and basic research
  

•  Support the effort to make academic medical centers the showcase for medical care
  

•  Function as a national referral center for complex problems affecting the lungs, esophagus, trachea, heart and other thoracic organs
  

Please browse our web site to learn more about the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.