Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinical Expertise Faculty Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of Surgery Home About Campus & Community Resources Surgery: Divisions > Cardiothoracic Surgery Excellence in Cardiothoracic Surgery UCI School of Medicine cardiothoracic surgeons provide a full range of consultative and therapeutic services for conditions affecting organs of the thorax, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, mediastinum and trachea. We are a referral destination for patients needing complex valvular, coronary and aortic arch surgeries. Furthermore, we are Orange County’s only mechanical heart center and the region’s leader in the management of complex pulmonary failure requiring mechanical life support (ECMO). About Us Our surgeons have special expertise in complex cardiac emergencies, aortic aneurysms, valvular disease, heart failure, endocarditis, robot-assisted and minimally invasive lung surgery, tracheal surgery, esophageal surgery, mediastinal surgery and cardiac disease, especially for high-risk patients with coexisting medical conditions. We deliver both inpatient and outpatient care at the main campus and perform most of our surgeries at UCI’s Douglas Hospital. The Cardiothoracic Surgery Division is subdivided into cardiac and thoracic services. Minimally invasive surgery is available and prioritized in both. Jack Sun, MD, an experienced cardiac surgeon and leader in the field of minimally invasive surgery and transcatheter surgery is the Cardiothoracic Surgery Division Chief. The subdivision of thoracic surgery is part of the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Orange County, and is led by Ali Mahtabifard, MD, who is highly skilled in minimally invasive thoracic surgery. He is also the editor of the premier Atlas of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery and an author of many of its chapters. Meet Our Faculty Research We're committed to innovation and invention. Our researchers are involved in investigative efforts that foster diversity, feature strong collaboration and move new treatments from the laboratory to the clinical setting. Explore Our Research Clinical Expertise Our division provides diagnostic and surgical therapeutic services using traditional, transcatheter and robot-assisted techniques. Areas of Clinical Expertise Get to Know Our Division Connect with Us Contact the Department of Surgery if you have any questions about the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery or our programs. Contact Us