Clinical Expertise

In conjunction with pulmonologists and oncologists, the UCI thoracic surgical team manages a variety of cancers affecting thoracic organs, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, lymphoma, mediastinal tumors, chest wall sarcoma and metastatic disease. We offer a range of diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, lobectomy, lung wedge resection (including video-assisted and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), thymectomy and pleurectomy/decortication.

UCI School of Medicine thoracic surgeons are responsible for the surgical management of esophageal cancer (esophagectomy), gastrointestinal reflux disease (Nissen fundoplication), achalasia (Heller myotomy) and esophageal diverticulum repair.

The thoracic surgery team may be required to manage mediastinal injuries in conjunction with the trauma surgery team. We are experienced in managing complex infections of the lungs and esophagus, including empyema.

UCI School of Medicine thoracic surgeons manage conditions of the chest wall that require repair or reconstruction, such as congenital abnormalities, infection and injuries (including rib and sternal plating). We also perform hiatal and diaphragmatic hernia repairs and sympathectomies for hyperhidrosis and facial flushing.

At UCI School of Medicine, our faculty performs coronary bypass surgery for coronary artery disease, including total arterial vascularization when indicated. 

For patients with valve disease, we offer valve repair or replacement through open heart surgery, minimally invasive procedures or transcatheter techniques (TAVR/MitraClips). The cardiac surgical division is particularly skilled in treating valvular bacterial endocarditis, with experience that greatly exceeds that of other centers in the area.

In addition to standard repair of aortic aneurysms detected incidentally or by screening, the cardiac surgery faculty members provide emergency repair of aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections.

In patients with atrial fibrillation, our cardiac surgery team may perform ablative (Cox-Maze) procedures (cryo- or radiofrequency), either during other open heart surgery or via minimally invasive techniques. 

At UCI, the surgical treatments available for heart failure include placement of biventricular pacemakers and left ventricular assist devices. We use vein-to-vein ECMO to treat severe respiratory failure and utilize Impella devices or vein-to-artery ECMO for short-term treatment of cardiogenic shock.

The UCI School of Medicine cardiac surgery faculty manages pericardial effusions with the creation of a pericardial window and drain placement.