Center for Advanced Cardiac Surgery

We treat all types of cardiac conditions that require surgery, including:

• Aortic dissection
• Aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch diseases
• Aortic valve disease
• Atrial fibrillation
• Atrial septal defect
• Cardiac tumor
• Coronary artery disease
• Mitral valve disease
• Tricuspid valve disease
• Ventricular septal defect

We offer state-of-the-art surgical procedures for cardiac conditions, including:

• Aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch surgery
• Aortic valve replacement
• Atrial fibrillation ablation, hybrid convergent approach
• Atrial fibrillation ablation, pulmonary veins isolation and Cox MAZE procedure
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement
• Minimally invasive bypass surgery
• Minimally invasive left atrial appendage exclusion
• Minimally invasive mitral valve repair
• Mitral valve repair
• Mitral valve replacement
• Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm repair
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement
• Tricuspid valve surgery
• Valve-sparing aortic root replacement

Our Cardiac Surgery team works closely with Cardiovascular Medicine, and with Vascular and Endovascular Medicine and Surgery, to ensure our patients get comprehensive cardiovascular care tailored to their needs.

Cardiovascular Medicine

Our nationally recognized Cardiovascular Medicine Department connects you with some of Boston’s top cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and cardiothoracic surgeons. We’ve been recognized by HealthGrades as a Top 100 Hospital in Cardiac Care since 2012, in addition to recognitions from U.S. News as high-performing in heart arrhythmia treatment and pacemaker implantation.

Learn More

Vascular Medicine and Intervention

We offer state-of-the-art medical and interventional treatments for our patients with peripheral vascular disease. As the only NIH-recognized Level 1 team for treating carotid artery disease with carotid revascularization, we also serve as a referral center for complex cases across the region.

Learn More

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

From routine care to advanced surgery and clinical trials of cutting-edge treatments, our team offers comprehensive evaluation and management for vascular and endovascular conditions.

Learn More

Answers to Some of Your Top Questions About Cardiac Surgery at BMC Brighton

You may have questions or concerns about your health and this list of common questions can help guide you. The answers give general information, but everyone’s situation is different. For advice about your own health, make an appointment with your provider.

What should I expect if I’m getting heart surgery?

Outcomes for heart surgery are different for everyone. It depends on factors like what procedure you’re having and your overall health.

Surgeries like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, aortic aneurysm surgery, and congenital heart defect repair address an underlying problem. That means they may help improve symptoms or reduce future risks.

Your care team will discuss what may be realistic for your situation.

What does a typical recovery look like after heart surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of procedure, your health, and how your body heals. If you have CABG or open-heart valve surgery, you may spend four to five days in the hospital. Then you might need to continue healing and recovering at home for approximately four to six weeks.

If you have a minimally invasive procedure—such as TAVR, MitraClip, MAZE surgery, or pacemaker/ICD implantation—you may have a shorter hospital stay.

Your team will tell you what to expect.

What are the potential risks for heart surgery?

Every heart procedure has potential risks and complications. Your surgical team will talk to you about the risks specific to your condition and surgery. They will also outline the steps they’ll take to look for and respond to any complications during and after surgery.

When can I expect to drive, work, and get back to my usual activities?

The timeline for returning to daily activities varies widely. Some people can go back to light activities within a few weeks. Other people need more time.

You may be able to return to some activities more quickly if you have a minimally invasive procedure. Your care team will give you recommendations based on your surgery and recovery progress.

Is a minimally invasive option available for my heart condition?

Surgeons can treat many conditions, such as valve disease, blocked arteries, and certain structural or rhythm problems, with minimally invasive approaches. These approaches include TAVR, MitraClip, catheter-based aneurysm repair, thoracoscopic MAZE procedures, or pacemaker/ICD placement.

Whether you can have minimally invasive surgery depends on your diagnosis and overall health. Your surgeon will help determine what type of surgery is right for you.

How do you keep patients safe during anesthesia?

Serious problems from anesthesia are rare.

Cardiac anesthesia teams use advanced monitoring and safety practices during every procedure. Your anesthesiologist will track your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. They may also track other vital signs based on your health and the type of surgery.

What can I expect for my quality of life after heart surgery?

Different people have different changes in quality of life after heart surgery. Many people see improvements in symptoms, but it depends on a variety of factors. Your care team can help you understand what may be possible for you.