Surgical Experience Equals Positive Outcomes

When it comes to open heart surgery, the experienced hands of the Lancaster General Health Heart Center belong to the distinguished members of the Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Lancaster. As the exclusive providers of cardiothoracic surgery at Lancaster General Health, these surgeons are an integral and valued part of our team. Surgeons from this group performed the first open heart surgery in Lancaster County in 1983. Since then, more than 16,000 open heart procedures have been performed. For patient convenience and safety, their office is located right inside the hospital.

Skilled in all aspects of cardiothoracic surgery, including coronary bypass, heart valve repair and replacement and lung surgery, our surgeons have achieved national and international honors for surgical expertise and excellence.

Although the term “survival rate” may sound frightening, it is comforting for you to know that the survival rates for open heart surgery procedures at Lancaster General Health Heart Center are exceptional and among the most favorable in the nation.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition that occurs when the heart does not pump efficiently enough to meet the body’s demand for oxygen, leading to congestion of the lungs. The Heart Center has a heart failure unit that specializes in treating patients with CHF and providing the therapy and education necessary for them to lead active lives.

Our surgeons at the Heart Center also specialize in the surgical treatment of heart failure, which includes heart muscle remodeling surgery and insertion of a ventricular assist device (VAD). A VAD assists the heart with pumping blood to the body and can be used for patients with end-stage heart failure or for those awaiting heart transplant.