Cardiothoracic Surgery
The words, “You need heart surgery,” can feel overwhelming. The cardiothoracic surgery specialists at the Pilla Heart Center are dedicated to listening to patients and families, explaining leading-edge methods, and providing exceptional, coordinated care.
Our heart surgery program has become a model for others throughout the country. We use a team of specialists with the best strengths and surgical expertise in the chest and heart to achieve excellent outcomes. Our team includes: cardiac and thoracic surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, advance practice professionals, and pulmonary medicine experts.
The Pilla Heart Center cardiothoracic surgery team has performed thousands of heart procedures. The team is widely recognized for its high-quality knowledge of advanced technological developments and commitment to patient safety. Our experts are proficient in both minimally invasive and open heart surgery. When possible, we use minimally invasive procedures for less trauma to patients, to reduce certain risks, and shorten recovery time. Because of our capabilities and results, we see many patients from throughout the Delaware Valley, as well as beyond.
Our cardiothoracic surgery team has performed more than 3,500 open heart operations.
Each open heart patient is jointly cared for by surgery, cardiology, and pulmonary critical care specialists.
Pilla Heart Center cardiothoracic surgical experts are highly skilled in many of the latest heart surgery techniques, including:
Procedures are performed in special heart surgery operating rooms. These large rooms are designed to accommodate the latest surgical technology as well as a specialized team.
By using minimally invasive procedures when possible, our cardiothoracic surgery specialists reduce blood loss, so patients are less likely to need blood transfusions. For those who wish to avoid exposure to donated blood and blood components, we work with the specialists at the Abington Memorial Hospital Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery.
Pilla Heart Center cardiothoracic surgery advanced care practitioners help patients and families with all aspects of preparing for heart surgery, recovery in the hospital, guidance for home care, and life after surgery. Our team includes:
- Cardiac surgery nurse practitioners: These registered nurses (RNs) hold Master of Science or Doctoral degrees in nursing. Our nurse practitioners are licensed and board-certified in acute care to diagnose and manage patients with complex heart surgery procedures, in conjunction with our cardiology and pulmonary specialists.
- Cardiac surgery family liaison: This team member alleviates patients’ concerns about their families by providing comfort, reassurance and help to family members while patients are in surgery and throughout their hospital stay in the Cardiac Surgery Unit.
- Cardiac surgery administrative assistant:Providing guidance during a stressful time, this staffer helps patients navigate scheduling and paperwork complexities as easily as possible.
Watch and hear Rohinton J. Morris, M.D., chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Abington Memorial Hospital, talk about how ventricular assist device (VAD) surgery helps heart failure patients.
For expertise on cardiothoracic surgery, contact the specialists at Abington’s Pilla Heart Center including the Porter Institute for Valvular Heart Disease, Blank Vascular Center, Heart Rhythm Center, and Comprehensive Heart Failure Program.
