Welcome to Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is committed to saving lives – and improving our patients’ quality of life– through excellent surgical techniques and extraordinary patient care. Our surgeons and medical professionals address a wide variety of complex cardiac and thoracic medical issues, from minimally invasive heart and cancer surgery to heart and lung transplants for both pediatric and adult patients.
We provide critical and unique resources in the State of Iowa. We are committed to innovative surgical procedures and techniques. Our faculty’s clinical care is continually informed by cutting edge basic science and clinical research. We seek to translate the latest discoveries from research bench to patient bedside as well as into every aspect of education.
We take pride in training the next generation of surgeon-scientists and clinical surgeons. Our fellows, residents, and medical students are exposed to revolutionary medicine and surgical techniques that will enhance their skills. Our faculty value the opportunity to shape today’s learners into tomorrow’s best and brightest surgeons.
Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care
In 2017, the University of Iowa Health Care was awarded the BCBS Blue Distinction Center+ quality designation for Cardiac Care. This distinction recognizes healthcare facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality cardiac care and better overall outcomes for patients. The "plus" designation recognizes institutions not only for their expertise but also for their cost efficiency. The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, an integral part of cardiac care at the UIHC, is advancing the field of cardiothoracic surgery through its tripartite mission of quality patient care, research, and teaching of the next generation of cardiothoracic experts.
Blue Distinction Center® for Transplant
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has recognized the University of Iowa Health Care as a Blue Distinction Center® for delivering quality transplant care.
Blue Distinction Centers® have demonstrated the delivery of quality specialty care based on objective, transparent measures for patient safety and health outcomes that were developed with input from the medical community. UI Health Care is the only Iowa health system to receive this designation.
UI Health Care adult transplants recognized under this designation include bone marrow and stem cell, liver and kidney in combination, heart, liver, lung (both single and bilateral), pancreas, and pancreas and kidney in combination.
The Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care program also identifies hospitals delivering quality care in bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, knee and hip replacements, and spine surgery. For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, please visit the Blue Distinction Centers® website.