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Cardiac Surgery at Mass General Brigham
Our board-certified cardiac surgeons perform the full range of surgical procedures for heart disease, from traditional coronary bypasses to the latest developments in minimally invasive procedures. Patients come from all over the world to receive care from our physicians.
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833-642-2863
Call the Heart and Vascular Institute
8336422863
About cardiac surgery care
The Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute brings together renowned cardiac surgeons who are advancing care through research, clinical innovation, and technology.
Heart surgery treats conditions that affect how your heart works, such as blocked arteries, valve disease, or structural problems. Depending on your condition, it may involve repairing or replacing parts of the heart using open, minimally invasive, or catheter-based techniques.
With more than 300,000 heart and vascular procedures performed each year, including over 5000 open and minimally invasive heart surgery procedures, our team has extensive experience treating complex heart conditions and providing access to the latest surgical approaches.
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Part of the Heart and Vascular Institute
Our approach to cardiac surgery
We collaborate closely with our cardiology colleagues and other interdisciplinary specialists across the Mass General Brigham system. Our care teams align on individualized, detailed treatment plans for each patient, ensuring the best possible results.
Multidisciplinary teamwork and innovation
Our more than 300 providers offer exceptional care in specialties including:
- Cardiovascular genetics
- Cardiac imaging
- Electrophysiology
- Echocardiography
- Endovascular catheter-based valve repair and replacement
- Nuclear cardiology
Our patients have access to experienced cardiac surgeons who have refined their techniques and technology to achieve the best possible outcomes.
High-volume experience in cardiac procedures
Our cardiac surgeons perform over 5000 open and minimally invasive heart surgery procedures across Mass General Brigham. This high procedural volume reflects deep experience across a wide range of complex heart conditions. For patients, this means care from teams that are highly practiced, prepared for complications, and equipped to make informed decisions before, during, and after surgery.
Breakthrough research and innovative cardiac procedures
Our cardiac surgeons and specialists are at the forefront of clinical innovation, bringing clinical discoveries directly to their patients. Whether it’s first-of-their-kind procedures or operating on high-risk patients who were turned down for care at other hospitals, we help patients get back to living their lives with confidence.
Heart conditions and treatments
Explore some of the heart conditions our cardiac surgery team treats and the surgical procedures we offer across Mass General Brigham.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Aortic Coarctation
- Aortic Dissection
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Regurgitation
- Atrial Septal Defect
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Carotid Artery Stenosis
- Endocarditis
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Marfan Syndrome
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Stenosis
- Renal Artery Disease
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease
- Mesenteric Artery Disease
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
- Ventricular Assist Devices
- Aortic Arch Surgery
- Aortic Root Replacement
- Ascending Aneurysm Repair
- Septal Myectomy
- Ross Procedure
- Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery
- Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Repair
- Dialysis Access Surgery
- Embolectomy
- Transvenous Lead Extraction
- Transmyocardial Revascularization
Our heart and vascular specialists
Your care is supported by a team of specialists who work together to understand your cardiovascular condition and create a personalized treatment plan. This team may include cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons, interventional specialists, radiologists, and experienced nurses.
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Find a cardiac surgery specialist
Heart and vascular care near you
Our care locations across Mass General Brigham make it easier to access heart and vascular care close to home, with the option to connect to specialized services when needed.
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#1 heart and vascular program for integrated medical research, according to the National Institutes of Health
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355 specialists
Our 355 cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and vascular specialists work together to deliver coordinated, patient-centered heart care.
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Learn about our cardiovascular research
Explore our research
30,000+ procedures
We perform more than 300,000 heart and vascular procedures every year, including over 5,000 minimally invasive and open-heart surgeries.
550 clinical trials
Our clinical trials span a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, and our researchers have published 1,000 peer-reviewed papers.
Leader in New England
We performed New England’s first minimally invasive cardiac surgery in 1996 and have remained at the forefront ever since.
Patient story
Getting back to the music following a heart-liver transplant
After living with heart and liver disease for decades, Jimmy received a rare heart-liver transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital—the first of its kind for a Mass General patient. With expert care and the unwavering support of his wife, Jimmy recovered and is back to doing what he loves: bringing joy to others through music.
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Read Jimmy’s story
Read Jimmy’s patient story
Charlie’s Story
A lifesaving heart surgery
Charlie came to Mass General Brigham in a critical moment, and with expert care from his dedicated team, he was able to return to the life he loves with renewed confidence and strength.
Frequently asked questions
What is cardiac surgery?
Cardiac surgery includes procedures that treat conditions affecting the heart and nearby blood vessels. Surgeons perform these operations to restore blood flow, repair damaged heart valves, correct structural problems, or support heart rhythm.
How long does it take to recovery from heart surgery?
Recovery time depends on the type of procedure and your overall health. Minimally invasive procedures often involve smaller incisions and may allow for a shorter hospital stay and faster return to daily activities. More complex surgeries, such as open-heart procedures, require a longer recovery period while the heart and chest heal.
What are the different types of cardiac surgery?
The most common types of cardiac surgery include:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): Creates a new path for blood to flow around blocked coronary arteries.
- Heart valve repair or replacement: Fixes or replaces valves that are narrowed or leaking.
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker implantation: Places a small device in the chest to regulate or correct abnormal heart rhythms.
Heart and vascular clinical trials and research
Our research is shaping the future of heart and vascular care. We offer access to clinical trials and emerging therapies, including treatments that may not yet be widely available. Eligibility depends on a person’s diagnosis, treatment history, and more. Explore our research and clinical trials or talk with your care team to learn about available options.
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Explore our heart and vascular research
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Search open clinical trials for heart and vascular conditions
Contact the Heart and Vascular Institute
Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
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833-642-2863
8336422863
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International Patient Services
Contact information for international patients