Thoracic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the chest, including diseases of the lungs, heart, esophagus and other organs within the chest wall and surrounding structures. Where available, we provide leading care, performing thousands of thoracic surgeries every year.
In some communities, we have some of the nation’s best thoracic surgeons, allowing us to bring world-class thoracic care to the communities we serve. These leading thoracic surgeons are often recognized for excellence from organizations like the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
We have deep experience diagnosing and treating chest problems, from lung disease and swallowing disorders to chest deformities and thoracic cancers. In some communities, our thoracic surgeons perform specialized procedures in their region and even nationwide, including robot-assisted surgery and lung transplants.
Our surgeons use advanced imaging and minimally invasive (endoscopic) tests to get a comprehensive and accurate picture of your chest health. Our team will speak with you about your needs, overall health and lifestyle to understand your unique case.
Based on these personal factors, we recommend the most effective type of thoracic surgery for you. We often work alongside cardiologists, gastroenterologists and pulmonologists as needed to optimize your care.
Our thoracic surgeons work with pulmonologists to provide expert lung and respiratory care. Our transplant centers in Houston, Phoenix and Seattle are among the most experienced and successful lung transplant programs in the nation.
We diagnose and treat lung disease with a range of procedures, including:
In some communities, our skilled thoracic surgeons are trained in advanced, minimally invasive techniques and procedures that often result in smaller incisions and reduced complications, including:
Endoscopic thoracic surgery: We use thin, flexible tubes to access your chest through your throat, which doesn’t require any chest incisions (cuts).
Robotic thoracic surgery: Robot-assisted surgery allows us to access your chest through small incisions and operate with extreme precision. We use robotic methods for most thoracic surgeries.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): VATS uses a technique called thoracoscopy. We insert a thin, flexible tube called a thoracoscope through small incisions to access inside your chest.
If you need thoracic cancer care, our compassionate team is here to support you. We provide advanced, innovative surgical treatments in some communities for all chest-related cancers, including:
Thoracic surgery teams often include specialists with renowned expertise in lung surgeries. We offer a comprehensive range of robotic lung resection procedures to treat cancer with precision and minimal recovery time.