Department of Cardiac Surgery

Building on a Legacy of Excellence

With a rich history of pioneering advancements, we continue to inspire the field of cardiac surgery through expert clinical care, cutting-edge research, and world-class education.

 Surgeons performing an operation

Transforming Lives Through Surgery, Science & Service

The Department of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School carries forward a legacy of excellence, serving as a high-volume center for both adult and pediatric heart disease. Patients come from near and far to receive superior treatment from a dedicated team of surgeons, clinicians, and scientists committed to advancing the field. Through an integration of clinical practice, research, and education, our department strives to develop pioneering treatments that improve outcomes for even the most complex conditions, pushing the boundaries of cardiac surgery and shaping the future of heart health.

Patient & Caregiver Information

About

Learn more about our commitment to excellence in clinical care, research and education.

Education

Our education programs offer comprehensive and collaborative training experiences guided by specialty leaders.

Research

Our scientific community is focused on pioneering research to develop new treatments and improve outcomes for patients with heart disease.

Patient Care

Our clinical focus is delivering compassionate, expert care through advanced surgical techniques and personalized treatment options.

People

Meet the dedicated team leading our efforts in innovative care, pioneering research, and exceptional education in cardiac surgery.

Sections

Explore our clinical and research sections, where innovation meets excellence in patient care and medical discovery.

Best Hospitals, US News & World Report, Heart & Vascular 2024-2025

One of America's Best Heart & Vascular Programs

Year after year, U-M Health is ranked among the top heart and vascular programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn More About Cardiac Surgery Programs

University of Michigan Health has long been recognized as a national and international leader in cardiac surgery, known for delivering outstanding care across the lifespan, conducting groundbreaking research, and training the next generation of premier surgeons. That legacy continues today, powered by a remarkable team that is committed to achieving excellence in every aspect of our mission.

Helen F. and Marvin M. Kirsh Professor of Cardiac Surgery | Chairman, Department of Cardiac Surgery | Director, Frankel Cardiovascular Center
Gorav Ailawadi

Behind the Scenes in Cardiac Surgery

Step inside the operating room and learn from our team of experts as they break down the complexity of real cases through our educational Cardiac Surgery Simplified video series.

Discover Series Highlights

The Cardiac Surgery Simplified series presents a wide range of surgical approaches and techniques to educate patients, providers and trainees.

View Video Playlist
A group of doctors

Be the Heartbeat of Hope

Learn how you can support our work to drive scientific innovation, improve patient outcomes, and train the next generation of cardiac surgeons.

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Featured News & Stories

 See all news On the left, a man in a stretcher poses with a clinical staff member. On the right, a man smiles while standing with three members of his clinical team.
Health Lab

Tap dancer’s foot rescued after lifesaving heart surgery

After undergoing surgery to repair a life threatening aortic dissection, a performer lost his toes during recovery. Now, he's determined to tap dance again.
 A panel of five experts with a blue background and a Michigan medicine logo
Health Lab

Aortic valve replacement: Understanding TAVR and SAVR

Cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists discuss aortic valve replacement, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, and surgical aortic valve replacement, or SAVR.
 Man on the left in a hospital bed with his thumb up. Man on the right is standing next to a motorcycle wearing a suit and a helmet.
Health Lab

Texas man walking on ‘new legs’ after complex vascular procedures

A Texas man walks five miles daily on “new legs” after undergoing a minimally invasive vascular procedure at University of Michigan to restore blood flow to blocked vessels.
 doctor in white coat with heart model in hand in hallway looking down
Health Lab

How a temporary heart pump can support high risk cardiac surgery

A cardiac surgeon from Michigan Medicine offers helpful details on Impella devices.
 grandma with baby in arms smiling
Health Lab

Treating a rare coronary artery aneurysm without open heart surgery

Cardiologists at University of Michigan Health prevented the rupture of an aneurysm in a woman’s heart and used a minimally invasive solution to avoid open heart surgery. 
 A woman stands in a plaid sweater over a red shirt with a cross necklace on the left. On the right, a woman in a hospital gown poses for a photo by the window with two people.
Health Lab

Fighting rejection antibodies to make heart transplant possible

A woman who spent more than a decade with life-threatening heart rhythms received a transplant despite having high levels of antibodies that reject donor organs.