Updates

BJC and Saint Luke’s Officially Combine as BJC Health System

Advanced cardiac surgery: Why choose us?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Our cardiac surgeons have decades of experience offering the best in heart surgery. People come to us from surrounding states and beyond because we offer a level of care hard to find elsewhere.

When you choose our care team you’ll find:  

  • Expert team: Our multispecialty program includes board-certified specialists in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. We’ve developed expertise in diagnosing and treating people with all types and stages of heart disease by caring for thousands of patients every year.  

  • National recognition: Barnes-Jewish Hospital has received national recognition from U.S. News & World Report. We stand out for our expertise in heart bypass surgery, aortic valve surgery and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. 

  • Advanced diagnostic capabilities: We offer the latest heart testing and diagnostic services, including heart imaging and cardiac catheterization. You receive streamlined testing and prompt results.  

  • Patient-centered approach: We understand that finding out you need heart surgery can be scary and overwhelming. That’s why your care team is always available, from answering your questions to walking you to an appointment. We guide and support you through every stage of diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  

  • Heart surgery pioneers: Washington University surgeons at Barnes-Jewish Hospital developed a technique known as the Cox-Maze procedure to treat the most common arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation. Heart experts at Barnes-Jewish Hospital were the first in Missouri to perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a groundbreaking procedure for heart valve disease. 

Heart diseases we treat

Our cardiac surgeons are leaders in performing surgery for all types of cardiovascular disease. We have specialty training and years of experience in conditions ranging from coronary artery disease to rare genetic heart diseases. Our experts can help, no matter what kind of heart disease you have.

We treat:

  • Adult congenital heart disease
    Some people have structural heart problems from birth. These diseases can affect your heart's blood vessels, valves or chambers.
  • Aortic diseases
    Aortic diseases, such as aneurysms or aortic valve stenosis, affect the main blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to your body.
  • Coronary artery disease
    Coronary artery disease develops when plaque builds up in the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart. It can lead to a heart attack.
  • Heart failure
    Your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs for oxygen. Heart failure symptoms may include fatigue and shortness of breath.
  • Heart rhythm disorders
    A heart rhythm disorder, or arrhythmia, means your heart beats too fast, too slow or has an abnormal pattern.
  • Heart valve disease
    Heart valve disease describes a problem with one or more of the four valves in your heart. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood.
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a thickened heart muscle. Over time, your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.
Heart surgery services

For most types of heart disease, you can successfully manage symptoms with lifestyle changes and medications. But you may need heart surgery if a heart condition worsens or you have a severe cardiac event, such as a heart attack. Our skilled team offers the full spectrum of minimally invasive procedures and open-heart surgery.

We offer:

Cardiac catheterization
We insert a catheter (thin, flexible tube) and contrast dye into a blood vessel leading to your heart. The test checks for blood vessel blockages.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
VATS is a minimally invasive treatment for heart and lung diseases. Surgeons insert special tools and a video camera through small incisions in your chest.
Angioplasty and stenting
We use a catheter to expand a tiny balloon inside a narrowed blood vessel. Next, we implant a stent (mesh tube) in the blood vessel to hold it open.
Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR)
We create tiny channels in your heart muscle to improve blood flow. TMLR doesn't require the use of a heart-lung machine.
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
We reroute blood vessels to restore blood flow to your heart, bypassing the blocked vessel. CABG is an open-heart surgery.
Cox-Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation
Heart surgeons create small areas of scar tissue on your heart to block electrical signals that cause an irregular heartbeat.
Heart Failure Surgery
We offer several surgical treatments for heart failure, including left ventricular assist devices and heart transplant surgery.
Minimally invasive heart valve repair and replacement
We treat leaky or stiff heart valves that keep your heart from pumping blood efficiently. These procedures can reduce your risk of heart failure.
Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
We implant tiny devices in your chest to regulate your heart rhythm.
Lead extraction
We safely remove wires, or leads, from pacemakers or ICDs in your heart. You may need extraction due to scar tissue, infection or lead damage.
Repair for congenital heart conditions
Heart surgeons treat adults with structural heart disease, such as a hole in your heart, that is present at birth.
Alcohol septal ablation
Interventional cardiologists use alcohol to shrink areas where your heart muscle is too thick due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Locations

Schedule your appointment

Call  314-362-9355  or  800-392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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