Chest & Heart Surgery

Diseases involving the heart and chest are treated by cardiothoracic surgeons at Fletcher Allen. This group has performed thousands of life-saving surgeries throughout its substantial history, which dates back to the 1950s.

Conditions & Treatments

Following is a list of some of the conditions this highly skilled group of health care professionals treat, and some of the procedures they perform.

• All adult cardiac pathology
• Limited pediatric abnormalities
• Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta
• Diseases involving the lungs, mediastinum, esophagus and chest wall
• Heart valve replacement and repair
• Bypass surgeries
• Surgical repair of complex chest and abdominal aneurysms
• Surgical treatment of heart rhythm disorders
  

Our Team

Our team includes four board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons, and many support staff who are invaluable in providing care and assistance to our patients and their families. This includes three physician assistants, two nurse practitioners, a nurse clinician, and a hard-working and devoted office staff. All of these individuals are dedicated to providing the highest possible quality of care to our patients.
 

Research in Pursuit of Better Treatment

The members of Cardiothoracic Surgery are involved in both laboratory and clinical research projects, many of which are being performed in collaboration with the Fletcher Allen Cardiology. Dr. Schmoker and his laboratory staff are investigating a model for thoracic aortic trauma, cerebral perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass, and factors effecting the longevity of both venous and arterial grafts.

Cardiothoracic Surgery is a founding member of the Northern New England Cardiovascular Research Group, with Dr. Leavitt as our representative. We have participated in myriad clinical projects that have led to a progressive decrease in both our cardiac surgical morbidity and mortality. The Northern New England group now has one of the largest databases for coronary and valvular surgery in the United States.