Patients in our region now have the full continuum of cardiothoracic surgical care available in a highly accessible location and supported by the full range of prevention, diagnostic and support services that benefit patients and their families before, during, and after surgery. Cary S. Passik, M.D., Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery, leads the surgical program in conjunction with Eugene Fernandes, M.D. With complete facilities for performing even the most specialized of open heart surgical procedures, the team also includes 15 specialists and experts in cardiovascular surgery (open heart surgery).
Supported by outstanding surgical, anesthesiology and perfusion teams, our surgeons perform coronary bypass, cardiac valve replacement and the delicate procedures of mitral valve repair. Not uncommonly, our team performs complex combined procedures involving multiple valve replacements in conjunction with bypass grafting in the same patient. In addition, our team is experienced in the treatment of aneurysms of the aorta to treat life threatening bulges in the wall of the largest blood vessel in the body . There is a particular interest in the surgical treatment of the elderly and in the surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) procedure in which the ventricular pumping chamber of patients with congestive heart failure and previous heart attack is remodeled. There is considerable experience in the utilization of bilateral internal mammary bypass grafts in younger patients with coronary disease to provide the best long term results. In addition, they perform arrhythmia surgery — including radiofrequency ablation — and defibrillator and pacemaker implantation when an irregular heartbeat requires advanced intervention. Finally, Danbury Hospital has the availability for implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) for patients whose hearts who are too weak to pump effectively. Complementing an expert team is state-of-the-art technology including procedure rooms that are world-class.
Patients in our region can now benefit from the highest level of cardiac care. By combining our outstanding medical cardiology programs with the full spectrum of cardiac interventions, we are able to serve patients with the highest safety, quality and satisfaction available anywhere.
Cardiothoracic Procedures
- Coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG)
- Minimally-invasive surgery (MID-CAB, valve surgery)
- Valve replacement and repair
- Arrhythmia surgery/defibrillator and pacemaker implantation
- Aortic aneurysm/dissection repair
- Surgical Ventricular Restoration (SVR)
- ABIOMED-Ventricular Assist Device
Coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG)
Coronary artery bypass surgery is a form of cardiac bypass surgery in which one or more blocked coronary arteries are bypassed by a blood vessel graft to restore normal blood flow to the heart. The grafts usually come from the patient's own arteries and veins located in the chest, leg or arm. The veins are usually harvested endoscopically (using minimally invasive techniques). This procedure creates new pathways for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart. Appropriate patients frequent benefit of both the by pass procedures.
Minimally-invasive surgery (MID-CAB, valve surgery)
As with the CABG, the MID-CAB surgery also creates a bypass around a blockage in a heart artery. In this procedure, a smaller incision is used and the procedure is usually done while the heart is beating, without the use of a heart-lung machine. Surgeons use different methods to slow down and steady the heart. This procedure is primarily indicated for patients with lesions in specific areas of the heart. Minimally invasive value surgery also involves a smaller incision, and a modified version of the heart-lung machine is used. Your surgeon will determine what is appropriate for you.
Valve replacement and repair
Various types of valve disease can result in either valvular stenosis, where there is a reduction in the amount of blood that can flow through the valve - or valvular insufficiency, where the valves do not close completely and blood leaks backward across the valve. Your surgeon may make the decision to repair or replace a valve that is not working correctly. In the case of a repair, typically involving the mitral or tricuspid valve, weakened portions of the valve are removed and the valve usually strengthened and shortened to alleviate the leakage. Mitral value repair is almost always preferred to mitral valve replacement. In the case of valve replacement, options include a new valve (man-made from metals and plastics), a natural valve taken from an organ donor's heart, or a replacement valve from a cow or a pig. Your surgeon will determine which valve is best suited for your condition.
Arrhythmia surgery/defibrillator and pacemaker implantation
Treatment for arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, depends on the type and severity of the arrhythmia. In some instances, medication and lifestyle changes made be appropriate. Other treatment options include radiofrequency ablation, implanting a permanent pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defribrillator (ICD) to establish a normal heart rhythm. Your physician will decide what treatment is best for your condition.
Pacemakers: This device sends small electrical impulses to the heart muscle to maintain a normal heart rate. Pacemakers are mostly used to prevent the heart from beating too slowly.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): This device is used primarily to treat ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, two life-threatening heart rhythms. The ICD constantly monitors the heart rhythm.
Radiofrequency ablation: In this procedure, high-frequency electrical energy is delivered through a catheter to a small area of tissue inside of the heart that causes the abnormal heart rhythm. This energy "disconnects" the pathway of the abnormal rhythm. This procedure may be combined with other procedures to achieve optimal treatment.
Aortic aneurysm/dissection repair
An aneurysm is a bulge or weakening in the wall of a blood vessel. Although they can form in any blood vessel, they occur mostly commonly in the aorta, abdominal area or the chest cavity. In cases when the aneurysm is large or associated with symptoms, the weakened section of the vessel can be surgically removed and replaced with a graft of artificial material. In some cases a new procedure involving a stent/graft can be utilized to avoid open chest or abdominal surgery.
Surgical Ventricular Restoration (SVR)
SVR is a procedure for a patient that has had a serious heart attack and enlarged heart and symptoms of congestive heart failure. These symptoms may be improved by removing the scarred area of the pumping chanber to reshape the main chamber to a more normal shape and size.
ABIOMED-Ventricular Assist Device
The ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that helps a weakened heart pump blood throughout the body. It does not replace the heart, but assists the patient's own heart to pump blood, decreasing the work of the ventricle. It may be used as a "bridge-to-transplant" for those whose medical therapy has failed and are hospitalized with end-stage systolic heart failure, or also as a bridge to recovery.
