The Johns Hopkins Hospital has a distinguished history of advancements in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in adults and children beginning with the Blalock-Taussig shunt in 1944.  Our cardiac surgery program currently offers a full complement of surgical interventions -- from time-honored surgeries such as coronary artery bypass, valve replacement, and congenital cardiac repairs to new ground-breaking therapies including minimally-invasive robotic-assisted heart surgery, off-pump coronary bypass, surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation, and laser transmyocardial revascularization. We also offer comprehensive treatment for congestive heart failure and end-stage lung diease, including surgical ventricular remodeling procedures, heart and lung transplantation, and ventricular assist devices.  Finally, our program is an integral part of the Broccoli Center for Aortic Diseases at Johns Hopkins, one of only a few centers in the world that provides comprehensive management and surgical repair of aortic diseases, having particular expertise with patients suffering from Marfan's Syndrome.

In addition to offering ground-breaking technology, our surgical program provides patients with the advantage of an on-site multi-disciplinary team of cardiologists, electrophysiologists, interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, dietitians, physical therapists, and social workers. This team often expands to include immediate care from on-site physicians from every medical specialty required. Our multi-disciplinary approach and expertise has gained us the reputation of being the best-prepared surgical practice to handle procedures that may be complex and/or complicated by underlying illness or age.

Our large volume, consisting of many complex and complicated procedures in all areas, including pediatric and aortic cardiac procedures, assures patients that they are receiving the best care possible from some of the most experienced and expertly skilled surgeons in the world. 

These same surgeons are committed to continually studying and evaluating new methods of surgical treatment and improving surgical outcomes through clinical and laboratory research in such areas as protection of the brain and neurological systems during bypass operations and the future use of stem cells for concomitant procedures in patients with congestive heart failure. Often, patients will benefit from new therapies not readily available at other hospitals.    

Part of our commitment to delivering the best patient care is providing individuals with as much quality information regarding an illness and treatment as is required to make them feel comfortable with their options and choices. The Johns Hopkins Hospital has been ranked #1 in the 2006 U. S. News & World Report rankings of American Hospitals.  Our Cardiovascular Program, the top-rated program on the East Coast and #3 in the country according to U.S. News, continues to strive to provide the best patient care and most innovative treatment options for our patients and their families. 

We hope that the information contained on our Web site meets your needs. If not, we ask that you feel free to contact us to request additional information or advice.