Division of Cardiac Surgery

The Division of Cardiac Surgery at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center has been active since 1955 when the first open-heart procedure in New York State was performed here. The development of the internal mammary to coronary artery bypass was yet another milestone achieved at our center.

The Division, under the direction of Daniel G. Swistel, MD, is comprised of three very experienced, Board Certified Cardiac Surgeons who perform more than 350 cardiac operations annually. The division has particular expertise in microvascular, total arterial revascularization for coronary artery disease (coronary artery bypass graft, CABG), "off-pump" cardiac surgery procedures, "minimally invasive" techniques for arrhythmia surgery, and blood-less cardiac surgery for those patients with religious reservations against blood products.

The cardiac surgery service is also recognized worldwide as a center for the treatment of obstructive cardiomyopathy. Numerous clinical research protocols are ongoing and the opportunity for involvement in basic science research exists as well. Together with the Department of Cardiology, a very active program for the management of congestive heart failure (CHF) has been started with exceptional success.

The Robotic Surgery Program was created in January 2001. Pioneering developments with robotically assisted cardiac surgery have produced several new "minimally invasive" surgical procedures to treat arrhythmias, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and valve disorders. Our robotic surgery laboratory provides a venue for innovation and is used to teach these new techniques to visiting surgeons from around the world.

Our cardiothoracic surgeons are also active members of the St. Luke's-Roosevelt Center for Aneurysmal Disease. Together in conjunction with vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and cardiologists the center treats over 250 patients yearly with aneurysmal disease.

Currently, the Division of Cardiac Surgery is staffed by three full time cardiac surgeons, and supported by a nurse practioner, 3 physician assistants, and one surgical house officer.

For more information regarding the Division of Cardiac Surgery, please call 212-523-2798