Department of Cardiac Surgery
Building on a Legacy of Excellence

With a rich history of pioneering advancements, we continue to inspire the field of cardiac surgery through expert clinical care, cutting-edge research, and world-class education.

Surgeons performing an operation
Transforming Lives Through Surgery, Science & Service

The Department of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School carries forward a legacy of excellence, serving as a high-volume center for both adult and pediatric heart disease. Patients come from near and far to receive superior treatment from a dedicated team of surgeons, clinicians and scientists committed to advancing the field. Through an integration of clinical practice, research, and education, our department strives to develop pioneering treatments that improve outcomes for even the most complex conditions, pushing the boundaries of cardiac surgery and shaping the future of heart health.

About

Learn more about our commitment to excellence in clinical care, research and education.

Education

Our education programs offer comprehensive and collaborative training experiences guided by specialty leaders.

Research

Our scientific community is focused on pioneering research to develop new treatments and improve outcomes for patients with heart disease.

Patient Care

Our clinical focus is delivering compassionate, expert care through advanced surgical techniques and personalized treatment options.

People

Meet the dedicated team leading our efforts in innovative care, pioneering research, and exceptional education in cardiac surgery.

Sections

Explore our clinical and research sections, where innovation meets excellence in patient care and medical discovery.

One of America's Best Heart & Vascular Programs

Year after year, U-M Health is ranked among the top heart and vascular programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn More About Cardiac Surgery Programs

University of Michigan Health has long been recognized as a national and international leader in cardiac surgery, known for delivering outstanding care across the lifespan, conducting groundbreaking research, and training the next generation of premier surgeons. That legacy continues today, powered by a remarkable team that is committed to achieving excellence in every aspect of our mission.

Helen F. and Marvin M. Kirsh Professor of Cardiac Surgery Chairman, Department of Cardiac Surgery Director, Frankel Cardiovascular Center
Gorav Ailawadi
Behind the Scenes in Cardiac Surgery

Step inside the operating room and learn from our team of experts as they break down the complexity of real cases through our educational Cardiac Surgery Simplified video series.

Discover Series Highlights

The Cardiac Surgery Simplified series presents a wide range of surgical approaches and techniques to educate patients, providers and trainees.

View Video Playlist
Be the Heartbeat of Hope

Learn how you can support our work to drive scientific innovation, improve patient outcomes, and train the next generation of cardiac surgeons.

Give Today
Featured News & Stories See all news Illustration of scientists and doctors playing basketball in white coats and scrubs
News Release
Eight U-M teams picked for virtual tournament of science
Teams studying liver cancer, brain tumors, obesity medicine, CMV, sleep and memory, cancer immunotherapy aortic aneurysms and bipolar disorder are competing in STAT Madness
looking at surgeons operating in room with scrubs and scrub hats on through a door window
Health Lab
1 in 5 older adults get infections after heart surgery, and women have a 60% higher risk
According to findings by Michigan Medicine, one in five older patients gets an infection up to six months following heart surgery — with women much more likely to develop one.
woman walking on treadmill picking intensity on a chart that reads from easier to harder
Health Lab
Higher costs limit attendance for life changing cardiac rehab
Despite the success cardiac rehabilitation has shown at reducing heart-related deaths and hospital readmissions, higher out-of-pocket costs may prevent patients from participating in the program, a University of Michigan study suggests. 
clinical team and patient standing together
Health Lab
Planting a tree, and hope, for a heart healthy future
A complex mitral valve repair by Michigan Medicine cardiac specialists helps restore health and happiness to one Michigan patient and his family.
Survival flight pilots and person standing by helicopter smiling
Health Lab
Motivational speaker reunites with Survival Flight nurses after sudden aortic dissection
A father and motivational speaker, who experienced an urgent heart problem, reunites with his Survival Flight nurses who helped save his life
Health Lab Podcast in brackets with a background with a dark blue translucent layers over cells
Health Lab Podcast
The need to raise awareness about pulmonary rehab for COPD patients
Michigan claims data reveals underuse of an effective intervention.