Adult Cardiac Surgery Services

The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, a pioneer in cardiac surgery and heart transplantation, is built on a unique and rich history which is the backbone of today’s innovative spirit and leadership in patient-care, research, and education.
In 1968, Dr. Norman Shumway performed the first successful heart transplant in the United States, sparking a tradition of innovation and establishing Stanford as a global leader in cardiac surgery. Stemming from this milestone, Dr. Shumway and Dr. Bruce Reitz completed the first combined heart and lung transplant in 1981. In August of 1984, Philip Oyer implanted the device in a patient as part of the first success at using a mechanical device as a “bridge” to support a human in end-stage heart failure until a heart transplant was possible. By 1995, as Stanford cardiac surgeons recognized the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, the HeartPort was utilized for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Today’s cardiac surgeons at Stanford have extended the tradition of excellence and leadership. In 1998, Drs. R. Scott Mitchell, D. Craig Miller, and Michael Dake pioneered the implantation of stent grafts for the repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TEVAR). Dr. Miller has also established himself as a global leader in the field of valve-sparing aortic root replacement. In pediatric cardiac surgery, Dr. Frank L. Hanley developed the technique of unifocalization, which enables correction of tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, with a single surgery rather than multiple procedures. Additionally, Dr. Mohan Reddy forged the way in repairing congenital cardiac defects in exceptionally small newborns, including a successful repair in the smallest infant known, providing the newborn with the best chance of recovery.

We continue to advance our surgical innovation, with Stanford Cardiac Surgical service researching novel therapies in Laboratory and Clinical Trials. We thrive on innovation, education and providing superior care through discovery.