Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Vaughn A. Starnes, MD, Chair

Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States. We are committed to improving the lives of those afflicted with heart disease through prevention education, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and groundbreaking research.

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery is a leader in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. USC surgeons have performed more than 10,000 open-heart surgeries for valve repair and replacements and coronary artery bypasses. Our surgeons and staff offer comprehensive, state-of-the-art therapy for all surgically treatable diseases of the chest. Procedures include:

  • Adult cardiac and thoracic surgery
  • Minimally invasive cardiac surgery
  • Pediatric cardiac and thoracic surgery
  • Heart and lung transplantation

USC cardiothoracic surgeons also offer comprehensive therapy for diseases of the chest including:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Valvular diseases of the heart
  • Diseases of the thoracic aorta
  • End-stage cardiac disease
  • Lung cancer
  • Emphysema
  • Tumors of the chest wall and mediastinum
  • End-stage pulmonary disease

USC cardiothoracic surgeons also practice at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, where they offer a complete spectrum of care for pediatric cardiac and thoracic disease.

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