Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
(see also The Heart Institute at CHLA)
Featuring a dedicated surgical team considered by many to be one of the foremost pediatric cardiothoracic teams in the world, the surgeons in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery are known for their innovative surgical techniques, some of which were pioneered at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. The Division, an integral component of The Heart Institute at CHLA, provides inpatient and outpatient care of pediatric surgical patients for congenital anomalies, diseases and injuries of the heart and great vessels, lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, chest wall and diaphragm. Patient care covers pre-operative evaluation through post-operative management.
Description of Programs and Services
- Neonatal Cardiothoracic Surgery
Our focus in neonatal cardiothoracic surgery is on complete repair whenever possible.
UCMG cardiothoracic surgeons are one of only a handful of pediatric cardiothoracic surgical groups nationwide capable of offering the Norwood procedure which is the first of a three step procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (in which the left ventricle is either very small or missing, the most common lethal condition in congenital heart disease). The procedure is performed over a span of the patient's first two years using Goretex® tube and aortic grafts to enlarge the aorta, reroute blood flow and separate venous from arterial blood.
Other complex neonatal surgeries we perform include: Arterial switch; Complete repair of most defects within the neonatal period; Ross procedure; and Interrupted aortic arch.
- Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery
UCMG surgeons offer expertise in all types of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, including: Fontan procedure; Ross procedure; Septal defect repairs; and Valve repairs.
UCMG surgeons were pioneers in adapting of the Ross procedure, a pulmonary valve translocation procedure usually used in adults, to pediatric patients.
- Cardiothoracic Transplant
The Heart Institute at CHLA is a world pioneer and international referral center in pediatric heart, lung and combined heart-lung transplants. Patients who have end stage heart, lung or heart/lung disease have cardiothoracic transplantation available to them. The multidisciplinary Cardiothoracic Transplant Team includes cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, pulmonologists, pathologists, immunologists, psychiatrists, nurses and social services representatives. In addition, this is one of the few programs in the nation to offer heart/lung and lung transplant as surgical treatment options. Patient care includes complete pre-transplant evaluations and post-transplant management by a comprehensive, coordinated transplant team.
- Living Donor Lung Transplant
In 1993, CHLA and USC cardiothoracic surgeons performed the world's first double lung lobe transplant from living parents to their daughter, a CHLA cystic fibrosis patient. The Heart Institute at CHLA is still one of the very few centers in the country to perform these transplants.
PHYSICIANS
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Vaughn A. Starnes, M.D., Division Head
- Mark L. Barr, M.D.
- Robbin G. Cohen, M.D.
- George G. Lindesmith, M.D.
- Winfield J. Wells, M.D.
- David D.Y. Moromisato, M.D.
- Randall C. Wetzel, M.D.
HOW TO CONTACT US
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery welcomes your inquiries. To contact us you can:
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| Call the Division directly at: | (323) 669-4148 | |
Write to us at: |
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Childrens Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd., #66 Los Angeles, CA 90027-6062 |
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