UAB St. Vincent’s Cardiothoracic Surgery

The surgeons at UAB St. Vincent’s Cardiothoracic Surgery provide advanced surgical care for heart, vascular, and lung conditions. Our specialized surgeons provide treatment options to help improve your heart and lung function and reduce your symptoms. They listens to you to understand your condition and concerns, then they work with you to create a personalized surgical care plan.

Surgery may be a treatment option for various heart conditions such as: 

• Coronary artery blockage
• Heart valve disease
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Vascular disorders, such as aortic aneurysm

When possible, your surgeon will recommend minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery. With minimally invasive surgery, your doctor uses smaller incisions (cuts) that can shorten your recovery, reduce scarring, and lower your risk of complications.

We have surgeons who specialize in the following procedures:

• Atrial fibrillation WATCHMAN™ procedure
• Heart valve repair
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Structural heart and valve care, including TAVR and MitraClip™ surgery

Advanced testing

We offer advanced diagnostic tests that can help you and your care team make more accurate recommendations. These may include:

• Blood tests
• Cardiac catheterization
• CT-FFR cardiac imaging
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiogram (echo)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

Supporting your recovery

Your surgeon and care team take the time to explain your procedure, what to expect, and how to care for yourself upon leaving the hospital. After surgery, we connect you with follow-up care to support your recovery.

Your doctor may recommend recovery time in the hospital, in which case you will be connected to our inpatient rehabilitation services. Our nursing units have advanced telemetry (a remote monitoring system) to help keep track of your heart activity during recovery.

Other supportive services include:

• Heart failure information programs
• Medication management of anticoagulation 
• Personalized nutrition counseling
• Transitional care, for a healthier recovery at homes

How to refer a patient

To refer a patient to our experienced and compassionate specialists, please call 205-930-2925.

If you or a loved one is experiencing chest pain – especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, or breathing trouble – it could be a heart attack. Dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.