Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Cardiothoracic Surgery Division at Stony Brook Heart Institute provides multidisciplinary care in a state-of-the-art environment. Our surgeons have extensive experience in all aspects of heart and chest surgery, and are board certified in thoracic surgery, general surgery and surgical critical care. We offer both advanced minimally invasive alternatives and traditional surgical techniques to provide you with the most appropriate care for your unique cardiovascular condition.

Cardiothoracic Surgery Expertise

Our highly skilled specialists will work closely with you and your physician to determine the best treatment approach for your disorder. Our cardiothoracic surgeons at Stony Brook Medicine are highly regarded for their expertise in treating patients in a high-risk state following a heart attack or heart failure. Our services include:

• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, including minimally invasive off-pump CABG, robotic-assisted CABG, and thoracoscopic CABG
• Valve surgery, including valve repair and replacement using minimally invasive alternatives or open surgery
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis for low-, moderate- and high-risk patients
• Cardiac reconstructive surgery
• Adult congenital heart surgery
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) reconstruction
• Major aortic surgery and endovascular aortic surgery for thoracic aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic dissection, and traumatic aortic rupture
• Ventricular assist device implantation, including destination therapy, biventricular assist device, and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
• Surgery without use of blood transfusion, known as blood conservation
• Conventional open-heart surgery

Our Team

Each of these experts is a forerunner in cardiothoracic surgery with considerable experience in these procedures. At Stony Brook, we are a tertiary care center, meaning we offer highly specialized care to treat complex cardiac conditions. 

Allison J. McLarty, MD, Interim Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery; Surgical Director, Ventricular Assist Device Program; Director, Lung Cancer Evaluation Center and Professor of Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
Ankit Dhamija, MD
Sathappan Kumar, MD
Jonathan D. Price, MD
Maroun Yammin, MD

The Stony Brook Difference

Healthgrades has named Stony Brook University Hospital as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care™ for ten consecutive years. Stony Brook is one of only two hospitals in NYS to be named among America's 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care for ten years in a row. 

And, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Division at Stony Brook University Heart Institute has received the distinguished three-star rating — the highest rating — from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for overall patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and for mitral valve and mitral repair/replacement (MVRR) procedures.

We were the first medical center on Long Island to offer robotic-assisted heart surgery. In addition to robotic-assisted heart surgery, Stony Brook also offers considerable expertise in minimally invasive valve procedures, left ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation and advanced aortic procedures, including stenting and endovascular repair.

As part of a world-renowned research university, the cardiothoracic surgeons at the Heart Institute explore causes, treatments and prevention of cardiovascular disease not only to further the science of medicine, but also to see that you truly receive the most advanced care. 

Your overall care, comfort, safety and well-being are a top priority.

We see that you and your family receive exceptional treatment during your stay. Even after you leave us, we follow up on your care as expected, but we also invite you back for a celebration of your success with our cardiothoracic team with a celebratory dinner for heart surgery patients.

We provide:

• A clinical "concierge" to help you and your family during the entire course of your cardiovascular care 
• All-new private patient rooms in our Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit and Step-Down Unit, each with a window, a private bathroom and shower, and an alcove with a sleeper couch so a relative or friend can comfortably stay with the patient
• In-room services such as flat-screen TVs and wireless Internet access