Division of Cardiac Surgery

When it comes to cardiac surgery, you can take comfort in knowing that we offer the latest therapies and surgical capabilities, resulting in exceptional patient outcomes.
Closeup of a doctor wearing a mask and hat and looking through glasses and magnifying instruments during a surgery.
Comprehensive cardiac surgery care

Tufts Medical Center (Tufts MC) offers exceptional cardiac care from a team that performed more heart transplants in 2023 than any other hospital in New England. As a leader in mechanical circulatory support and surgical treatment of complex cardiomyopathies (heart muscle disease), we pride ourselves on our outcomes, specialized services, leading-edge research and highly personalized care we provide.

Experts in cardiac surgery

Our surgeons and specialists are regularly listed in U.S. News and World Report and Boston Magazine's Top Doctors list. Tufts MC offers a full range of options, from conventional open heart surgery to minimally invasive surgical approaches, catheter-based procedures, and highly specialized correction of complex valvular, structural and heart muscle disease.

Our specialists are at the forefront of research in the field, giving our patients access to some of the newest and best cardiac procedures and devices available. Our accomplishments include:

  • Our surgeons were among the first to implant the new HeartWare® ventricular assist device, the latest FDA-approved device to support patients with end-stage heart failure, for which we were the only investigational site in New England.
  • We are also a national leader in treating Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic form of heart muscle disease. We have the largest HCM program in the region and only 1 of 4 nationwide to receive the highest rating from the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association. Our surgeons perform more corrective operations for this condition (septal myectomies) than any other regional hospital.
  • We are helping to pioneer less invasive ways of replacing and repairing damaged heart valves through catheters instead of open heart surgery.

Our approach

Our commitment to fostering open and collaborative partnerships with physicians throughout the community is a cornerstone of our approach. Together, we can provide the highest level of care for our patients and achieve better health outcomes. We are always available for new patients and can offer consultation appointments within a week.

Our team is multidisciplinary in the truest sense, including surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurse specialists and physician assistants. We will work closely with patients and their families to develop a care plan for medical treatment or surgery and prepare for recovery afterward. Family members are welcomed and encouraged to participate throughout the process, from the initial meeting to recovery.

Contact info
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Department research

Research within the Division of Cardiac Surgery at Tufts MC has had a long and productive history. Currently, we have ongoing projects that include basic scientific investigation, as well as clinical research and participation in large-scale clinical trials.

Featured clinical trials

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Katie Miller, RN comforts patient in the SICU at Tufts Medical Center.
News
New Cardiac Surgery ICU Opens
May 11, 2022
The new high-tech CSICU opened in May 2022, to address a significant shortage of adult critical care capacity. The tranquil space, painted in warm colors of blue and green, was designed to make patients feel at home and their family members. Each patient room has a dedicated bathroom, is significant in size and includes a family zone and a sleeper chair for overnight stays.
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Training + Education

Our residency program produces top-notch surgeons who are equipped to lead the future.
Residencies + fellowships

The Tufts Medical Center Thoracic Surgery Residency Program is an ACGME-accredited two-year training program. The program accepts individuals who have completed an ACGME-accredited, or equivalent, residency in surgery. There are three residents in the program at any given time, as the number of residents appointed alternates between one and two residents yearly. 

Program leadership comprises Program Director Dr. Lawrence Lee, Associate Program Director Dr. Rona Spector, and Program Coordinator Kristi Frank. There is a significant emphasis on resident education across all aspects of the program with faculty dedicated to teaching and mentoring each trainee individually. 
Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program
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Our leadership

Our leadership team gives us the guidance and support we need to ensure that the clinical, research and training goals of the department are met.
Fellow Mossab Aljuaid, MD/PhD in an EP (electrophysiology)lab procedure at Tufts Medical Center.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, our specialists across Tufts Medicine offer the best in healthcare, when and where our patients need it.
Followup biopsy procedure on heart transplant patient in the Cath Lab at Tufts Medical Center by attending physician, Navin Kapur, MD and Colin Hirst, MD.
Our doctors + care team

Our specialists and care team members across Tufts Medicine deliver unmatched healthcare with a personalized touch.

What's new

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