At the University of Michigan Department of Cardiac Surgery, we are dedicated to providing exceptional treatments by combining our clinical practice with our research and education efforts. Our surgeons, physicians assistants, nurses and staff work together to deliver innovative care, as well as improved outcomes and quality of life to our patients.
The department consists of four sections: Adult Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Research and Health Services Research and Quality (HSRQ). Our adult and pediatric faculty have driven significant growth in surgical activity in our three primary facilities over the past several years—the University Hospital, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and the VA Medical Center. In 2016, these facilities expanded to include partnerships with Mercy Health in Muskegon, Michigan and Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan.
The Adult Cardiac Surgery section continues to maintain strong clinical programs in the traditional areas of myocardial revascularization, cardiac valve repair and replacement, and cardiac transplantation and circulatory support devices. Significant growth has come in areas of newer technology: thoracic endovascular aortic repair [TEVAR] and transcatheter aortic valve replacement [TAVR]. In collaboration with the Division of Cardiology, we have continued to develop new methods of providing efficient cost-effective care to our patients in the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. In addition, expansion of our inpatient facilities to include additional operating room time and ICU beds is occurring within the Cardiovascular Center, which opened in 2007.
The Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery section—one of the busiest congenital heart programs in the U.S. and the largest in the State of Michigan—relocated to the new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital when this facility opened in 2011. Our surgical faculty and staff are located in the same floor as our colleagues from Pediatric Cardiology, encouraging even greater collaboration in teaching, research and patient care in the Michigan Congenital Heart Center, one of the premier congenital heart centers in the country. Together, we are consistently ranked by US News & World Report as the best center in Michigan.
Research in the department is both basic and translational with scientists focused on finding new ways to fight heart disease on many fronts including the molecular biology of heart failure and many others. Lab space is primarily at the North Campus Research Complex where researchers actively seek the University's mission to expand its capabilities as one of the nation's top translational research institutions. Another Research arm is devoted to clinical trials where healthy individuals, and those with specific diseases and conditions volunteer to help develop new and better surgical techniques, diagnostic tools and prevention mechanisms.
Created in 2012, the Section of Health Services Research and Quality (HSRQ) works to understand the source of variation in cardiac surgical practices so as to reduce its impact. HSRQ also examines the role of technology and innovation in cardiac surgical care to identify and share best practices. The section shares its knowledge through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, working to influence healthcare policy experts to improve performance, focusing on the delivery of care, and providing student training and support.