Virginia Mason Seattle Cardiac Surgery Department has almost five decades of history and expertise. We offer some of the most advanced and effective treatment options from the most common to the most complex cardiac conditions, and with the best outcomes.

Our goal is to deliver highly personalized care to every patient. Our team will evaluate your condition, discuss treatment options and support you in making the best decision for you and your family. We will be with you every step of the way with our approach, helping you select the treatment option that gives you the best quality-of-life with the lowest possible risk.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with our cardiac surgeons, call (206) 223-6198. 

Unsurpassed History and Surgical Excellence

VM cardiac surgeons reviewing an X-ray.

Over the last 50 years, the Cardiac Surgical Team at Virginia Mason has pioneered clinical innovation, patient safety and patient-centered care.

Virginia Mason has been a regional leader in coronary bypass grafting (CABG) with ground-breaking research on inflammation and cardiac surgery and improving the safety of the heart lung machine. In addition, they were pioneers in the use of “off-pump” CABG and early adopters of endoscopic vein harvesting. All of which improved patient outcomes and safety. Virginia Mason's heart surgeons were also the first in the region to provide minimally invasive ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Virginia Mason's surgeons have been actively involved in the Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) Quality Research and Safety Committees writing standards for safe and appropriate cardiac care and following the motto “better never stops”.

Virginia Mason cardiac surgeons have always demonstrated leadership in national and regional societies, notably as former presidents of the Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS), the Western Thoracic Surgical Association (WTSA) and the Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society (ECTSS).

The Multidisciplinary Care Difference

Your cardiac surgery team works closely with cardiologists, primary care physicians and other providers involved in your care to collaborate on the best treatment approach. Our surgeons will evaluate your condition, discuss treatment options and support you in making a decision that is best for you and your family. If surgery is your best option, our team will be with you every step of the way — from the operating room through to recovery. Unlike other hospitals and medical centers, you will not have to worry about being handed off from one group of staff to another.

Virginia Mason's cardiac surgery program includes a multidisciplinary team of:

  • Cardiologists
  • Electrophysiologists
  • Interventional radiologists
  • Vascular surgeons
  • Advanced practice nurses
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Dietitians
  • Physical therapists
  • Social workers

This team can expand with ease to include immediate care from on-site physicians in every medical specialty should the need arise. This multidisciplinary approach allows Virginia Mason to handle virtually any situation with the right medical expertise at the right time, for better treatment outcomes.

Cardiac Surgical Research — Benaroya Research Institute (BRI)

Cardiac Surgery patients benefit from a partnership with the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI), dedicated to discovering new treatments and approaches to Cardiac and Pulmonary disease. Virginia Mason patients benefit from groundbreaking research taking place on a daily basis. As a patient you may be offered the opportunity to be part of a research study and improve future patient outcomes.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with our cardiac surgeons, call (206) 223-6198.