Historically, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center has had a strong interest in congenital and acquired heart disease. The Section of Heart Replacement includes active programs in mechanical circulatory assistance, heart, and heart-lung transplantation. A minimally invasive coronary bypass program has also been instituted at the University. The Lung Volume Reduction program at Saint Louis University is quite active and is currently participating in the NIH-sponsored National Emphysema Treatment Trial. Cardiothoracic residents participate in separate rotations on the Congenital Heart Surgery Service, the General Thoracic Surgery Service, and the Adult Cardiothoracic Service.
Residents participate in preoperative evaluation as well as operative and postoperative care.
Open heart operations are performed both at Saint Louis University Hospital and at the adjoining Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. General thoracic procedures are performed primarily at the University Hospital. Transplantation research conferences are also available as a portion of the Thoracic Surgery Residency Program. The Cardiothoracic Surgery Division of Saint Louis University participates in the National Resident Matching Program. All applicants receive written notification of their application status.