Message from the Chief

Leonard Y. Lee, M.D.
Professor of Surgery
James W. Mackenzie, M.D. Endowed Chair in Surgery
Chair, Department of Surgery
Chief, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Cardiothoracic Surgery Program at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is one that is based on innovation, quality, and volume.  Year after year, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is recognized in U.S. News and World Report for having programs of superior quality, one of which is Cardiothoracic Surgery.  In addition, we have been amongst the market leaders in the United States for volume with roughly 1000 open heart procedures being performed every year, with consistently excellent results.

We offer novel techniques in the treatment of adult cardiac surgery including; minimally invasive valve repair and replacement (both aortic and mitral valves), hybrid revascularization procedures, repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms including thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), cardiac transplant, cardiac assist devices including LVAD (bridge to explant, bridge to transplant, and destination therapy), CABG, off-pump CABG, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR-replacement of the aortic valve through small incisions in the groins). We also offer novel transcatheter valve therapies through clinical trials for patients with valvular disease who are not candidates for traditional open heart surgery.  In addition, we offer the full complement of sophisticated thoracic surgery including; VATs and robotic procedures, as well as, all aspects of minimally invasive thoracic surgery- lobectomy, pneumonectomy, and esophagectomy, in addition to procedures for benign thoracic pathology (myotomy for achalasia, anti-reflux procedures, etc.). 

We are dedicated to the most advanced, innovative techniques and devices to aid in the optimal care of our patients.  The keen collaborative spirit between our surgeons and the referring physician community ensures the best outcome for our patients.  Being an academic medical center, we utililize and employ evidence based medicine to guide all standards of care within our specialty while continuing to be leaders on the forefront of academic medicine.