Institute for Cardiovascular Health

When heart surgery is recommended as part of you or your loved one's care, experienced cardiovascular surgeons at Institute for Cardiovascular Health, a collaboration between Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin, the clinical practice of The University of Texas at Austin, in Austin, Texas, deliver highly specialized surgical treatments to help improve heart function and the symptoms of your condition. As part of our heart care, we deliver advanced treatment options for common and complex conditions that affect your heart and vascular health. At your first consultation and every appointment, your surgeon starts by listening to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a surgical care plan that's customized for your needs.

Cardiothoracic surgeons, interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons and care teams at Institute for Cardiovascular Health specialize in repairing damage to the heart and arteries, with the goal of improving your heart function. Surgery may be a treatment option for other heart conditions, including:

• Coronary artery blockage
• Heart valve disease
• Irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia)
• Vascular disorders, such as aortic aneurysm

Whenever possible, your surgeon may recommend minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery. With minimally invasive surgery, your doctor uses smaller incisions. Less invasive surgery can help shorten your recovery, may reduce scarring and may lower your risk of complications. We have surgeons who specialize in:

• Angioplasty stent placement
• Atrial fibrillation WATCHMAN™ procedure
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Heart valve repair
• Maze cardiac surgery
• Pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
• Structural heart and valve care, TAVR and MitraClip™ surgery
• Total artificial heart (TAH) replacement
• Ventricular assist device (VAD), (i.e. LVAD and RVAD)

Advanced diagnostic testing for heart conditions

Your doctor provides advanced diagnostic testing to deliver heart care that's right for you. Testing may include:

• Blood tests
• Cardiac catheterization
• Cardiac imaging with computed tomography–fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR)
• Chest X-rays
• Echocardiogram (echo)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Transesphogeal echocardiogram (TEE)

Supporting your recovery after heart surgery

Your surgeon and care team take the time to explain your procedure, what to expect and how to care for yourself once you leave the hospital. After surgery, we connect you with follow-up care and cardiac rehabilitation, supporting your recovery. Sometimes your doctor may recommend recovery time in the hospital, and you are connected to inpatient rehabilitation services. Our nursing units also have advanced telemetry (a remote measuring device) to help monitor your cardiac activity. Your compassionate, experienced recovery care team helps support you getting back home to your family and daily life. Other supportive services at this location include:

• Heart failure information programs
• Medication management of anticoagulation
• Personalized nutritional counseling
• Transitional care, bridging next steps once home

Get a second opinion from a heart surgeon

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your surgeon and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at the Institute for Cardiovascular Health, a collaboration between Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin, the clinical practice of The University of Texas at Austin, in Austin, Texas. We review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan that's right for you.

When you are facing a new diagnosis, or when surgery is recommended as part of your care plan, there is a lot to think about. We can discuss surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced surgeons provide you with a second opinion based on experience and as part of a national team of heart specialists.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

Refer a patient to a heart surgeon

Your patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and develop an individualized care plan. For more information, call 512-324-3028.

Financial assistance and support is available

If you and your family need help with financial assistance, we can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.

If you are experiencing chest pain, especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing, you might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.