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Log in to My Covenant HealthCardiothoracic Surgery at Covenant Health
Expert surgical care for your heart, lungs and chest.
East Tennessee’s Most Trusted Heart Surgeons
Covenant Health is proud to be home to some of East Tennessee’s most skilled and trusted heart surgeons. Our dedicated team provides cutting-edge surgical care for both cardiac and thoracic conditions, ensuring patients receive exceptional care close to home. From minimally invasive procedures to complex surgeries, Covenant Health leads the region in advanced surgical expertise and compassionate care.
Award-Winning Surgical Care
Covenant Health’s cardiothoracic surgery program is recognized for its commitment to excellence, patient safety, and superior surgical outcomes. We are accredited by the American Heart Association, a testament to our high standards in cardiovascular care and surgical expertise. In addition, our program has received national awards for exceptional patient care and outcomes, reinforcing our dedication to providing the highest level of heart and lung surgery to the communities we serve.
Cardiothoracic Surgeries We Perform
At Covenant Health, our skilled surgeons utilize both minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We carefully evaluate each individual’s condition and needs, personalizing the surgical approach to promote faster recovery, less discomfort, and optimal long-term results.
Cardiovascular Surgeries
Our cardiovascular surgeons specialize in advanced surgical treatments for heart and blood vessel conditions. Using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, we provide life-saving care to restore heart function, improve blood flow and enhance overall health. Examples include:
- Aortic and Large Vessel Surgeries: Aortic Dissection Repair, Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Complex Aortic Root Replacement, Endovascular Surgery
- Valve Repair and Replacement Surgeries: Aortic Valve Replacement, Mitral Valve Replacement, TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)
- Coronary Artery Surgeries: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass (OPCAB), Endoscopic Vein Harvesting
- Arrhythmia and Electrical Correction Surgeries: Convergent Ablations, MAZE Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation
Thoracic Surgeries
Our cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the lungs, esophagus, chest wall and diaphragm. Using advanced surgical techniques, we provide care for both benign and complex thoracic conditions to improve breathing, treat cancer and enhance quality of life. Examples include:
- Minimally Invasive Diagnostic Procedures: Bronchoscopy, Mediastinoscopy
- Lung and Airway Surgeries: Lung Cancer Surgery, Lung Resection, Pulmonary Thromboendartectomy (PTE)
- Esophageal and Mediastinal Surgeries: Esophageal Cyst Removal, Esophagectomy, Mediastinal Mass Removal
- Diaphragm and Chest Wall Procedures: Diaphragm Plication
Our Cardiothoracic Surgery Locations
Cardiothoracic surgical procedures require a physician order. Covenant Health offers cardiothoracic surgery services at multiple locations in Knoxville and across East Tennessee, allowing us to provide more heart in more places, and ensure expert care is never far away. Call our Customer Care Center at 865-374-0411 to learn more about how to request a consultation.
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Directions: 1901 Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916
Hours: Open 24 hours
Assistance and Information: 865-374-0411
Methodist Medical Center
Directions: 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
Hours: Open 24 hours
Assistance and Information: 865-374-0411
Parkwest Medical Center
Directions: 9352 Park West Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37923
Hours: Open 24 hours
Assistance and Information: 865-374-0411
Our Cardiovascular Surgeons
At Covenant Health, our board-certified cardiovascular surgeons perform open heart and thoracic surgeries, and have performed more than 30,000 successful open heart surgeries. Connect with one of our experts today.
Request a Consultation
Take the first step toward better heart health with Covenant Health’s comprehensive cardiothoracic surgical services. To learn more or request a consultation, contact our Customer Care Center.
Preparing for Heart Surgery at Covenant Health
Preparation is key to a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Learn how to prepare for your procedure with our Guide to Your Heart Surgery. Our team will provide personalized instructions and answer any questions to ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Cardiac Rehabilitation at Covenant Health
Leaving the hospital is just the first step in recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery or angioplasty. Heart patients often need to strengthen weakened heart muscles and learn heart-healthy practices. Cardiac rehabilitation is a post-surgery program designed to meet individual needs with exercise, education counseling, and a support network to help heart patients regain their functional capacity and reduce the possibility of future heart problems.
Dr. Riedel saved my life. He was the one who made the call, just for peace of mind, to do that heart cath. The hospitals are just the best I’ve ever been in, I’ve never had a bad experience.
Chris Tatum, Covenant Health Patient
Heart Catheterization
With as much good as TAVR surgery does, I don’t know why anybody who’s having problems wouldn’t do it.
Roy Ogle, Covenant Health’s First TAVR Patient
TAVR
Explore Our Cardiology Services
Our network of nine hospitals and 25 cardiology practice locations is committed to exceptional care and offers the latest advancements in cardiology services. Explore more Covenant Health cardiology services below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to patient education and transparency in our care. If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our Customer Care Center at 865-374-0411.
What is the difference between cardiac and cardiothoracic surgery?
Cardiac surgery focuses solely on procedures involving the heart and its valves, while cardiothoracic surgery includes both heart and chest procedures, such as lung or esophageal surgeries.
What is the difference between bypass and open heart surgery?
Bypass surgery is a type of open-heart surgery used to restore blood flow around blocked arteries. Open-heart surgery is a broader term that includes various procedures where the chest is opened to access the heart.
How long does open heart surgery take?
The length of surgery varies based on the procedure, but most open-heart surgeries take between 3 to 6 hours. More complex cases may take longer.
How long does a heart valve replacement last?
The lifespan of a heart valve replacement depends on the type of valve used. Mechanical valves can last a lifetime, while biological valves typically last 10 to 20 years.
What does open heart surgery recovery look like?
Recovery involves a hospital stay of about a week, followed by several weeks of at-home rest and rehabilitation. Most patients gradually regain strength and return to normal activities within 6 to 12 weeks.
Is open heart surgery dangerous?
All surgeries carry risks, but open-heart surgery is a well-established procedure with high success rates. Our experienced surgical team takes every precaution to ensure the safest possible outcome.