Ten years ago, cardiac surgery was mostly for coronary artery disease with few valve procedures. Today, many more patients require surgery for valve disease as it has continued to become more common.

Washington University cardiac surgeons at Barnes-Jewish Hospital perform nearly 1,300 heart procedures each year, including isolated valve repair and valve repair in conjunction with other heart procedures. 

To better care for the growing number of patients with valvular disease, a dedicated, multidisciplinary heart team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The outcomes at the Barnes-Jewish & Washington University Heart & Vascular Center consistently exceed national averages.

	Overview of the cardiac surgery program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital .

In addition, our cardiovascular physicians and cardiothoracic surgeons offer options patients can’t find anywhere else. They have pioneered techniques and pathways to improve heart care through clinical trials. They participate in the PARTNER transcatheter aortic valve implantation trial, which may revolutionize the treatment of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. In addition, other non-surgical options are being evaluated as well.

These services are ideal for patients with more complicated valvular heart disease or for those patients seeking a second opinion. Patients with diseases of the aortic valve, tricuspid valve and mitral valve are all candidates for care.

The goal is to integrate testing and visits to reduce the number of trips to the hospital during the initial work-up period. To make the experience as convenient and comforting as possible for the patient, upon referral:

• We collect all outside information first before patients are seen.
• Heart specialists review all records and information and provide feedback to the referring physician.
• Patients are seen within one week of sending their medical records.
• Patients will see the cardiologist and the surgeon on the same day.
• Patients will know what tests they need before their appointment, and other tests will be scheduled for the same day as the visit or the day before or after.

Because Heart & Vascular Center cardiac surgeons perform more valve surgeries than any hospital in the region, they have a high skill level, which results in excellent clinical outcomes and mortality rates that are consistently below the national average.

Alan Zajarias, MD
	Board Certified Specialties: Cardiovascular Disease (Cardiology) Interventional Cardiology Dr. Zajarias focuses his cardiology practice on diagnostic cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, peripheral and coronary vascular interventions, ASD/PFO closure, transthoracic, transesophageal, intracardiac and stress echocardiograpy and cardiac MRI. Recognized as a "Best Doctor" in the August 2011 issue of St. Louis Magazine.
Ralph Damiano, MD
	Board Certified Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery Dr. Damiano specializes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), cardiac surgery and cardiothoracic surgery. Recognized as a "Best Doctor in America" in the August 2010 issue of St. Louis Magazine.
Marc Moon, MD
	Board Certified Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery Heart Transplantation Dr. Moon specializes in adult cardiac surgery, heart surgery, endocarditis, heart-lung transplantation, heart transplant, mitral valve replacement, coronary artery bypass surgery, aortic aneurysm, arrhythmia surgery, heart disease, vascular disease, AAA and transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR). Recognized as a "Best Doctor in America" in the 2010 issue of St. Louis Magazine.
Hersh Maniar, MD
	Board Certified Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery Dr. Maniar specializes in cardiac surgery including: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valvular heart disease, and heart transplantation.
Jennifer Lawton, MD
	Board Certified Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery Dr. Lawton is a cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in coronary artery revascularization, valve repair and replacement, minimally invasive surgery and beating heart surgery. Recognized as a "Best Doctor in America" in the 2010 issue of St. Louis Magazine.
Brian Lindman, MD
	Board Certified Specialties: Cardiovascular Disease (Cardiology) Dr. Lindman treats adults with cardiovascular disease including but not limited to: heart failure, valvular heart disease and aortic stenosis. He performs Transesophageal and Transthoracic Echocargiograms.
John Lasala, MD
	Board Certified Specialties: Cardiovascular Disease (Cardiology) Dr. Lasala is a cardiologist who specializes in treating coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and aortic aneurysms. Some of his procedures include cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary-artery stenting, and ascending and descending aortic dissections. You must have a referral from your primary care physician to receive a procedure by Dr. Lasala. Recognized as a "Best Doctor " in the August 2011 issue of St. Louis Magazine.

To make an appointment with a Washington University heart or vascular specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or toll-free 866-867-3627.