Heart, Thoracic, & Vascular Surgery

Recognized internationally for innovation and exceptional surgical treatment of heart and blood vessel problems, we commit our practice to excellence, collaboration, and continuous care for each individual’s needs.

Heart, Thoracic, & Vascular Surgery

Recognized internationally for innovation and exceptional surgical treatment of heart and blood vessel problems, we commit our practice to excellence, collaboration, and continuous care for each individual’s needs.

Who we are

As board-certified physicians and faculty members of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, UT Physicians specialists are devoted to the surgical treatment of cardiac, thoracic, and vascular diseases. Affiliated with the Memorial Hermann Health System and Harris Health System, our surgeons are internationally recognized for contributions and advancements in several surgical techniques, particularly in the treatment of aortic disease.

As we continue the legacy of founding Chair Hazim J. Safi, MD, our department remains rooted in the mission of UTHealth Houston by educating future health care providers and developing research of the most effective techniques while providing exceptional surgical care. We focus these efforts on the treatment of the aorta along with other complex cardiac, thoracic, and vascular diseases.

Our commitment

The department is committed to providing the best that cardiothoracic and vascular surgery has to offer. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing the best in heart (cardiac), chest (thoracic), and vascular care. From traditional procedures to open and endovascular repair to advanced transcatheter technology, robotics, and minimally invasive treatments, we are leaders in the field — and are teaching the next generation of specialists. You can count on personalized care and clear communication every step of the way.

Experts in the treatment of:

  • Aortic disease
  • Atrial fibrillation, flutter, and arrhythmia
  • Carotid artery disease
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Pulmonary valve disease
  • Sepsis

Meet the team

Leadership

Anthony L. Estrera Doctor in Houston, Texas
Anthony L. Estrera, MD, is a professor and chair the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, and the Hazim J. Safi, MD, Distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery.
Philip Rascoe Doctor in Houston, Texas
Philip Rascoe, MD, is an associate professor of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery and chief of thoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
Danny Ramzy Doctor in Houston, Texas
Danny Ramzy, MD, is a professor of cardiothoracic & vascular surgery chief of cardiothoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and UTHealth Houston chair of cardiac surgery.
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Cardiothoracic Surgery

Unmatched, patient-centered care for you

We’re dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized heart care for our patients throughout Greater Houston and beyond. Our cardiothoracic and vascular programs offer diagnostic and treatment options using the most innovative and up-to-date technology. Our health care experts are leaders in the industry and deliver unmatched, patient-centered care for you and your family.

Our physicians are world leaders in treating heart and blood vessel problems.

Vascular Surgery

Complete diagnostic and treatment

UT Physicians vascular surgeons use advanced technologies and techniques to treat vascular conditions, taking into account each patient’s unique needs. Treatment options include ongoing disease management through lifestyle changes and medication, open or minimally invasive surgery, and specialized surgical intervention. We collaborate with other UT Physicians specialists as needed, such as cardiology, neurology, and interventional, to ensure every patient receives an individualized, multidisciplinary evaluation and care plan.

Cardiac surgeons performing a transplant surgery
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Thoracic Surgery

The most innovative and up-to-date technology

UT Physicians thoracic surgeons are leaders in treating patients who are at high risk due to heart failure or heart attack. We have extensive experience in all facets of heart and chest surgery and use state-of-the-art technology in the treatment of cardiac conditions. This includes stenting, endovascular repair, valve replacement, and other minimally invasive, traditional, and robotic-assisted procedures.

Telehealth

Prefer a telehealth consultation for non-emergencies? UT Physicians cardiovascular specialists offer telehealth. Call (713)486-5100.

Benefits to telehealth care

  • Adhere to social distancing recommendations during pandemic
  • Consult with a health care provider from the safety of your home
  • Safely conduct follow-up visits or customized appointments to order medication refills
  • Telehealth visits are covered by Medicare and most insurance companies (contact your health insurance company for more information)
  • HIPAA compliant

Tips for a successful telehealth visit

  • Have a quiet place for a visit
  • Write down specific questions or concerns
  • Have list of your medications handy
  • If possible, know your vital signs
  • Report any difficulties you may have doing normal activities
  • Ask questions and repeat instructions
  • Write down any follow-up instructions

Treatment locations

Anthony L. Estrera, MD

A message from Anthony L. Estrera, MD

“For the past half-century, the Texas Medical Center has been at the forefront of cardiovascular treatment, innovation, and education for the world, led by pioneering mentors such as Drs. DeBakey and Cooley. At McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, we strive to carry on that spirit of innovation through continuous research, education, and delivering unmatched, patient-centered, quality cardiovascular care. We’re pushing the boundaries of what is known through discovery of the unknown, increasing overall awareness by sharing what we’ve learned through the education of our global community. Delivering such industry-changing care will be accomplished by placing our focus on each individual patient, one patient at a time.” – Anthony L. Estrera, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and the Hazim J. Safi, MD, Distinguished Chair in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

Patient stories

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