The Heart and Vascular Institute at Hackensack Medical Center is an Award Winning Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Program nationally ranked by the US News and World Report.

Cardiac Surgeons at Hackensack University Medical Center are experienced, highly skilled physicians.  Our surgeons have performed thousands of open heart procedures.  The Heart and Vascular Institute of Hackensack Medical Center consists of more than 140 cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to provide your individualized heart care. The Cardiac surgery team offers our patients state-of-the art technology for effective patient care.  Surgeons perform minimally invasive heart surgery, combination open heart surgery procedures, ventricular assist device implantation and many complex surgical procedures. 

 

Many of the cardiac surgical procedures our experienced cardiac surgical team provides :

Coronary artery bypass grafting utilizing arterial grafts

Off pump Coronary artery bypass grafting

Valve replacement and repair utilizing Minimally Invasive Technique

Repair of aortic aneurysms

Surgical procedures for atrial fibrillation

Transmyocardial Revascularization

Removal of cardiac tumors

Repair of congenital abnormalities in adults

Endoscopic vein harvesting technique

Implantation of Ventricular Assist devices

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements (TAVR)

Pacemaker and defibrillator implants/removal

Repair of traumatic injuries to the heart  

 

Our cardiac surgeons will provide a comprehensive evaluation of your heart condition.You with the direction of your cardiac surgeon will formulate an individualized cardiac surgical plan.  We use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize and decide on the best treatment strategy for each patient. 

Preoperative Cardiac Surgery Testing can include:

Stress testing

Echocardiogram

Cardiac Catheterization

Computed tomography( CT scan)

Holter Monitor 

 

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and or narrowed causing a buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries (atherosclerosis).  The result limits oxygen delivered to heart muscle.

Coronary Artery Disease:

Symptoms can include but are not limited to:

  • No symptoms
  • Chest pain (angina)
  • Fatigue
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Abnormal heart rhythms

Risk factors for CAD can include:

  • Elevated cholesterol levels
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Family history of heart disease
  • Inactive lifestyle
  • Stress

  

What to expect:

After a cardiac surgery date has been scheduled:  PreOperative testing will be completed   prior to your surgery. Testing can include the following: Blood work, Xrays, Venous mapping, Carotid dopplers and Urinalysis and Electrocardiogram.

You will be instructed not to eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery date. A cardiac surgery clinical nurse will review your medications including those over the counter and herbal supplements. The cardiac nurse will instruct you on the medications to continue or discontinue.  If you currently smoke, smoking cessation education is available.  Individualized Preoperative teaching, your hospital course and discharge planning education will be provided by our cardiac surgery team. We will assist you in any discharge planning needs including visiting nurses and rehabilitation referrals. 

For more information about cardiac surgery education please refer to Cardiac Surgery Patient Pathway.

 

Meet Our Cardiac Surgeons:

Eric Somberg, M.D., F.A.C.S, Co-Chief Cardiac Surgery

Jock McCullough, M.D., F.A.C.S., Vice Chairman Heart and Vascular Hospital

 Elie Elmann, M.D., F.A.C.S, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Gabriele Di Luozzo, M.D. Director, Thoracic Aortic Program

  

 

 
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