Welcome to Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (CTVS). As cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, we specialize in surgery of the heart, lungs, chest, esophagus and major blood vessels of the body. For almost 65 years, CTVS has been proud to offer Central Texas the most specialized and innovative cardiothoracic and vascular surgical care available. Our state-of-the-art treatment options, comprehensive care and 24-hour availability provide our patients the ability to return as quickly as possible to good health. Individually and collectively, the physicians of CTVS have amassed a record of medical “firsts” for Central Texas. CTVS performed the first open heart surgery in Central Texas in 1961. CTVS also performed the first coronary artery bypass graft surgery in 1968, the first kidney transplant in 1972, the first insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump in 1976, the first heart transplant in 1986 (since that time we have performed over 300 heart transplants.), the first Ross Procedure in 1989, the first video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in 1991, the first off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in 2000, the first Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) repair using Endoluminal Aortic Stent Graft, and the first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure in 2012 in Central Texas. The group also founded the first pediatric cardiac surgery program for infants and children in Central Texas and is recognized as being the first in the world to perform the Ross Procedure on a newborn. The tradition of pioneering has earned CTVS surgeons international reputations. Our surgeons have hosted international conferences and seminars as well as traveled the world to teach others their progressive surgical techniques. Being recognized as a leader in technology among their colleagues, CTVS has also traveled throughout the United States for invaluable medical consultations.