Cardiothoracic Surgery Division

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School provides consultation and treatment services for cardiac and thoracic disorders and is proud of its commitment to the highest level of quality patient care.  The highly-trained faculty consists of full-time members of the New Jersey Medical School and part-time members based at RWJBarnabas Health System.  The faculty work collaboratively to provide a full-range of services in cardiac and thoracic surgery such as:  coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic and mitral valve surgery, surgical treatment of endocarditis, and complex aortic surgery including repair of aneurysms and dissections.  Additionally, we utilize the latest Da Vinci Xi system to perform robotic thoracic surgery for a variety of conditions such as:  lung cancer, benign pathology of the chest, and the mediastinum.  Our faculty are participants of the multidisciplinary tumor board held biweekly and regularly contribute to discussions about lung cancer and work alongside a dedicated lung cancer navigator nurse to provide seamless patient care.

Cardiac Surgery
Our faculty provide a full range of services including high risk coronary surgery, valve repair and replacement, repair of aortic aneurysm and treatment of aortic dissection.  We have a strong collaboration with RWJBarnabas Northern Division and participate in weekly morbidity and mortality conferences.  We utilize their expertise in the management of heart failure and cardiogenic shock.  Our structural heart team meets biweekly to discuss all cases involving aortic, mitral, and tricuspid pathologies. We have successfully performed several cases of percutaneous aspiration of valvular vegetations due to endocarditis using a venous ecmo (extracorporeal membrane) circuit.  In conjunction with the cardiology division, we also perform (TAVR) transfemoral aortic valve replacement using the latest technology and scientific guidelines.  Additionally, we utilize percutaneous LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) systems to support the heart during various complex procedures.  Notably, we treat a significant number of patients with endocarditis and are actively involved in IRB-approved research studies to evaluate trends and outcomes in patients who are treated for this condition.  Complex aortic cases are managed jointly with our esteemed colleagues in Vascular Surgery.

Thoracic Surgery
The thoracic team includes Dr. Justin Sambol who is highly experienced with robotic surgery and has been a pioneer in early minimally invasive thoracic surgery.  Dr. Sambol also performs specialized procedures of the trachea, including tracheal reconstruction and stenting, and complex thyroid resections along with faculty in the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat.   The faculty also participate jointly with the Division of Surgical Oncology and perform a high volume of esophageal surgery for cancer with excellent long-term results.  Our clinical affiliations include Englewood Health where we also perform robotic surgery and participate with monthly tumor board meetings and resident education. 

Research
Our Division Head has been awarded an R01 National Institutes of Health grant in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology.  Our study will evaluate the new technology for leadless pacemakers to harness cardiac energy for improved durability and longevity.  Additionally, we have a robust clinical research program supported by our residents and medical students in the Department of Surgery.