Leaders in Cardiovascular Surgery
The physicians of Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates (MCSA) are leading the way in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The cardiac, vascular and transplant surgeons of MCSA provide access to the best treatments available today in addition to access to novel clinical trials.
The goal of the Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates is to balance the latest new technologies with good clinical common sense. They have expertise in minimally invasive therapies, robotics, endoscopy, catheter-based therapies, and image guided therapies along with traditional open surgery to provide the best possible treatment regimen for the individual.
Mission Statement
Provide premier care, and a compassionate, efficient experience for the patient with cardiovascular disease. Read More About UsNews
New stent graft could allow repair of aneurysms involving both the aorta and renal arteries
Houston – 9/26/11
The Methodist Hospital has been chosen as a study site for a new type of stent graft device that is designed for the repair of certain types of aortic aneurysms near or involving the blood vessels that lead to the kidneys. The Ventana Fenestrated Stent Graft System is made by Endologix Inc., which is sponsoring both the feasibility and pivotal studies of the device.
The Heart & Vascular Center at the San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown Performs Their First Open-Heart Surgery
Baytown – 5/4/11
Robert LaValley wouldn't have dreamed that a trip to the Emergency Department at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital for chest pain would end up in an open-heart procedure.
See the full article in the San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Leading Medicine eNewsletter
Methodist co-sponsors first international Pumps & Pipes Conference
Houston – 4/25/11
Surgeons from The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center along with scientists and engineers from two of the nation's largest industries – medicine and energy will take part in the first international Pumps & Pipes symposia in Doha, Qatar on April 28 to explore the synergies in moving oil and pumping blood.
Adding stem cells to common bypass surgery may reduce heart failure
Houston - 4/4/11
In a new research study under way at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, surgeons are adding a patient's own stem cells to the heart during cardiac bypass surgery. The goal of this research study is to determine whether the stem cell infusion will generate new blood vessels and improve heart function more than what is seen through bypass surgery alone.
Methodist physicians replace diseased heart valve through small hole in the leg
Houston – 2/21/11
Physicians at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston implanted a new investigational heart valve in a patient through a small puncture hole in the leg.
Mr. Dale Wilber, 69 year old retiree from Arkansas, had the new valve implanted in Houston on Feb. 16, 2011. The disease restricted blood flow from his heart to his vital organs. This can weaken the heart over time and cause chest pain, fatigue and heart failure. By having a valve implanted through a small hole in the leg, he hopes to shorten his recovery time and prevent complications that sometimes occur after major heart surgery. Wilber is recovering comfortably in his hospital room, hoping to be on the road in his 40-foot motor home exploring the country with this wife soon.
The Methodist Hospital chosen for percutaneous valve replacement study
Houston – 1/24/11
The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center was chosen today as a site for a critical percutaneous heart valve study. As part of the research study, Methodist physicians will replace diseased cardiac valves through a single, tiny puncture hole in the research subject's groin.
"Using this new technique in the study, we will be able to replace severely calcified and damaged aortic valves without open heart surgery or removal of the original diseased valve," said Dr. Neal Kleiman, director of the catheterization labs at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center and cardiology principal investigator for the trial. "This study is the only way individuals have access to this technique in the United States."
NIH grants $6.78 million to study progression of heart disease
Houston – 12/27/10
Researchers at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston were recently awarded a $6.78 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to extend a 23-year-old large-scale, community-based study of heart disease.
Methodist to open national training center for treatment of cardiovascular disease
Houston – 12/15/10
The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center has established a unique national training center for surgical and interventional treatments for cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of Americans.
Bootcamp Presentations 2010
9/30/2010 – This program is designed to update your knowledge in a condensed one-day course incorporating half-day didactic and half-day clinical experience training of the most up-to-date best practices for treatment of acute cardiovascular events.
View the Bootcamp Presentations 2010
Multi-vessel cardiac bypass performed through small single incision
Houston – 9/14/10
Surgeons at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center perform multiple cardiac vessel bypasses through a single, small incision in the patient’s side, reducing pain, recovery time and risk for infection.
"This represents a big improvement on older versions of minimally invasive bypass procedures," said Dr. Mahesh Ramchandani, cardiac surgeon at Methodist."By approaching the heart from the patient's side, rather than going in directly over the heart, we can reduce trauma to the patient's ribs and we can see the heart better, which allows us to safely perform multi-vessel bypasses in one minimally invasive procedure," Ramchandani said.
Dr. Basil Ramlawi named to "40 Under 40" list by Houston Business Journal
Dr. Basel Ramlawi, a cardiovascular surgeon in the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, was named by the Houston Business Journal as one of the city’s top 40 accomplished up-and-coming leaders in its "Forty Under Forty" awards.
New procedure cuts arrhythmia, recovery time
2/3/2010 — A surgeon and an electrophysiologist in the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center worked together to perform a novel, minimally-invasive procedure to treat a common but dangerous arrhythmia in a 61-year-old lawyer from east Texas who has suffered from the condition for months. By combining their talents, the physicians could perform the procedure through two small incisions, rather than six, which is common for minimally-invasive approaches.
"We’re hoping that by combining the expertise of a surgeon with that of an electrophysiologist, we’ll make the treatment more effective, while also making it easier on the patient in terms of recovery time," said Dr. Basel Ramlawi, cardiac surgeon who performed the surgical portion of the hybrid procedure.
Events
New Mechanical Options For the Failing Heart
New Orleans - 4/2/11
This symposium will provide the audience with current options and present use of percutaneous assist devices. The desired outcome is for physicians to better tailor treatment for their patients.
Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center brings: New Mechanical Options For the Failing Heart to New Orleans, 4/2/11. The course directors will be Matthias Loebe, M.D., Ph.D. & Guillermo Torre-Amione, M.D., Ph.D., FACC.
This conference is designed for cardiologists, heart surgeons, and members of the multidisciplinary care team comprising of physician assistants, nurses, case workers, transplant center administrative staff.
For information call the Office of Continuing Medical Education at 713-441-4971 or email CME@tmhs.org.
Cardiovascular Fellows’ Bootcamp: Laying the Foundation
Houston – 8/19/11 – 8/21/11
Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center brings this weekend course: Cardiovascular Fellows’ Bootcamp: Laying the Foundation to Houston, 8/19/11 – 8/21/11. The program directors will be Drs. Alan B. Lumsden, Christie Ballantyne, Jean Bismuth, Mark Davies, Neal Kleiman, Faisal Masud, Miguel Quiñones, Michael Reardon, Miguel Valderrábano and William Zoghbi.
For more information contact: Yvette Whittier at ywhittier@tmhs.org or call 713-441-6201.
Our Services
- Interventional and Surgical Capabilities - Cardiac Care
- Interventional and Surgical Capabilities - Vascular Care
- Diagnostic Technologies
- Clinics
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Our Locations
| Medical Center Location 6550 Fannin Street Smith Tower Suite 1401 Houston, TX 77030 713-441-5200 phone 713-441-6298 fax 713-441-6201 Academic office Google Map Sugar Land Location 16605 Southwest Freeway Suite 450, MOB III Sugar Land TX 77479 281-275-0830 phone 281-275-0831 fax Google Map West Houston Location 18400 Katy Freeway Suite 120 Houston, TX 77094 832-522-8600 phone 832-522-8601 fax Google Map |
San Jacinto Location 4301 Garth Road Suite 212, Independence Plaza II Baytown TX 77521 832-556-6625 phone 832-556-6650 fax Google Map Willowbrook Location 18220 Tomball Parkway Suite 360 Houston, TX 77070 281-737-2918 phone 281-737-2919 fax Google Map |
Featured Programs
Vascular Surgery Residency Program

The Vascular Surgery Residency Program of the Department of Cardiovascular surgery at Methodist is a two year program designed to prepare vascular surgeons to provide personalized, comprehensive, and the highest quality surgical care and leads to eligibility for the Certificate of Special Added Qualifications in Vascular Surgery.
Physician Assistant Residency Program

The Postgraduate Cardiovascular Residency for Physician Assistants is a 12- month program, offered by The Methodist Hospital in conjunction with Weill Cornell Medical College. It will provide qualified candidates the opportunity to learn and improve on their basic surgical sciences, clinical and operative skills, and in the process take advantage of the job opportunities available nationwide.
Acute Aortic Treatment Program

Each year 25,000 Americans die from acute aortic dissections. It is a condition that needs immediate and accurate attention. For every hour it is left untreated, mortality increases 1 to 2%. As leaders in high-risk cardiac care, the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center has created a treatment center that provides enhanced services and improved quality to patients with this devastating condition.

















