The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery team in Seoul National University Hospital provides high-quality, comprehensive consultation and care to patients with diseases of the heart, aorta, lungs, trachea, esophagus, diaphragm, chest wall and mediastinum.

The surgical team is staffed by ten professors, three board-certified thoracic and cardiovascular surgery fellows, thirteen residents, four physician's assistants, seven extra-corporeal technicians and five medical secretaries.

Seoul National University Hospital's (SNUH) Thoracic Surgery practice began in 1968. Today, it is among the largest in Korea. The SNUH Thoracic Surgery Team performs high volumes of complex open-heart and general thoracic surgery procedures.

Of the 2,000 surgeries performed annually, the most frequently performed procedures are resection of the lung and esophagus for cancer, video thoracoscopy, and mediastinal mass excision coronary artery bypass surgery, repair and replacement of acquired valve diseases, repair of aortic aneurysm and dissection, and correction of congenital heart defects.

Even with the advanced age of patients and severity of illness, the mortality rate for all cardiac and thoracic surgeries performed at SNUH was shown to be lower (averaging 1.2 percent in 2001) than the morality rates at institutions of comparable size during the same period.

Comprehensive services, which include physician's assistant systems are available for patients beginning with preparation for surgery and following the procedure through to dismissal. The SNUH Thoracic Surgery Team offers a range of services that are important for treating any underlying health conditions and for managing any complications should they arise.

SNUH Thoracic Surgeons and their assistants work closely with colleagues to ensure that patients return home with instructions for appropriate incision care, pain management, exercise and other activities of daily life. Recently, our team started patient satisfaction surveys to improve patient's care.

For information about thoracic surgery at SNUH, contact the Information Appointment Desk Office at 02-760-2063