Cardiothoracic Surgery
Internationally Recognized Experts
WMCHealth Physicians Cardiac Surgeons bring their decades of cardiac surgery experience to creating the WMCHealth Heart and Vascular Institute for the region's most advanced surgical care. Our award-winning* board-certified surgeons are internationally recognized experts, as they frequently present their research and surgical techniques throughout the world, as well as leaders of international professional organizations that focus on cardiac surgery patient care, safety and quality.
*Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors (2018, 2017, 2014, 2013); NYTopDocs (2018); Westchester Magazine Top Docs (2019, 2018, 2013, 2012)
Caring for the Highest Risk Patients
We are proud to be ranked in the top 15 percent of cardiothoracic programs in the world, in terms of volume. We frequently work with the highest risk patients, intent on producing the best outcomes possible for each patient. Surgical care is always provided by attending physicians – never residents.
In 2020, our Heart Transplantation program completed its 300th heart transplant procedure, earning recognition as one of the best programs of its kind in the nation. Whatever your needs may be, our expert cardiothoracic surgery team is here to help you live your healthiest life.
“The heart is a dynamic, vital structure. You can make an intervention that corrects it in one day. And from that day on you’ve changed the course of a patient’s life.” – Steven Lansman, MD, PhD, Director, Cardiothoracic Surgery
A Minimally Invasive Approach to Cardiac Care
Our thoracic and cardiac surgeons have a wide range of experience and technical knowledge for delivering the appropriate care a patient needs. In many cases, patients may benefit from a
minimally invasive robotic surgical technique, as opposed to open heart surgery. Transthoracic aortic valve replacement (TAVR), for example, is one such procedure. More than 700 TAVR procedures have been performed by surgeons at WMCHealth Heart and Vascular Institute to treat severe aortic stenosis, a condition that until recently could only be treated via open heart surgery. For more complex procedures, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, David Spielvogel, MD, has performed more than 1,000 bioprosthetic aortic valve replacements. Our valve team is known for safely performing valve procedures on the highest risk and most complicated patients. WMCHealth Heart and Vascular Institute surgeons and cardiologists take deep pride in their collaborative approach to valve surgery
“You see someone that comes in quite ill, you do corrective surgery, and the patient can be restored to full activity and vitality.” – David Spielvogel, MD, Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery
Learn More About Our Cardiothoracic Surgery Services
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 914.493.8793. Questions? Read our FAQ page for patients and families.
The Care You Need… Wherever You Are
Telemedicine technology is currently used by WMCHealth Physicians and the WMCHealth Heart and Vascular Institute as a trusted option for your medical appointment with a specialist. WMCHeath telemedicine technology is easy to use on a smartphone, tablet or personal computer and as simple as the video technologies you may already use and be familiar with. Contact your provider to learn more. If you are not established with a WMCHealth provider, or if you need to see a new provider for any reason, call us at 914.592.2400.
Our Location
Accessing WMCHealth Physicians Cardiac Surgeons is convenient. Our close proximity to New York City means patients don’t have to travel outside of the region for expert care. Transportation and parking is also easy. Valet service is available at the Ambulatory Care Pavilion.
Westchester Medical Center
Ambulatory Care Pavilion
100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
914.493.8793
Our Providers
Meet our thoracic surgeons and heart surgeons, serving patients from throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Ohira, Suguru
Surgical Director, Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support and Director, Thoracic Aortic Research
Said, Sameh
Chief, Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiac Surgery