The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Missouri advances the field of adult cardiac and thoracic care through clinical innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing investigation into complex cardiovascular and thoracic pathologies. As part of the School of Medicine, our cardiothoracic team provides nationally recognized expertise, integrating evidence-based practice with emerging technologies.
Through groundbreaking research, clinical trials, and academic leadership, we are advancing the science of cardiothoracic surgery, shaping future standards of care, and ensuring comprehensive, world-class treatment—right here in Missouri. Our surgeons perform more than 750 cardiothoracic procedures annually at University Hospital and Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, offering the full spectrum of operative strategies for heart and lung disease.
Combined services include: Surgery for thoracic aortic aneurysms, dissection and trauma, minimally invasive coronary surgery, aortic and mitral valve surgery, complete thoracic surgical oncology, including laser endoscopy, thorascopy and VATS lobectomy, treatment of congenital and acquired cardiac defects, including cardiac conduction disorders and arrhythmias, MAZE procedures; lung, esophageal and chest wall tumors and cancers; endovascular thoracic aortic stenting; and pectus repair and mini sternotomy/keyhole surgery.
Section of Cardiac Surgery
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery advances the field of adult cardiac surgery through clinical innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing investigation into complex cardiovascular pathologies. Our faculty specialize in the full spectrum of operative strategies for cardiac disease, integrating evidence-based practice with emerging technologies.
Academic and clinical focus areas include:
- Adult Cardiac Surgery – Academic and Clinical Focus Areas for Research and Clinical Domains Include:
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Beating-heart (“off-pump”) and arrested-heart (“on-pump”) bypass operations using multiple arterial grafts
- Heart Valve Disease
- Acquired valve disorders (stenosis or regurgitation) in native or previously repaired/replaced valves
- Valves treated: Aortic, Mitral, Tricuspid, Pulmonary
- Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
- Complex Thoracic Aortic Disease
- Advanced Mechanical Circulatory Support
- Impella 5.5 (left ventricular support)
- Impella RP Flex (right ventricular support)
- ECMO for heart, lung, or combined cardiopulmonary support
- Minimally Invasive & Structural Heart Procedures through partnership with the Cardiovascular division of Medicine.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
- Mitral and tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (mTEER & tTEER)
- Percutaneous tricuspid valve replacement (EVOQUE)
- Electrosurgical techniques to expand percutaneous valve therapy eligibility.
These evolving modalities reflect the division’s commitment to translational research and expanding patient access to less invasive therapies.
Section of Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery faculty investigate and specializes in surgical and minimally invasive management of diseases affecting the lungs, airways, esophagus, chest wall, and mediastinum. Faculty combine academic research with clinical expertise to advance thoracic care.
Academic and clinical focus areas include:
- Operations for Chest and Mediastinal Conditions
- Neoplastic Disorders: Management of primary and secondary thoracic tumors, including pulmonary carcinoma, thymic carcinoma, mediastinal masses, chest wall sarcomas, mesothelioma, and tracheal carcinoma.
- Infectious Pathologies: Surgical intervention for complex thoracic infections, including drug-resistant tuberculosis and pneumonia-related complications.
- Esophageal and Foregut Disorders: Management of structural and functional esophageal conditions, including Zenker’s and epiphrenic diverticula, achalasia, esophageal trauma, gastrostomy tube placement, and esophageal malignancies.
- Neuromuscular and Chest Wall Disorders: Operative management of conditions such as hyperhidrosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, myasthenia gravis, rib lesions, rib nonunion, and chest wall hernias.
- Other Thoracic Pathologies: Surgical management of COPD, pulmonary nodules, pneumothorax, and port placements.
- Minimally Invasive Approaches
- Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for complex intrathoracic interventions
- Endoscopic procedures for both diagnostic and therapeutic management
Educational Opportunities
Within the Cardiac Surgery section, while there is not a dedicated residency program, our surgeons are actively involved with the Surgical Research Division, collaborating with researchers to advance early detection and treatment strategies for complex cardiovascular conditions. They regularly publish their findings and serve as clinical advisors to support ongoing investigations. In addition, the cardiac surgeons participate in medical student education, providing didactic lectures, mentorship, and hands-on exposure whenever possible. They are passionate about teaching and aim to give as many students as possible meaningful insight into cardiothoracic surgery.
The Thoracic Surgery section provides general surgery residents the opportunity to rotate, gaining practical, hands-on experience in both surgical procedures and patient care. Dr. Kaifi, our thoracic surgeon and Division Chief for Surgical Research, leads his own lab at NextGen Precision Health. With a focus on preclinical cancer modeling, his translational research advances laboratory discoveries into clinical trials, ensuring timely clinical impact for lung cancer patients.
Students and trainees are encouraged to reach out to our faculty to explore shadowing experiences or participate in research projects. Our surgeons are passionate about mentoring the next generation and are eager to provide meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning and academic engagement in cardiothoracic surgery.
