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The Department of Cardiac Surgery provides comprehensive surgical services for adults and children with cardiovascular disease. The program is a nationally recognized pioneer in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and transplantation. The Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute (VHVI) combines the services of cardiac surgery and cardiology to enhance overall patient care.

Learn more about Cardiac Surgery >>

ashish-s-shah
Ashish Shah, M.D.
Professor of Cardiac Surgery
Alfred Blalock Endowed Director and Chairman
Department of Cardiac Surgery

Early Vanderbilt Pioneers of Heart Surgery

 Thomas      blalock    
In the 1930s, the Thomas/Blalock Team facilitated procedures and devices we still use today.

In many respects cardiac surgery at Vanderbilt and in the United States began with the pioneering collaboration between Vivian Thomas and Alfred Blalock. Their spirit of fearless innovation and relentless drive to solve difficult problems remains part of our culture in the Department of Cardiac Surgery.

Development of the Blalock-Taussing-Thomas Shunt
Watch Partners of the Heart | American Experience | Official Site | PBS

"Something the Lord Made" - movie about the Thomas/Blalock relationship and this new procedure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIgZVmMAkiQ

Dixie Place renamed in honor of Vanderbilt surgical pioneer Vivien Thomas | Vanderbilt University