VCU news

By A. Nikki Ahmadi-Nabi
University News Services

A cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive procedures has returned to the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center as a professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Szabolcs Szentpetery, M.D., a VCU alumnus, will treat patients at both the VCU Medical Center and at the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Szentpetery started the cardiac transplant and cardiothoracic surgery programs at the VA facility.

"The landscape of cardiac surgery has changed immensely since the late eighties, when I left," said Szentpetery. "The cardiothoracic program at the VCU Medical Center has evolved to be quite comprehensive, and I'm quite thrilled to be a part of such a talented team."

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery will offer minimally invasive mitral valve surgery, a specialty of Szentpetery, because it allows for a quicker recovery and less pain for patients.

"The addition of Dr. Szentpetery to our team quite simply allows us to care for more patients," said Vigneshwar Kasirajan, M.D., chair of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. "Patients benefit from going to experienced surgeons who treat all manner of complex cases."

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the VCU Medical Center includes specialists in minimally invasive surgery, chest tumors, aortic surgery, heart failure, mechanical circulatory support and other critical areas. Because of the team's multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients — working closely with related disciplines, including cancer specialists, cardiologists, pulmonologists and others — each patient receives the most accurate assessment of their condition followed by the most appropriate treatment plan.

For more information about the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, call 800-762-6161.