Established in 1962, the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery is home to 19 dedicated faculty members committed to excellence in education, research, and patient care.This specialty addresses a wide range of diseases and trauma of the thoracic cavity, encompassing not only life-critical organs such as the heart, lungs, and esophagus, but also the aorta and major blood vessels.

Currently, the department provides patient care across eight affiliated hospitals of The Catholic University of Korea—Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, and Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital—delivering specialized treatment tailored to each hospital’s strengths and the needs of its community.

Our clinical services are structured into four major divisions:

• Adult Cardiac Surgery: Specializing in the treatment of adult cardiac diseases and aortic disorders.
• Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Focusing on congenital heart diseases and pediatric airway disorders.
• General Thoracic Surgery: Providing comprehensive care for thoracic conditions other than cardiac diseases, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, and chest wall deformities.
• Vascular Surgery: Offering advanced diagnosis and treatment for diverse arterial and venous disorders

As a department that addresses conditions directly tied to human life, we remain committed to patient-centered care, world-class research, and the training of future specialists who will lead the field forward..