Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
When you need heart surgery, the cardiologists at Affinity Heart, Lung & Vascular Center in Appleton and Affinity Heart & Lung Centers in Oshkosh and Ripon consult with experienced Affinity Health System surgeons and surgical teams. Together, they develop life-saving treatment plans for patients in Northeast Wisconsin and surrounding regions.
Top Heart Surgeon
Leading the heart surgery team at Affinity Health System is Zenoun Abouzelam, MD. Dr. Abouzelam has been practicing cardiovascular surgery for Affinity Health System since 1989 and became medical director of Cardiothoracic Surgery in 2004. He is board-certified in cardiovascular, thoracic and general surgery, and has a special interest in mitral valve repair and thoracic vascular surgery. Dr. Abouzelam is also a diplomat with the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
Dr. Abouzelam was the first in Northeast Wisconsin to perform minimally invasive mitral valve replacement, an advanced, gentler alternative to traditional surgery.
Caring Experts
Cardiology is the study of the heart and its functions. The St. Elizabeth Hospital Heart, Lung & Vascular Center in Appleton and the Affinity Heart & Lung Center in Oshkosh are comprised of a highly skilled team of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, nurses and other medical professionals that work closely with your personal physician to provide the most comprehensive and advanced technology available. Our centers offer non-invasive testing, cardiac catheterization, interventions, cardiac surgery and specialized nursing care to optimize the patient experience and return each to a healthier lifestyle. Affinity cardiologists provide lifestyle consultations with patients and their families, offer their technical expertise in all diagnostic and treatment procedures and give the information necessary for making the best medical decisions.
Affinity has state-of-the-art technology for the diagnosis and treatment of all cardiac problems.
When heart troubles strike, knowing where to go is critical. The St. Elizabeth Hospital Heart, Lung & Vascular Center in Appleton and the Affinity Heart & Lung Center in Oshkosh represent the most extensive heart and lung testing, treatment, rehabilitation and preventive care facilities in Northeast Wisconsin, providing complete care at two locations and six outreach facilities to better serve you.
Treatment Options
Our experienced surgeons and surgical teams are dedicated to providing life-saving procedures. If you require surgery, the St. Elizabeth Hospital Heart, Lung & Vascular Center offers highly qualified cardiovascular/thoracic surgeons. Some of the procedures performed by our cardiologists and surgeons include:
- risk factor modification
- medication management
- cardioversion
- coronary angioplasty and stenting
- cardiac surgery
- coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with endoscopic vein harvest
- aortic valve replacement
- complex mitral valve repair/replacement surgery
- thoracic aorta surgery (aneurysms/dissections)
- atrial fibrillation surgery (MAZE)
- implantable defibrillator
- pacemaker implant
- biventricular pacemaker
- pericardiocentesis/pericardial window
- patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure
- thoracic aortic aneurysm repair
- catheter radiofrequency ablation
- thoracic surgery
- video-assisted thoracic surgery; biopsy and surgical resection
- mediastinoscopy for mediastinal lymph node biopsy lung surgery
- vascular surgery
- carotid endarterectomy for carotid stenosis
- subclavian bypass surgery
Diagnostic Procedures
Our cardiovascular surgery team performs a wide spectrum of diagnostic procedures, including:
Electrocardiograph Tests
- tilt-table testing
- stress testing
- 12-lead electrocardiogram
- event monitoring
- Holter monitoring
Nuclear Imaging
- nuclear exercise stress test
- nuclear adenosine stress test
Ultrasound Tests
- echocardiogram
- exercise stress echocardiogram
- dobutamine stress echocardiogram
- transesophageal echocardiogram
- carotid artery duplex scanning
Radiographic Tests
- calcium score screening heart scan
- chest X-ray
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
Invasive Testing
- angiography
- coronary arteriography (cardiac catheterization)
- carotid angiography
- electrophysiology (EP) study
Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement
Affinity Health System is the first in Northeast Wisconsin to offer minimally invasive valve replacement, an alternative to traditional heart surgery that is gentler on the body. This technique requires a smaller incision, shorter hospital stay and less recovery time. In contrast to traditional surgery, in which the chest bone is completely divided, the minimally invasive option results in less bleeding and pain in recovery. Patients can be back to normal activities just two to four weeks after surgery, compared to six or eight weeks.
What patients are saying about this innovative new procedure...
"I felt a lot better knowing that this new type of surgery would take less out of me, that I’d recuperate faster.” --Diane, 70, minimally invasive valve replacement patient
“I’m glad that I was able to have the minimally invasive surgery. Things went really well and I feel really good.” --Brian, 28, minimally invasive valve replacement patient
Cardiac Rehabilitation
After your heart surgery, you’ll receive inpatient rehabilitation as soon as your physical condition allows. Cardiac rehabilitation specialists will teach you a variety of heart strengthening exercises. They also provide emotional and educational support to you and your family, and suggest possible lifestyle changes including nutrition, exercise and weight control.
