Cardiovascular Surgery The WVU heart and thoracic surgeons continually make advances in treating patients with cardiothoracic diseases, performing hundreds of open-heart and thoracic surgeries each year. Our surgeons are leaders in minimally invasive techniques and have pioneered the use of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting procedures that can often eliminate the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. Our surgeons, residents and support staff communicate regularly with each patient's cardiologist and primary care physician and help patients achieve the best possible outcome and smoothest transition back into the community.