Why we’re proud of cardiothoracic surgery in Salem

Salem Health Medical Group’s cardiothoracic surgery team is proud to provide state-of-the-art surgery right here in Salem.

Open heart procedures range from routine CABG and valve procedures to complex ascending aortic replacements—and most procedures in-between, including a growing number of laser led extractions. The program explores the best options as technology and practice evolve.

They’ve performed more than 1,700 cases in the past five years—and over 10,000 open heart cases since the program began in 1989. More than 400 cases are done annually, with the highest volume in 16 months last December. 

The team, led by Juan Oyarzun, MD, includes surgeons Nervin Fanous, MD, and newly arrived (and long-anticipated) Katherine Khvilivitizky, MD. They are assisted by four PA-Cs and an excellent team of medical assistants and office staff in building C on the Salem Health campus.

They are supported by strong partners in anesthesia and perfusion. These teams include 10 top-notch cardiac anesthesiologists from the Oregon Anesthesiology Group—the leader in the Pacific Northwest with a roster of more than 230 anesthesiologists, a trio of SpecialtyCare perfusionists with a combined 83 years of experience. SpecialtyCare, a Salem Hospital partner since 1990, is the largest provider of perfusion services in the US and an industry leader in quality and perfusion databasing.

Our program has been recognized for its commitment to blood conservation and clinical quality by local media and internationally through publications and scientific presentations at industry meetings. It has achieved the highest quality ratings from both Healthgrades and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.  Thirty day readmissions are routinely lower than the national average.

The heart surgery team knows that a commitment to the highest level of care and best possible outcomes for their patients is achieved through a culture of teamwork and collaboration, and that these factors support the continued growth of the program. It is clear that the Cardiothoracic Surgery team and the Heart & Vascular Center as a whole are well-positioned for success.

Our OHSU Partners affiliation work will continue to evolve and bring an extra added element to our program locally.