Cardiopulmonary Disease

Experts in Cardiopulmonary Disease

Physicians at the University of Chicago Medicine specialize in treating acute or advanced-stage cardiopulmonary disease. Using the latest mechanical circulatory support technologies and the most advanced non-surgical and surgical techniques, our goal is to provide each patient with personalized care that best maintains their heart and lung function.

Early Detection & Intervention

Early identification and treatment of cardiopulmonary disease is crucial for reversing organ damage and preventing further injury. Signs and symptoms of cardiopulmonary disease can vary widely and are often dictated by the underlying condition(s) that is causing heart and/or lung failure. Understanding the progression of the disease and knowing when to seek more advanced treatment is essential to providing patients with the highest chance of success. Our expert physicians welcome second opinions and consultations to help determine a patient's exact diagnosis and ideal treatment plan.

Treating Heart & Lung Failure

Medical and technological advances provide more effective treatment solutions for patients in all stages of cardiopulmonary disease. For severe or advanced heart and/or lung failure, our multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, intensivists and other specialists, excels in mechanical circulatory support (such as ventricular assist devices and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and transplantation. The team works closely together to decide the treatment or combination of treatments that will best meet each patient's needs.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the only mechanical support for both the heart and lungs. ECMO provides oxygenation and circulation for patients who are experiencing heart and lung failure. With ECMO, blood is channeled through tubes connected to a machine that removes carbon dioxide and then oxygenates the blood before it is circulated back into the patient's body.

We offer ECMO as a treatment solution for acute or end-stage heart/lung failure. And we are one of only a few hospitals that perform ECMO in Chicago.

Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

A ventricular assist device (VAD) is used to mechanically pump blood from the heart and circulate it throughout the body. Depending on the patient's diagnosis, a VAD can sustain the right or left ventricle, or in cases where a patient requires left and right ventricle support, a biventricular assist device can be implanted.

Our cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have been using VAD technology for more than 20 years. By offering a wide range of VAD options, including minimally invasive and temporary VAD solutions, we provide our patients with the best treatment strategy for their specific diagnosis and lifestyle.

Heart & Lung Transplantation

UChicago Medicine has one of the most respected transplant programs in the world. Our physicians have extensive experience with challenging cases and are dedicated to providing unparalleled patient care. We often treat patients that have been turned down by other institutions and perform multi-organ transplantation, including heart-lung transplants.

Our cardiac surgeons have more than three decades of heart transplant experience, which includes taking on complex cases and high-risk patients.

For patients who need single or double lung transplants, our team has the skill and expertise to provide the dedicated, personalized care they deserve. Learn more about our lung transplant program.

Request an Appointment

The information you provide will enable us to assist you as efficiently as possible. A representative will contact you within one to two business days to help you schedule an appointment.

You can also make an appointment with our providers by:

– Scheduling a virtual video visit to see a provider from the comfort of your home

– Requesting an online second opinion from our specialists

To speak to someone directly, please call 1-888-824-0200. If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

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