Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) restores blood flow to the heart when one or more coronary arteries become blocked or damaged. During surgery, a healthy blood vessel is used to create a new pathway around the blockage, allowing oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart muscle.

Why might it be recommended?

Your care team may recommend bypass surgery when coronary artery disease has significantly narrowed or blocked the arteries that supply blood to the heart and symptoms cannot be adequately managed through medication or less invasive treatments.

Where does it fit within the patient’s care journey?

Bypass surgery is typically considered after evaluation, diagnostic testing, and consultation with a cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon. It is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes follow-up care and ongoing heart health management.

Learn more about Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Heart valve repair or replacement is a surgical procedure used to correct valves that have become stiff, narrowed, or leaky. Depending on the condition, the valve may be repaired or replaced to restore proper blood flow through the heart. SIH also offers minimally invasive valve surgery options for eligible patients.

Why might it be recommended?

This procedure may be recommended when a damaged valve interferes with the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, causing symptoms or increasing the risk of complications.

Where does it fit within the patient’s care journey?

Valve procedures generally follow cardiac evaluations, imaging, and other diagnostic testing. Your care team will determine whether repair, replacement, or a minimally invasive option is the most appropriate treatment.

Learn more about Heart Valve Repair or Replacement

Surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib) is designed to address abnormal electrical signals in the heart that cause an irregular heartbeat. These procedures may be performed alone or in conjunction with other heart surgeries when appropriate.

Why might it be recommended?

Your physician may recommend surgical treatment when atrial fibrillation is persistent, causes significant symptoms, increases stroke risk, or has not responded adequately to medication or other treatment approaches.

Where does it fit within the patient’s care journey?

Patients with AFib typically begin with evaluation and heart rhythm testing. Surgical intervention may become an option when advanced therapies are needed to restore or maintain a normal heart rhythm.

Learn more about Surgical Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

Aortic aneurysm repair is a procedure that treats a weakened or enlarged section of the aorta, the body's largest artery. Repair may be performed to prevent the aneurysm from enlarging further or rupturing.

Why might it be recommended?

Treatment may be recommended when an aneurysm reaches a size or condition that increases the risk of serious complications, including rupture or reduced blood flow to vital organs.

Where does it fit within the patient’s care journey?

Aortic aneurysms are often identified through imaging and vascular evaluations. Following diagnosis, patients work with cardiovascular specialists to determine whether monitoring, minimally invasive treatment, or surgical repair is appropriate.

Learn more about Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Robotic lung surgery is a minimally invasive thoracic procedure performed using robotic-assisted technology. The system allows surgeons to operate through smaller incisions with enhanced precision and control.

Why might it be recommended?

Robotic-assisted surgery may be recommended for certain lung conditions, including lung cancer, lung nodules, and other diseases affecting the chest. Benefits may include less pain, smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

Where does it fit within the patient’s care journey?

After diagnostic testing and consultation with a thoracic surgeon, eligible patients may be offered robotic-assisted surgery as part of a personalized treatment plan.

Learn more about Robotic Lung Surgery

Advanced diagnostic procedures are specialized tests and imaging studies that help physicians evaluate heart and vascular conditions, determine the cause of symptoms, and guide treatment decisions. These services are an important part of SIH's comprehensive cardiovascular program.

Why might it be recommended?

Your doctor may recommend advanced testing to investigate symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythms, or suspected heart and vascular disease.

Where does it fit within the patient’s care journey?

Diagnostic testing is often the starting point of cardiac care and helps determine the most appropriate next step, whether that includes monitoring, medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

Learn more about Advanced Diagnostic Procedures

Yes. SIH Prairie Cardiovascular provides open-heart surgery and advanced cardiothoracic procedures right here in Southern Illinois, including coronary artery bypass surgery, valve surgery and aortic aneurysm repair. Our cardiothoracic surgery team includes Dr. Ricardo Siller De La Rosa, Dr. William Pyle and Dr. John Watson, bringing over 70 years of specialized expertise and experience to the care of patients with complex heart conditions.

For more than 25 years, SIH Prairie Cardiovascular has provided cardiothoracic surgical care in Southern Illinois. Our cardiovascular team and advanced technology provide patients with access to specialized surgical care throughout their treatment and recovery.

Most patients are referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon by their primary care provider, cardiologist or another specialist after testing and evaluation show that surgery may be the right next step for their care.

For most patients, the best place to start is with your primary care provider. They can talk with you about your symptoms, health history and risk factors, then determine if additional testing or a referral to a specialist is needed.

However, if you are already established with a cardiologist and having cardiac symptoms, you should contact your cardiologist.

A cardiologist helps diagnose and treat heart problems with medications, tests and minimally invasive procedures. If surgery is needed, a cardiothoracic surgeon provides specialized care for conditions affecting the heart, lungs and chest.

Cardiothoracic surgery may be recommended for a variety of conditions, including coronary artery disease that may require bypass surgery, heart valve problems, atrial fibrillation, aortic aneurysms and certain lung conditions. Every patient is different. Your care team will take the time to understand your condition, discuss your options and determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Consider discussing:

• Your family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol
• Tobacco or nicotine use
• Symptoms such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath
• Whether additional testing or a cardiovascular evaluation may be appropriate

For 25 years, we have performed cardiothoracic surgery at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale as part of SIH Prairie Cardiovascular's comprehensive program.

During your consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, symptoms and test results, and explain your treatment options. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions, better understand your care plan and feel confident about the next steps in your treatment.

Yes. At SIH Prairie Cardiovascular, your care team works closely together to coordinate your care at every stage, from diagnosis and testing through treatment, surgery, recovery and follow-up. This team-based approach helps ensure your care is connected, personalized and focused on your needs every step of the way.

You can find an SIH primary care provider by searching at sih.net/providers. There, you can find a provider who is accepting new patients and fits your care needs.

If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 right away. Warning signs can include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain that spreads to the arm, neck or back, nausea, dizziness or cold sweats. Don’t wait for symptoms to go away.

Yes. Southern Illinois Healthcare accepts all insurance plans; however, SIH is considered a preferred or in-network provider only for certain insurance networks. We recommend checking the full list of participating plans and contacting your insurance carrier to confirm coverage, network status, and any authorization requirements before receiving care.

SIH Prairie Cardiovascular has offered advanced cardiothoracic procedures and complex heart care right here in Southern Illinois for 25 years and continues to do so today. Having access to specialized care closer to family, friends and loved ones can provide comfort and support throughout treatment and recovery.

Your care may involve a team of primary care providers, cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, nurses, rehabilitation specialists and other heart and vascular professionals. Together, they coordinate your care from diagnosis and treatment through recovery.