ABOUT US

Who We Are

As board certified physicians and faculty members of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, UT Physicians specialists are devoted to the surgical treatment of cardiac, thoracic, and vascular diseases. Affiliated with the Memorial Hermann Health System, and Harris Health System, our surgeons are internationally recognized for contributions and advancements of several surgical techniques, particularly in the treatment of aortic disease.

As we continue the legacy of founding chair, Hazim J. Safi, MD, our department remains rooted in the mission of UTHealth by educating future healthcare providers, developing research of most effective techniques, while providing exceptional surgical care. We focus these efforts on the treatment of the aorta along with other complex cardiac, thoracic, and vascular diseases.

Our Commitment

The department is committed to providing the best that cardiothoracic and vascular surgery has to offer. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing the best in heart (cardiac), chest (thoracic), and vascular care. From traditional procedures, to open and endovascular repair, advanced transcatheter technology, robotics, and minimally invasive treatments, we are leaders in the field—and are teaching the next generation of specialists. You can count on personalized care and clear communications every step of the way.

Experts in the Treatment of:

  • Atrial fibrillation, flutter, & arrhythmia
  • Carotid artery disease
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack
  • Heart valve disease and stenosis
  • Lymphedema
  • Mitral valve disease, prolapse, & stenosis
  • Open and endovascular repair for aortic diseases including aneurysm and aortic dissection
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Pulmonary valve disease
  • Sepsis

anthony-estrera“For the past half century, the Texas Medical Center has been the center of cardiovascular treatment, innovation and education for the world led by pioneering mentors such as Drs. Debakey and Cooley. At McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, we strive to carry on that spirit of innovation through continuous research, education, and delivering unmatched, patient-centered, quality cardiovascular care. In partnership with Memorial Hermann Health System, we’re pushing the boundaries of what is known through discovery of the unknown, increasing overall awareness by sharing what we’ve learned through the education of our global community. Delivering such industry-changing care will be accomplished by placing our focus on each individual patient, one patient at a time.” — Anthony L. Estrera, MD, professor and chair ad interim of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and Hazim J. Safi, M.D., Distinguished Chair in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery.

TELEHEALTH

Prefer a telehealth consultation for non-emergencies? UT Physicians cardiovascular specialists offer telehealth. Call (713)486-5100.

Benefits to telehealth care

  • Adhere to social distancing recommendations during pandemic
  • Consult with a health care provider from the safety of your home
  • Safely conduct follow-up visits or customized appointments to order medication refills
  • Telehealth visits are covered by Medicare and most insurance companies (contact your health insurance company for more information)
  • HIPAA compliant

Tips for a successful telehealth visit

  • Have a quiet place for a visit
  • Write down specific questions or concerns
  • Have list of your medications handy
  • If possible, know your vital signs
  • Report any difficulties you may have doing normal activities
  • Ask questions and repeat instructions
  • Write down any follow-up instructions

SPECIALTIES

MEET THE TEAM

Anthony L. Estrera Anthony L. Estrera, MD , is the ad interim chair and professor of cardiothoracic & vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Tuyen (Tom) C. Nguyen Tuyen (Tom) C. Nguyen, MD , is a professor and chief of cardiothoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Gustavo Oderich Gustavo Oderich, MD , is a professor and chief of vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Philip Rascoe Philip Rascoe, MD , is an associate professor and chief of thoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.

Juan A. Abreu Juan A. Abreu, MD , is an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Viacheslav Bobovnikov Viacheslav Bobovnikov, MD , is an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Steven B. Eisenberg Steven B. Eisenberg, MD , is an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Anthony L. Estrera Anthony L. Estrera, MD , is the ad interim chair and professor of cardiothoracic & vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Donald M. Gibson Donald M. Gibson, MD , is a staff physician of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Adel D. Irani Adel D. Irani, MD , is an associate professor of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Cesar Nahas Cesar Nahas, MD , is a visiting associate professor of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Tuyen (Tom) C. Nguyen Tuyen (Tom) C. Nguyen, MD , is a professor and chief of cardiothoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Hazim J. Safi Hazim J. Safi, MD , is the founding chair and professor of cardiothoracic & vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.

Rana O. Afifi Rana O. Afifi, MD , is an assistant professor of vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Sheila M. Coogan Sheila M. Coogan, MD , is an associate professor of vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Donald M. Gibson Donald M. Gibson, MD , is a staff physician of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Stuart A. Harlin Stuart A. Harlin, MD , is an associate professor vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Adel D. Irani Adel D. Irani, MD , is an associate professor of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Arash Keyhani Arash Keyhani, DO , is an assistant professor of vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Kourosh Keyhani Kourosh Keyhani, DO , is an assistant professor of vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Sophia Khan Sophia Khan, MD , is an assistant professor of vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Gordon H. Martin Gordon H. Martin, MD , is an associate professor of vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Cesar Nahas Cesar Nahas, MD , is a visiting associate professor of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Elaine M. Neely Elaine M. Neely, NP ,
Gustavo Oderich Gustavo Oderich, MD , is a professor and chief of vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Naveed U. Saqib Naveed U. Saqib, MD , is an associate professor of vascular surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.

Robert A. Hetz Robert A. Hetz, MD , is an assistant professor of thoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Philip Rascoe Philip Rascoe, MD , is an associate professor and chief of thoracic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.

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