Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
When you need heart surgery, the cardiologists at Affinity Heart, Lung & Vascular Center in Appleton and Affinity Heart & Lung Centers in Oshkosh and Ripon consult with experienced Affinity Health System surgeons and surgical teams. Together, they develop life-saving treatment plans for patients in Northeast Wisconsin and surrounding regions.
Top Heart Surgeon
Leading the heart surgery team at Affinity Health System is Zenoun Abouzelam, MD. Dr. Abouzelam has been practicing cardiovascular surgery for Affinity Health System since 1989 and became medical director of Cardiothoracic Surgery in 2004. He is board-certified in cardiovascular, thoracic and general surgery, and has a special interest in mitral valve repair and thoracic vascular surgery. Dr. Abouzelam is also a diplomat with the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
Dr. Abouzelam was the first in Northeast Wisconsin to perform minimally invasive mitral valve replacement, an advanced, gentler alternative to traditional surgery.
Treatments and Services
Our expert cardiovascular/thoracic surgeons perform procedures including:
- coronary artery bypass grafting
- aortic/mitral valve replacement and repair
- automatic implantable cardiac defibrillation
- pacemaker implants
- carotid endarterectomy
- surgery of the ascending and descending thoracic aorta
- esophageal surgery
- cardiac resynchronization therapy
- minimally invasive surgery with or without cardiopulmonary bypass
Caring Experts
We staff the Affinity Health System surgical suites and intensive care units at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton and Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh with caring, highly-qualified nurses and other medical professionals.
Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement
Affinity Health System is the first in Northeast Wisconsin to offer minimally invasive valve replacement, an alternative to traditional heart surgery that is gentler on the body. This technique requires a smaller incision, shorter hospital stay and less recovery time. In contrast to traditional surgery, in which the chest bone is completely divided, the minimally invasive option results in less bleeding and pain in recovery. Patients can be back to normal activities just two to four weeks after surgery, compared to six or eight weeks.
What patients are saying about this innovative new procedure...
"I felt a lot better knowing that this new type of surgery would take less out of me, that I’d recuperate faster.” --Diane, 70, minimally invasive valve replacement patient
“I’m glad that I was able to have the minimally invasive surgery. Things went really well and I feel really good.” --Brian, 28, minimally invasive valve replacement patient
Cardiac Rehabilitation
After your heart surgery, you’ll receive inpatient rehabilitation as soon as your physical condition allows. Cardiac rehabilitation specialists will teach you a variety of heart strengthening exercises. They also provide emotional and educational support to you and your family, and suggest possible lifestyle changes including nutrition, exercise and weight control.
