Find out more about cardiac surgery services:

• Conditions and consultations
• Diagnosis and treatments
• Cardiac surgery specialists
• Referrals
• FAQ
• Location in Eau Claire
• Specialists near you

Conditions and consultations

Heart, lung, and vascular conditions can range from mild to complex. Cardiac surgeons partner with your care team to evaluate these conditions and determine the most appropriate next steps, from ongoing monitoring to advanced surgical care when needed.

Conditions we treat include:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Arrhythmias
• Carotid artery disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve disease
• Thoracic disorders such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, paraesophageal hernia, pleural effusion and pneumothorax

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Diagnosis and treatments

Using advanced diagnostics and the latest surgical and minimally invasive treatment options, our cardiac surgery team provides personalized care for a wide range of heart conditions. From catheter based procedures to complex heart surgery, our specialists work together to deliver high quality care designed to support recovery and long term heart health

Experience you can trust — Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire is home to the most experienced and longest serving heart surgery team in this part of the state. The team has been performing minimally invasive valve surgery since late 2007, helping advance surgical care while supporting faster recovery for patients.

Treatments we provide include:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm can be treated through endovascular repair or open abdominal surgery.
• Arrhythmias can be treated through cardiac ablation, implantable devices such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), maze surgery, left atrial appendage closure and hybrid ablation surgery.
• Carotid artery disease can be treated through carotid endarterectomy and artery revascularization.
• Coronary artery disease can be treated through angioplasty and stent placement, and coronary bypass surgery. The team performs traditional on-pump coronary bypass, off-pump coronary bypass, minimally invasive coronary bypass and minimally invasive vein harvest.
• Heart valve disease can be treated through heart valve repair or replacement, minimally invasive surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR or TAVI) or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER).
• Thoracic disorders can be treated through nonsurgical approaches such as chest tube insertion, needle aspiration or observation, as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

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Cardiac surgery specialists

Our experienced team of cardiac surgeons, physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses work together to deliver coordinated surgical heart care. They collaborate across specialties to provide a seamless experience — from evaluation and surgery to recovery and rehabilitation — so you can remain close to home and return to the activities that matter most.

Additional care and therapies may be provided by:

• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Cardiology
• Family Medicine/Internal Medicine
• Pulmonology
• Vascular Medicine

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Referrals

You can make an appointment without a referral from your provider.

If you're a provider, you can refer patients to Cardiac Surgery online, by phone or by fax. We value the opportunity to collaborate with you on a treatment plan.

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FAQ

What should I bring for my first appointment?

For your first appointment, bring your current prescription information or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for this form and other forms in multiple languages.

How long does an appointment take?

The appointment length depends on the patient's specific medical situation or concern. We recommend calling Cardiac Surgery in Eau Claire to inquire about the appointment length for your health needs.

Does Mayo Clinic Health System offer virtual visits?

Virtual visits are offered in cardiac surgery. These visits may be scheduled through the patient portal, the Mayo Clinic App or by calling Cardiac Surgery in Eau Claire.

What can I expect before cardiac surgery?

Before surgery, you’ll meet with your surgeon and care team to review your condition, test results and treatment options. Together, you’ll discuss whether surgery is right for you, what the procedure involves, and the potential benefits and risks. Your care team will answer your questions and help you feel informed and prepared before moving forward

Who will be part of my cardiac surgery care team?

Your care team includes cardiac surgeons, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, dietitians and other specialists. You are also an important member of the team. Everyone works together to support you through surgery, recovery and follow‑up care.

Will my family be able to visit me after surgery?

Yes. Family and loved ones are typically able to visit once you are settled in the intensive care unit or progressive care unit. Your care team will keep them informed and let them know when visits are appropriate.

What can I expect after cardiac surgery?

Before leaving the hospital, your care team will help you plan for recovery at home and discuss what level of support you may need. You’ll receive guidance on gradually returning to normal activities and instructions to support healing and recovery. Follow‑up appointments are important so your care providers can check your progress.

When should I follow up with my care providers after surgery?

You should plan to see your primary care provider within seven days after leaving the hospital. You may also be asked to follow up with your cardiologist one to three months after surgery. Your surgeons may share details of your surgery with your primary care provider to support coordinated care.

When should I seek emergency care after cardiac surgery?

Call 9‑1‑1 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain that is not related to incision pain.

When should I contact my care provider after surgery?

Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Worsening shortness of breath
• Fast or irregular heart rate
• Dizziness
• Swelling of hands, feet, or ankles
• Rapid weight gain

Also contact your provider for any of the following:

• Night sweats with fever. Night sweats without a fever are common for about two weeks after surgery. They are not a problem
• Problems sleeping
• Signs of infection that include:
  • Temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or greater
  • Chills
  • Increased swelling, tenderness or redness at an incision or chest tube site
  • Increased pain or pain not relieved by pain medications
  • A bad-smelling odor or new or increased drainage coming from an incision or chest tube site

If you have questions about this information, your heart surgery, or your recovery, contact your surgeon or other health care team member.

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Visit the billing page in Eau Claire for information on insurance, billing and payments.

We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn more about financial assistance options.

Can you provide a second opinion?

Yes — call the appointment number for Cardiac Surgery in Eau Claire.

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.

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Explore our locations or providers near you for details on expert cardiac surgery care: