Welcome to the Division of Cardiac Surgery.
Each year, we perform more than 3,000 cardiac surgical procedures for both adults and children, making us one of the largest and busiest cardiac programs in the Western United States.
The diverse experience of our faculty allows us to offer the full spectrum of surgical procedures, from minimally invasive approaches to complex aortic operations. Keck Medicine of USC is a long-standing pioneer of new surgical methods, and we take pride in being early adopters of new technology so that we can offer state-of-the-art care to our patients. We’re known for accepting complex cases that are not treatable at other institutions.
I invite you to explore our Cardiovascular Institute website. As you will see, we offer a collaborative environment, working closely with our colleagues from cardiology, vascular surgery, anesthesia and critical care to ensure that each patient gets a comprehensive examination and an individualized treatment plan.
We’re here to work with you and fight for you.
Craig J. Baker, MD, Chief of the Division of Cardiac Surgery
Please visit cvi.keckmedicine.org for more information about cardiac, vascular, and thoracic services at Keck Medicine of USC.
Patient Stories
The Keck Effect: More Workouts
What Do Arnold Schwarzenegger and 21-Year Old Personal Training Director Arik Bibicoff Have In Common? They both say Keck Medicine of USC and Vaughn Starnes, MD saved their lives.
Heart Surgery Patient Support Information
Women’s Cardiovascular Center
USC Heart Transplant Program
USC Cardiovascular Institute (CVI)
USC Comprehensive Aortic Center
Heart Surgery Societies
American Association for Thoracic Surgery
American College of Cardiology
American College of Surgeons
American Heart Association
Congenital Heart Surgeons’ Society
Cardiothoracic Surgery Network (CTSNet)
General Thoracic Surgical Club
International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery
The Thoracic Surgery Directors Association
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education
Western Thoracic Surgical Association
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Blogs and Patient Stories
Surgical and Transcatheter Valve Repair and Replacement: What It Is And Why You May Need It
Surgical and transcatheter valve repair and replacement is the process of either using a tube ... Read More »
What is Aortic Dissection?
Aortic dissection is a serious condition that can lead to instant death. To get more ... Read More »
Division Chief
Our Surgeons

Practicing Locations
Children's Hospital Los AngelesKeck Hospital of USC
USC Healthcare Center 2
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Practicing Locations
Keck Hospital of USCUSC Healthcare Center 2
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Specializing In
Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Practicing Locations
Keck Hospital of USCUSC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Practicing Locations
Keck Hospital of USCUSC Healthcare Center 2
Specializing In
Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Practicing Locations
Keck Hospital of USCUSC Healthcare Center 1
Specializing In
Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Endovascular Surgery

Practicing Locations
Keck Hospital of USCUSC Care Medical Group
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Specializing In
Cardiothoracic

Specializing In
Cardiac Surgery Thoracic Surgery

Practicing Locations
Children's Hospital Los AngelesKeck Hospital of USC
USC Healthcare Center 2
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Specializing In
Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery