About Us
The Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery at the Surgical Specialty Hospital is the leading center for advanced cardiovascular surgery in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Our department made history by performing the first-ever cardiac surgery in the Kurdistan Region in December 2007. Since then, we have evolved into the most renowned and respected cardiac center in Iraq and the surrounding region.
Our Services
We offer a comprehensive spectrum of surgical procedures, from simple to highly complex cases, for patients of all age groups—from neonates to the elderly—and across elective, urgent, and emergency scenarios.
Adult Cardiac Surgery:
– Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
– Valve Repair and Replacement
– Infective Endocarditis Surgery
– Cardiac Tumor Excision
– Aortic Surgery
– Device and Instrument Implantation
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery:
– Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
– Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
– Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
– Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
– Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt
– Pulmonary Artery Banding (PA-Banding)
Thoracic and Vascular Surgery:
– Lung, mediastinal, and chest wall surgery
– Peripheral and central vascular procedures
Our Team & Volume
We are proud to have a team of 16 highly qualified surgeons, all with international experience, dedicated to providing patient-centered, evidence-based surgical care.
Each year, our department performs:
– More than 1,400 adult (acquired) cardiac surgeries
– Over 200 pediatric cardiac surgeries
Education, Training & Accreditation
Our department plays a leading role in surgical education in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and across the Arab world. We are proud to be a recognized and accredited training center for:
– Kurdistan Board for Medical Specialties
– Iraqi Board of Medical Specializations
– Arab Board of Health Specializations
We are deeply committed to training and mentoring the next generation of surgeons, offering a structured academic environment, hands-on operative experience, and close supervision. Young doctors from across the region come to our center to gain the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to become certified specialists in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery.
Our academic efforts include:
– Surgical residency and fellowship training
– Undergraduate medical student teaching
– Scientific seminars, case discussions, and academic rounds
– Collaboration with universities and health institutions
Our Commitment
With a strong foundation in experience, innovation, and education, we continue to lead the region in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery. Our mission is to provide the highest standard of care, train future specialists, and advance cardiovascular medicine through excellence and dedication.
To ensure the best outcomes for complex and high-risk cases, we hold a weekly Heart Team Committee meeting, bringing together cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, intensivists, anesthesiologists, and radiologists. This multidisciplinary approach allows for shared decision-making and personalized treatment plans for our patients.