Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, Texas

The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine is a comprehensive cardiovascular health and research center dedicated to delivering the future of cardiovascular health through exceptional patient care, innovative discovery, and a commitment to learning.

Nationally recognized care

One of U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Heart & Vascular 2024-2025
U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital for Aortic Valve Surgery 2024-2025
U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair 2024-2025
U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital for Heart Attack 2024-2025
U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement 2024-2025
U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital for Heart Failure 2024-2025
U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital for Heart Bypass Surgery 2024-2025

World-class cardiovascular care by the numbers

1^st

in the U.S. to successfully perform fully robotic heart transplant

1^st

total artificial heart implant performed in the world

1^st

clinical trial sites for heart in the United States

30,000+

interventional cardiology procedures

1,600

heart transplants performed to-date

120,000+

open heart procedures

250,000+

cardiac catheterizations

700+

advanced robotic heart surgeries successfully performed to-date

48

physicians as part of our expert cardiovascular medical and surgical team

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center successfully performs the first fully robotic heart transplant in the U.S.

Surgeons at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center successfully performed a fully robotic heart transplant on an adult patient—the first reported in the United States.

Using a surgical robot, lead surgeon Dr. Kenneth Liao and his team made small, precise incisions, eliminating the need to open the chest and break the breast bone. Liao removed the diseased heart, and the new heart was implanted through preperitoneal space, avoiding chest incision.

“Opening the chest and spreading the breastbone can affect wound healing and delay rehabilitation and prolong the patient’s recovery, especially in heart transplant patients who take immunosuppressants,” said Liao, professor and chief of cardiothoracic transplantation and circulatory support at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of cardiothoracic transplantation and mechanical circulatory support at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. “With the robotic approach, we preserve the integrity of the chest wall, which reduces the risk of infection and helps with early mobility, respiratory function and overall recovery.”

Innovative research

The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine is recognized internationally for research programs in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, regenerative medicine, and pathology. Our physicians and scientists conduct research ranging from small molecule therapeutics, gene therapy, stem cells and regenerative medicine, to cardiac pacing, heart assist devices (VADs), artificial hearts, and valve repair and replacement.

Researchers at The Texas Heart Institute also conduct clinical trial studies to test the safety and efficacy of potential new devices, techniques, and therapies to treat patients suffering from various cardiovascular issues.

Support for international patients

In addition to recognized clinical excellence, CommonSpirit Health International is equipped to provide a comprehensive array of international services that support patients and families during treatment and recovery, including coordination of: