Mayo Clinic's approach
Teamwork
At Mayo Clinic, chest surgeons, called thoracic surgeons, work as a team with pulmonologists, cardiologists and radiologists to evaluate and care for people considering video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Other specialists are included as needed. Your treatment team will care for you in a specialized facility with state-of-the-art monitoring and a pulmonary rehabilitation center.
Experience
Mayo Clinic thoracic surgeons were among the first in the United States to perform VATS. It's a complex procedure. Successful outcomes are more likely if your surgery is performed by a well-trained thoracic surgeon with extensive experience in VATS. Each year, Mayo Clinic thoracic surgeons perform more than 1,000 of these procedures.
Advanced technology
Mayo Clinic surgeons are on the leading edge of treating chest and lung conditions using the latest innovations and surgery techniques.
Individualized care
Mayo Clinic doctors will thoroughly evaluate your condition to determine which treatment options best meet your goals. Mayo Clinic offers many other treatment options for people who can't undergo VATS.
Research
Mayo Clinic surgeons are studying new ways to use VATS, as well as ways to improve the safety and effectiveness of these procedures.
Expertise and rankings
Cardiac and thoracic surgeons at Mayo Clinic diagnose and surgically treat conditions of the heart, lungs and chest. They are highly skilled in the latest surgical procedures, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, for treating complex heart, lung and chest problems.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for pulmonology by U.S. News and World Report.
Locations, travel and lodging
Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.
For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:
Costs and insurance
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.
In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.
Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.