Husam H. Balkhy, MD

UChicago Faculty Physicians

Husam H. Balkhy, MD

Professor of Surgery Director, Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Husam H. Balkhy, MD, is a pioneer in the field of minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery. He specializes in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, atrial fibrillation and other cardiac diseases, using robotic and less invasive techniques in order to reduce pain, disability and recovery time. Through education, he empowers his patients to take an active and informed role in their care. Dr. Balkhy is one of only a handful of surgeons in the world with extensive experience in performing robotic totally endoscopic beating heart coronary bypass grafting (TECAB). He also has a large experience with robotic mitral valve surgery, robotic atrial fibrillation surgery and minimally invasive (port access) aortic valve surgery.

Dr. Balkhy has served as the primary investigator on several innovative studies designed to improve robotic assisted cardiac surgery. He has contributed to the development of coronary anastomotic connectors, and has the world's largest experience in the use of these devices that eliminate the need for large incisions and sutures during coronary surgery. He actively trains other physicians on how to use these devices.

An accomplished author, Dr. Balkhy has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, as well as several book chapters on robotic cardiothoracic surgery. He frequently is invited to speak at national and international conferences and scientific meetings and has proctored robotic cardiac surgical procedures all over the world. In addition, Dr. Balkhy is a founding member of the Robotic Revascularization Society.

Board Certifications

  • Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery

Memberships & Medical Societies

  • Robotic Revascularization Society
  • American College of Cardiology
  • Wisconsin Medical Society
  • International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Society of Thoracic Surgeons
  • 21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgical Society
  • American College of Surgeons
  • Massachusetts Medical Society
  • American Medical Association
  • International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
  • American College of Chest Physicians
  • Deterling Surgical Society

Practicing Since

  • 1988

Languages Spoken

  • Arabic
  • English

Medical Education

  • King Abdulaziz University; Faculty of Medicine King Abdul Aziz University

Internship

  • Tufts University School of Medicine; Faculty of Medicine King Abdul Aziz University

Residency

  • Tufts University School of Medicine; Tufts Medical Center

Fellowship

  • Tufts University School of Medicine; Lahey Clinic Hospital

News & Research

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  • Aetna HMO (specialists only)
  • Aetna POS
  • Aetna PPO
  • BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only)
  • BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only)
  • BCBS PPO
  • Cigna HMO
  • Cigna POS
  • Cigna PPO
  • CountyCare *see insurance page
  • Aetna Better Health *see insurance page
  • Medicare
  • Multiplan PPO
  • PHCS PPO
  • United Choice Plus POS/PPO
  • United Options (PPO)
  • United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only)
  • United W500 Emergent Wrap
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
  • BCBS Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Choice PFFS
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus HMO
  • United Choice HMO (specialists only)
  • University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP)

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Robotic & Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery: Expert Q&A

Dr. Husam Balkhy answers questions about robotic heart surgery and explains the benefits associated with this technique.

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