Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit (CTSU)

Cardiothoracic surgery involves the surgical treatment of organs inside the chest, mostly the heart and lungs. The CTSU is a regional service providing heart and lung surgery for patients across Auckland and Northland.


Where to find us

Our inpatient ward is located in Ward 42, Level 4, Auckland City Hospital.

Auckland City Hospital site map


Services we provide

There are many different types of cardiothoracic surgery, such as:

  • heart valve replacement
  • heart transplant
  • treatment for lung cancer.

We also provide many specialist services and carry out highly complex surgeries for patients across Aotearoa New Zealand. These include congenital heart surgeries (for heart problems present at birth) and heart and lung transplant.

Who we are

The CTSU is one of the largest cardiothoracic services in Australasia. We perform around 1,200 heart surgeries a year.

We have been providing these services for over 60 years and have earned a global recognition as a leader in heart surgery innovation.

Care before and after surgery is delivered by a team of specialist doctors, skilled nurses and other health professionals, including pharmacists, physiotherapists, health psychologists, Māori health teams and Pacific health.


Referral information

If you need heart or lung surgery, you will be referred by a specialist doctor.

Your appointment

If you are having a planned surgery, your healthcare team will meet with you and your whānau. They will explain how to prepare and what to expect during and after surgery, including how to best support your recovery. 

You may want to write down key questions to make sure you and your whānau have all the information you need to support your healthcare decisions.

Find more information on Healthpoint