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By Adrian Finol, MD – Medical Director of Lung Health and Cancer Center
When it comes to treating diseases of the chest and vascular system, patients deserve access to the most advanced surgical expertise available. UF Health offers comprehensive vascular and thoracic surgery programs that bring together highly trained surgeons, leading-edge technology and a multidisciplinary approach to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients facing some of the most complex medical conditions.
Thoracic surgery at UF Health encompasses the specialized treatment of diseases affecting the chest, including conditions of the lungs, esophagus and heart. From early-stage lung cancer to advanced esophageal disorders, the thoracic surgery team is equipped to handle a wide spectrum of diagnoses. Surgeons at UF Health are experienced in performing minimally invasive procedures such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, which offer patients smaller incisions, reduced pain and faster recovery times compared with traditional open surgery. These techniques are used to treat lung nodules, pleural diseases, mediastinal tumors and other thoracic conditions with precision and care.
Lung cancer remains one of the most common and serious conditions treated by the thoracic surgery division. UF Health’s approach integrates screening, diagnosis and treatment into a seamless care pathway, ensuring patients receive timely intervention. Surgeons work closely with pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation therapists and pathologists to develop individualized treatment plans. Whether a patient requires a lobectomy, segmentectomy or pneumonectomy, the surgical team leverages the latest evidence-based practices to optimize outcomes.
Esophageal conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer, also fall under the scope of thoracic surgery at UF Health. Complex esophageal surgeries such as esophagectomy demand a high level of surgical skill, and UF Health’s surgeons bring years of specialized training and experience to every case. Patients benefit from a coordinated care model that addresses both the surgical and long-term management needs of these conditions.
On the vascular side, UF Health provides expert care for diseases affecting the body’s network of arteries and veins. Vascular surgery covers a broad range of conditions, including peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysms, carotid artery disease, deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. These conditions can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and, in some cases, pose life-threatening risks if left untreated.
UF Health’s vascular surgeons are skilled in both open surgical techniques and endovascular procedures, which use catheters and imaging guidance to treat vascular problems from within the blood vessels. Endovascular approaches such as angioplasty, stenting and endovascular aneurysm repair, or EVAR, represent significant advances in vascular care, allowing many patients to avoid the risks and lengthy recovery associated with traditional surgery.
Aortic disease is an area of particular focus for the vascular surgery team. Whether treating abdominal aortic aneurysms or thoracic aortic conditions, UF Health surgeons employ state-of-the-art imaging and surgical techniques to provide safe and effective treatment. The program also addresses critical limb ischemia, a severe form of peripheral artery disease that can lead to amputation if not managed promptly, through limb salvage procedures designed to restore blood flow and preserve mobility.
What sets UF Health apart is its commitment to a patient-centered, multidisciplinary model of care. Vascular and thoracic surgeons collaborate with specialists across cardiology, radiology, anesthesiology and critical care to ensure comprehensive treatment planning. Additionally, as an academic health center, UF Health is actively involved in clinical research and surgical innovation, giving patients access to emerging therapies and clinical trials that may not be available elsewhere.
For patients navigating complex vascular and thoracic conditions, UF Health stands as a trusted destination for specialized surgical care, combining clinical excellence with compassion at every step of the treatment journey.
About Adrian Finol, MD
Adrian Finol, MD, is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care grounded in trust, education and shared decision-making. He takes time to understand each patient and clearly explain what to expect before, during and after surgery so they feel informed, supported and confident in their care.Dr. Finol serves as Medical Director of the Lung Health and Cancer Center and President of the UF Cancer Program. He has a strong professional focus on lung cancer, particularly early diagnosis and improving outcomes, and has collaborated with national leaders including the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and the American Cancer Society to advance cancer care. Guided by a commitment to educate and heal, he supports patients with compassion and clarity through every stage of their journey.
UFHealth
University of Florida Health
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit UFHealth.org/Central-Florida-Care or call 352-323-5665.
