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DepartmentsDepartment of SurgeryDivisionsDivision of Thoracic Surgery

Division of Thoracic Surgery

The Thoracic Surgery Division at the University of Maryland is nationally recognized for developing innovative treatments for disorders of the structures and organs of the chest, particularly the lungs and esophagus.

Disease Specialties Include:

  • Esophageal Cancer  
  • Lung Cancer (Early & Late Stages)  
  • Mesothelioma  
  • Mediastinal Tumors/Mass
  • Lung Lesions/Nodules (Diagnosis)  
  • Lymphoma (Diagnosis)
  • Pulmonary Nodule or Mass
  • Barrett's Esophagus
  • Reflux Disease
  • Emphysema/Bullous Disease  
  • Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)  
  • Myasthenia Gravis  
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Intersititial Lung Disease (ILD)
  • Tracheobronchial Malacia
  • Hiatal Hernia
  • Achalasia
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Research

The Division of Thoracic Surgery is rich in multiple basic, translational and patient-directed clinical trials exploring lung transplantation, lung cancer as well as novel ways to improve patient care.

Basic research in the division focuses on personalized immune-mediated responses designed to alter survival. Our laboratory is working to define pathways that contribute to lung allograft rejection in order to design better strategies for immunosuppression.  In addition, we also focus our efforts on developing drugs to stimulate the immune response against both localized and metastatic lung cancer that has spread throughout the body.  In addition, we are investigating methods to improve oxygen delivery to the body after lung damage caused by COVID-19 and other lung diseases.

Clinical trials in our division range from a multicenter evaluation of cytokine inhibition as induction therapy post-lung transplantation (Targeting Inflammation and Alloimmunity in Lung Transplant Recipients With Clazakizumab-1U01AI163086-01) to an investigator-initiated clinical trial evaluating methods for prevention of lung allograft injury  (Prevention of Lung Transplant Injury with Adenosine 2A Receptor Agonist-R01HL128492). In addition, we participate in multiple national clinical trials through the CALGB cancer research cooperative group.

Faculty

Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program


To learn more visit UMMC Cardiothoracic Surgical Residency.

Give to this Division

Division Head

Alexander Krupnick

Alexander Sasha Krupnick, MD
Peter Angelos Professor of Surgery and Microbiology and Immunology;
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery;
Surgical Director of Lung Transplantation

Clinical Care

The Thoracic Surgery Division at the UMMC is nationally recognized for developing innovative treatments for disorders of the structures and organs of the chest, particularly the lungs and esophagus.

Painting entitled Smokers Welfare
"Patient Fortitude" is a painting hanging in the division of thoracic surgery by an up-and-coming New York and St. Louis-based artist Ethan Orchard (www.ethanorchard.com). It is a graphic representation of surgical patients' trials, tribulations, and bravery.