Princeton HealthCare Thoracic Surgery provides comprehensive surgical care for diseases of the chest and lungs. The program, led by John (Jack) A. Heim, MD, board certified in general and thoracic surgery, is patient centered and uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to assess, treat and monitor conditions including:

• Lung cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Mediastinal tumors
• Lung nodules
• Pleural disease
• Spontaneous lung collapse

Patient-centered Care

From initial assessment to ongoing follow-up months after surgical treatment, Princeton HealthCare Thoracic Surgery is committed to making sure patients fully understand their disease and receive exceptional care.  

We also offer specialized care of lung cancer and other malignancies of the chest. Working with the cancer team, we can determine whether a patient is a candidate for surgery as standalone treatment or in combination with treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or both.

If surgery is an option, we use minimally invasive techniques that enhance results and minimize recovery time. Following surgery, Dr. Heim is personally committed to following up with cancer patients every six months to review recent CAT scan results and help ensure freedom from tumor recurrence.

Ongoing Care or in an Emergency

Princeton HealthCare Thoracic Surgery also provides initial evaluation and follow-up care for patients with lung nodules, which on occasion represent early lung cancer. Other lung conditions that require monitoring over time are also followed closely. All new patient visits are scheduled for at least an hour to ensure our patients have the utmost confidence in their plan of care.

Dr. Heim, who is Chairman of the Department of Surgery at UMCP, also provides surgical consults for patients in UMCP’s Emergency Department with a collapsed lung or other urgent conditions.