They are recognized leaders in the field of cardiothoracic surgery and include PAs in the performance of an expansive range of cardiac procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair and replacement (including TAVR), aneurysm repairs, arrhythmia ablation, and even ECMO. The CTICU PAs work with a significant amount of autonomy managing post-operative and critically ill cardiothoracic surgery patients, including ECMO, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor support, and cardiac monitoring.