Dr. Javier Lafuente is the medical director of the cardiac surgery program at Houston Methodist West Hospital. His 30-year medical career brings to the West Houston and Katy communities internationally recognized expertise in cardiovascular, thoracic and peripheral vascular surgery. Using the most advanced technologies available, Dr. Lafuente is highly experienced in every aspect of patient care, including a wide range of complicated surgical techniques, such as high-risk cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery; heart valve surgery; endovascular surgery for aortic aneurysms; arrhythmia surgery; thoracic surgery for cancer; pulmonary surgery; peripheral vascular disease surgery; heart and lung transplantation; and mechanical circulatory support.Dr. Lafuente has served as a surgeon for the heart, lung and kidney transplant programs with The Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Childrens Hospital, as well as with The Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.He renewed his affiliation with Houston Methodist in 2011, joining Houston Methodist West Hospitals heart and vascular surgery team. His research interests include surgical outcomes improvement, mechanical circulatory support, total artificial heart and myocardial preservation. Dr. Lafuente frequently presents at professional conferences worldwide and has been published in numerous medical journals. This provider practices at Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates located at 18400 Katy Freeway.