
Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Lau, Thoracic Surgeon in New York, NY?
Dr. Christopher Lau is an Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at NewYork Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Director of Endovascular Surgery for the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery.Dr. Lau completed his undergraduate studies at New York University where he obtained a degree in Psychology and Philosophy. He then earned his medical degree at Downstate Medical Center, where he remained to complete his General Surgery residency. During this time, he received multiple awards for his performance and the Thomas W. Pollock Award for professionalism, compassion and dedication. Subsequently, he completed his Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He remained at Weill Cornell for an Advanced Cardiovascular/Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Fellowship and was recruited to stay on staff as an Attending Cardiothoracic Surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.Dr. Lau takes a particular interest in surgery of the aorta and aortic aneurysms. He has published numerous articles and book chapters and he has presented his work at regional, national, and international conferences. He manages the aortic surgery center and performs a variety of open surgical procedures and minimally invasive endovascular repairs of the aorta and aortic aneurysms. He and his team are experienced in managing problems in any part of the aorta extending from the aortic root to the ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta, thoracoabdominal aorta, and infrarenal abdominal aorta down to the aortic bifurcation. In the aortic root, he performs valve sparing aortic root reconstruction, which provides a durable result while preserving the patient's own valve. If the valve must be replaced, he utilizes the latest generation biologic or mechanical composite materials. For aortic arch aneurysms, well-established and time-tested techniques are used for effective cerebral protection to minimize the risk of cerebral injury. In the thoracic, thoracoabdominal,or abdominal aorta, he offers endovascular or open repair techniques, depending on the optimal approach for each individual patient's anatomic needs.??Dr. Lau has extensive experience in many other areas of cardiac surgery and cardiovascular surgery. These include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), multiple arterial bypass grafting, use of bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) or radial artery conduits, aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency, bicuspid aortic valves, aortic valve repair/replacement, mitral stenosis, mitral insufficiency, mitral valve repair, aortic aneurysm repair, aortic root replacement (Bentall procedure), valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure), descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm surgery, thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), aortic dissections, cardiac tumors, ventricular assist devices, ECMO, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (Maze), and cardiac complications of connective tissue disorders such as Marfan Syndrome.??
What languages does Dr. Lau speak?
Dr. Lau and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
Chinese
English
What conditions does a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Lau typically treat?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Lau diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Lau. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Hardening of the Arteries in the Heart without Chest Pain
- Coronary Artery Disease with Angina
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Silent Coronary Artery Disease
- Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis
- Atherosclerotic Heart Disease with Angina
- Chest Pain from Heart Disease
- Angina Pectoris
ICD-10 Codes:
- I2510: Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris
- I25118: Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with other forms of angina pectoris
Also known as:
- Ascending Aortic Aneurysm
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Bulging Ascending Aorta
- Weakened Ascending Aorta
- Ascending Aorta Dilation
ICD-10 Codes:
- I7121: Aneurysm of the ascending aorta, without rupture
Also known as:
- Leaky Mitral Valve
- Aortic Valve Insufficiency
- Heart Valve Disease
- Mitral Valve Insufficiency
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Leaky aortic valve
- Aortic regurgitation
ICD-10 Codes:
- I340: Nonrheumatic mitral (valve) insufficiency
- I351: Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) insufficiency
Also known as:
- Circulatory System Surgery Aftercare
- After Surgery
- Post-cardiac surgery care
- Vascular surgery aftercare
- Heart surgery recovery
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z48812: Encounter for surgical aftercare following surgery on the circulatory system
Also known as:
- Heart Attack (NSTEMI)
- Heart Attack
- Myocardial Infarction
- Non-STEMI
- Less Severe Heart Attack
ICD-10 Codes:
- I214: Non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction
What procedures does a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Lau typically perform?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Lau performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Lau. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Endoscopic Vein Harvest for Bypass
- Endoscopy
- Video-Assisted Vein Harvest
- Minimally Invasive Vein Removal
- Endoscopic Saphenous Vein Harvest
- Vein Harvesting for CABG
CPT Codes:
- 33508: Endoscopy, surgical, including video-assisted harvest of vein(s) for coronary artery bypass procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- Heart bypass surgery
- CABG surgery
- Arterial bypass graft
CPT Codes:
- 33533: Coronary artery bypass, using arterial graft(s); single arterial graft
Also known as:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) with 2 Vein Grafts
- Endoscopic Arm Artery Harvest for Bypass
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- CABG surgery
- Heart bypass with vein grafts
- Coronary revascularization
- Endoscopic Artery Harvest
- Upper Extremity Artery Procurement
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Harvest
- Minimally Invasive Artery Removal
CPT Codes:
- 33518: Coronary artery bypass, using venous graft(s) and arterial graft(s); 2 venous grafts (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
- 33509: Harvest of upper extremity artery, 1 segment, for coronary artery bypass procedure, endoscopic
Also known as:
- Open Aortic Valve Replacement (Prosthetic Valve)
- Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
- Open Heart Aortic Valve Surgery
- Prosthetic Aortic Valve Implantation
CPT Codes:
- 33405: Replacement, aortic valve, open, with cardiopulmonary bypass; with prosthetic valve other than homograft or stentless valve
Also known as:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- CABG Surgery
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Artery Bypass Graft
- Open Heart Surgery
CPT Codes:
- 33534: Coronary artery bypass, using arterial graft(s); 2 coronary arterial grafts
Also known as:
- Triple Bypass Surgery (Additional Grafts)
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Coronary Revascularization
CPT Codes:
- 33519: Coronary artery bypass, using venous graft(s) and arterial graft(s); 3 venous grafts (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Does Dr. Lau accept my insurance?
Dr. Lau accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Lau accept in New York, NY?
Dr. Lau in New York, NY accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
Cigna Group
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
EmblemHealth
Healthfirst New York
Medicare
Molina Healthcare
National Benefit Fund
UMR Administered Payer
UnitedHealth Group
Unknown
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Lau's office located?

Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center
525 East 68th Street
M-404
New York, NY 10065
What is Dr. Lau's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Lau's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1407034374.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Lau?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Lau
What is Dr. Christopher Lau's specialty?
Dr. Lau is a Thoracic Surgeon near New York, NY.
What does a Thoracic Surgeon do?
A thoracic surgeon is a healthcare expert with specialization in the surgical, perioperative, and critical care of patients with conditions affecting the chest. Their expertise encompasses the surgical treatment of coronary artery disease, lung, esophageal, and chest wall cancers, tracheal abnormalities, and issues with the great vessels and heart valves. They also address congenital anomalies, mediastinal tumors, and diaphragm diseases. Additionally, thoracic surgeons manage airway issues and chest injuries as part of their medical specialty.
Is this Dr. Christopher Lau affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Lau is affiliated with Newyork-Presbyterian/columbia University Irving Medical Center, Newyork-Presbyterian Queens which are a Castle Connolly Top Hospitals. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
When to see a Thoracic Surgeon?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments
Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see a Thoracic Surgeon. Explore insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Christopher Lau accepting new patients in New York, NY?
Yes, Dr. Christopher Lau is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Christopher Lau offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Lau's office for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Christopher Lau?
Please contact Dr. Lau's office for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
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Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center
525 East 68th Street
New York, NY 10065