Welcome Victor Pretorius, MD to Emory Heart Transplant

Pioneering Excellence in Heart Transplantation and Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy

Emory Healthcare is proud to announce the appointment of Victor Pretorius, MD, as Surgical Director of the Heart Transplant and Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy (PTE) Programs. Dr. Pretorius brings a legacy of innovation, clinical excellence and transformative leadership in cardiothoracic surgery, positioning Emory at the forefront of advanced cardiovascular care in the Southeast.

A Global Leader in Cardiac Surgery

Victor Pretorius, MD Dr. Pretorius’s distinguished career began at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, followed by a rigorous cardiac surgery residency at the University of Alberta, Canada, where he earned Fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He then completed advanced training in pulmonary thromboendarterectomy and right heart failure management at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

Dr. Pretorius has performed over 3,000 adult and pediatric cardiac operations, including more than 1,250 PTE surgeries. His expertise spans heart and lung transplantation, mechanical circulatory support and adult congenital cardiac surgery.

A Vision for the Future at Emory

Dr. Pretorius is internationally recognized for his expertise in complex pulmonary vascular and advanced heart failure surgery. He has authored and presented extensively at international conferences, driving innovation and best practices in the field. At Emory, Dr. Pretorius will lead multidisciplinary teams to expand advanced surgical therapies for end-stage cardiac and pulmonary vascular disease, furthering Emory’s mission to deliver world-class cardiovascular care.

With Dr. Pretorius at the helm, Emory Healthcare is poised to set new standards in heart transplantation and PTE, offering hope and healing to patients across the Southeast and beyond.

To Refer a Patient to Dr. Pretorius

Call 404-778-5050
Visit Emory Healthcare Link