Dr. Greg Messner, DO

Expert Publications

• Milestones in the treatment of aortic aneurysm: Denton A. Cooley, MD, and the Texas Heart Institute.
• Total circulatory support with an LVAD in an adolescent with a previous Fontan procedure.

Media Releases

Get to know Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Greg Messner, who serves patients throughout the State of Texas.

A board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Messner works with patients at his private practice – Messner Vascular Institute – with offices in Plano and Irving, Texas. He has established himself as a specialist in minimally invasive treatments, focusing on arterial revascularization, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and endovascular diseases such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). His expertise also extends to procedures like IVC filter placement, venous ablation, and the comprehensive management of venous disorders, reflecting a commitment to providing a broad spectrum of care.

Since entering practice in 2006, he has conducted over 6400 interventions, earning him a reputation for tackling complex cases with a finesse that mirrors the principles instilled by his mentor, Dr. Denton Cooley. His expansive referral base, spanning the metroplex and neighboring states, underscores the trust and confidence that colleagues and patients place in his skills.

Hailing from Houston, Dr. Messner earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the AT University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1995, and honed his skills at the renowned Texas Heart Institute, where he completed his fellowship under the guidance of the esteemed Dr. Denton Cooley. 

Continuing his journey, he completed a fellowship in Cardiac Transplant and Mechanical Assist Devices, working alongside the influential OH Frazier and contributing to groundbreaking work in implanting the Abiocor total Artificial Heart. His exposure to groundbreaking procedures and cutting-edge techniques has been a defining aspect of his career, further enriched by training in endovascular surgery by Dr. Zvonimir Krajcer and Dr. Neil Strickman.

In pursuit of clinical excellence, the doctor is board-certified in thoracic cardiovascular surgery by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery, which is an organization that provides board certification to qualified Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine who specialize in the use of surgery to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

One of Dr. Messner’s notable contributions has been in the outpatient management of peripheral artery disease since 2015. Leveraging the principles learned from Dr. Krajcer and Dr. Strickman, he has pioneered procedures designed for efficiency, tailored to patient needs, and executed without overnight stays. This innovative approach not only enhances patient care but also reduces expenses, challenging the traditional hospital setting with a focus on personalized, expert care.

Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in the surgical treatment of organs inside the thorax. Cardiothoracic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgical procedures inside the thorax, which may involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. Alongside performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs.

An authority in his field, Dr. Messner’s inclusion in Trademark’s “Top Doctors of America” for vascular and endovascular surgery and being voted among the “Best Doctors in Dallas” by his peers in D Magazine highlight the impact he has made in his field. His commitment to education is evident through numerous articles, national presentations, and his role in training physicians locally and internationally. 

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