Cardiothoracic Surgery
What Is Cardiothoracic Surgery?
A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in performing surgical procedures on vital organs within the chest, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus. Their expertise covers a wide spectrum of surgeries, ranging from intricate procedures such as heart valve replacements or heart transplants to the treatment of conditions like lung cancer or esophageal cancer. With comprehensive training, cardiothoracic surgeons may focus on specific areas within their field, such as heart surgeries or other thoracic procedures.
What does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon do?
A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases or injuries affecting the chest area. They assess patients, discuss treatment options, perform surgeries, and provide follow-up care post-surgery.
Cardiothoracic surgeons are capable of addressing various organs and structures within the chest, including:
- The heart and its surrounding pericardium.
- Coronary arteries.
- Esophagus.
- Chest wall.
- Mediastinum (the space between the lungs).
- Trachea.
- Diaphragm.
- Lungs and their pleural linings.
What diseases does a cardiothoracic surgeon treat?
Cardiothoracic surgeons are equipped to address a range of conditions affecting the chest, including:
- Coronary artery disease and various heart ailments.
- Atrial fibrillation.
- Aortic issues such as aneurysms.
- Heart and lung transplants.
- Lung diseases, including cancer.
- Esophageal disorders, such as cancer.
- Emphysema.
- Heart failure.
- Swallowing difficulties.
- Chest injuries resulting from accidents.
- Congenital heart defects affecting heart function.
- Hiatal hernias.
- Chest wall conditions involving muscle and bone.
- Arterial aneurysms within the chest.
- Malfunctioning heart valves.