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Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries focus on health issues in the organs between the neck and diaphragm. Commonly referred to as heart, thoracic or cardiothoracic surgeries, these surgeries can involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, chest wall or other organs and tissues in the chest cavity. Physical defects or trauma, heart conditions, lung disease, cancer, gastroesophageal reflux and congenital heart abnormalities may necessitate cardiothoracic surgery.

  1. Cardiovascular Surgery

    • According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, cardiovascular surgery---also called heart or cardiac surgery---includes procedures such as heart transplants, bypass surgeries, angioplasties and surgeries that repair heart blood valves or arteries. Surgeries on heart valves or arteries can treat blockages, leaks or infections from conditions such as bacterial endocarditis. Implants of mechanical devices or stents also require heart surgery. While traditional heart surgeries involve incisions along the length of the sternum, other options for patients meeting certain criteria include a partial incision along the sternum, small-incision surgeries and surgeries performed through endoscopy.

    Thoracic Surgery

    • Most general thoracic surgeries address problems with the lungs or esophagus, such as lung transplants, cancer removal, reflux disorders, tumors, hernias and emphysema. Other areas treated with thoracic surgery include the chest wall and the mediastinum---the area containing the heart, which is located between the lungs. Minimally invasive, small-incision procedures such as thoracoscopy often allow surgeons to diagnose problems in the chest cavity's organs, tissues and bones before proceeding to more complicated surgeries.

    Cardiothoracic Surgeons

    • The Society of Thoracic Surgeons includes cardiovascular, thoracic and congenital heart surgeons in the category of cardiothoracic surgeons. Cardiothoracic surgeons become board certified once they finish medical school, undergo a lengthy general surgery residency and complete a residency specializing in cardiothoracic surgery for up to three more years. While most cardiothoracic surgeons focus on heart or thoracic surgeries, a specialization in congenital heart surgery requires additional training.

    Congenital Heart Surgery

    • Congenital heart surgeries treat abnormalities and disorders of the heart in infants and children, and most of the surgeries in this specialization address defects present since birth. Heart defects commonly treated by congenital heart surgery include holes between the chambers of the heart and irregularities of the atria, ventricles and aorta. This type of surgery can also help manage defects in heart walls, valves or arteries.

    Referrals for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

    • Patients requiring care from a cardiothoracic surgeon usually obtain referrals from another physician such as a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist or primary care doctor. Referring physicians often have limited surgery capabilities and refer patients to cardiothoracic surgeons when medication cannot fully correct issues with the heart, lungs and other organs and tissues in the chest cavity. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons states that a first visit to a cardiothoracic surgeon includes reviews of existing x-rays, scans, echocardiograms or other tests and evaluation for further treatment options.

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