If you have a condition related to your heart, lungs, esophagus and other parts of your chest, you may need the care of a cardiothoracic surgeon.
These specialists diagnose and treat conditions of the organs and structures inside your chest (thoracic cavity). Their extensive training includes a minimum of six to eight years of specialty education beyond medical school.
What makes cardiothoracic surgery different from cardiac surgery is that it includes structures other than the heart. The procedures performed range from minimally invasive to major open heart surgeries.
Common Conditions
- Coronary artery disease
- Valvular insufficiency or stenosis
- Congestive heart failure
- Aneurysms (left ventricular, thoracic, thoracoabdominal)
- Aortic dissection
- Aortic transaction
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heat transplant
- Lung cancer
- Chest wall and mediastinal tumors
- Esophageal cancer
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Tracheobronchial cancer
- Tracheal stenosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Hiatal hernia
Common Procedures
- Angioplasty
- Stent placement
- Ablation
- Pacemakers/implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Heart valve repair/replacement
- Transcatheter procedures
- Ventricular assist device
- Carotid surgery
- Heart transplant
- Nissen fundoplication
- Lung cancer resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy
- Lung volume reduction surgery
- Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy
- Esophageal cancer resection
- Laparoscopic esophagus repair
- Airway stent placement
- Bronchoplasty
- Bronchial thermoplasty
Cardiothoracic Surgery Team
If you need cardiothoracic surgery, a team of specially-trained health care professionals will participate in your care. We work together from evaluation through treatment and follow-up care to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
