What Does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon Do? An Overview

Introduction

Cardiothoracic surgeons are highly specialised doctors who play a crucial role in treating diseases and conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and other organs within the chest cavity. This blog is an attempt to explore the world of cardiothoracic surgery, detailing the responsibilities, specialisations, and impact of these skilled surgeons on patient care.

What is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a doctor who specialises in surgical procedures involving the organs in the chest, primarily the heart, lungs, and oesophagus. These surgeons undergo extensive training, typically spending six to eight years after medical school in surgical residencies and fellowships. This rigorous education provides them with a combination of general surgical skills and specialised knowledge in cardiothoracic procedures.

Cardiothoracic surgeons are essential in treating the body’s most vital organs, which supply blood and oxygen to the entire body. Their expertise extends to various areas within the chest cavity, including:

• Heart and the surrounding pericardium
• Coronary arteries
• Lungs and pleura (the lining around the lungs)
• Oesophagus
• Chest wall
• Mediastinum (the area between the lungs)
• Trachea
• Diaphragm

What Does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon Do?

The primary role of a cardiothoracic surgeon is to treat people with diseases or injuries in their chest. Their responsibilities include:

• Diagnosis: Evaluating patients and ordering necessary tests to determine the underlying condition.
• Treatment Planning: Discussing treatment approaches with patients and their families.
• Performing Surgery: Conducting complex surgical procedures on the heart, lungs, and other thoracic organs.
• Post-operative Care: Following up with patients after surgery to ensure proper healing and recovery

Cardiothoracic surgeons perform a myriad of cardiac procedures, from heart valve replacements and heart transplants to treating lung cancer and oesophageal diseases, says Dr. Akshay Kumar Singh. Their work often involves life-saving interventions and can significantly improve patients’ overall health.

Types of Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Within the field of cardiothoracic surgery, there are several subspecialties:

• Cardiac Surgeon: Focuses primarily on heart surgeries.
• Congenital Heart Surgeons: Specialises in treating heart defects present at birth.
• Cardiovascular Surgeon: Performs surgeries on both the heart and blood vessels.
• General Thoracic Surgeon: Concentrates on procedures involving the lungs, oesophagus, and other chest organs.
• Transplant Surgeon: Specialises in heart and lung transplantation procedures.

What Diseases Does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon Treat?

Cardiothoracic surgeons treat a variety of conditions affecting the chest cavity, including:

• Coronary artery disease 
• Various vessel diseases
• Atrial fibrillation
• Aortic aneurysms
• Heart and lung transplants
• Lung cancer and other lung diseases
• Oesophageal cancer and other oesophageal disorders
• Emphysema
• Heart failure
• Swallowing disorders
• Chest injuries from accidents
• Congenital heart defects
• Hiatal hernias
• Chest wall issues involving muscle and bone
• Heart valve disorders
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

What Kind of Tests Does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon Do?

To diagnose and assess patients, cardiothoracic surgeons may order various tests, including:

• Chest X-rays
• CT (computed tomography) scans
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Ultrasound
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac catheterisation
• Multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan
• Exercise stress tests
• Holter monitor
• Pulmonary function tests
• Pulse oximetry
• Upper endoscopy
• Biopsy
• Oesophageal manometry

When to See a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

Typically, patients are referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon by another doctor, such as a primary care physician, cardiologist, or pulmonologist. Referrals often occur when medical treatments or minor procedures are no longer sufficient to manage a condition, and surgical intervention becomes necessary. Patients may also seek a second opinion from a cardiothoracic surgeon for complex cases.

What Does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon Specialise In?

Cardiothoracic surgeons can specialise in various areas, including:

• Heart surgery
• Heart and lung transplantation
• Congenital heart surgery (addressing heart problems present at birth)
• Thoracic surgery (focusing on lungs, oesophagus, and other chest organs)

Where Do Cardiothoracic Surgeons Work?

Cardiothoracic surgeons primarily work in hospitals and private practices. Some may also be involved in research or teach at medical schools, contributing to the advancement of their field and the education of future surgeons.

Conclusion

Cardiothoracic surgeons play a vital role in modern healthcare, performing complex surgeries on some of the body’s most critical organs. Their extensive training and specialised skills allow them to treat various conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and other thoracic organs. As medical technology and surgical techniques continue to advance, cardiothoracic surgeons remain at the forefront of life-saving interventions and improving patients’ quality of life.

Frequently Ask Questions

Which is better: a cardiothoracic surgeon or a cardiologist?

Both cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists play crucial roles in heart care, but their focuses differ. Cardiologists specialise in diagnosing and treating heart conditions using non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures. They often manage patients’ ongoing cardiac care. On the other hand, cardiothoracic surgeons perform surgical interventions when necessary. The choice between seeing a cardiologist or a cardiothoracic surgeon depends on the patient’s specific medical needs.

Is cardiothoracic surgery worth it?

The decision to undergo cardiothoracic surgery is highly individual and depends on the patient’s specific condition, overall health, and potential benefits versus risks. For many patients with severe heart or lung conditions, cardiothoracic surgery can be life-saving or significantly improve quality of life. However, like all surgical procedures, it carries risks. The “worth” of the surgery should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as:

• The severity of the condition
• The potential improvement in symptoms or life expectancy
• The risks associated with the surgery
• The patient’s overall health and ability to recover from surgery
• Alternative treatment options available

Patients should have thorough discussions with their doctors, including cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, to make an informed decision about whether cardiothoracic surgery is the best option for their situation.