Understanding Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery is the practice of medicine directed toward the surgical treatment of diseases in the chest Understanding Cardiothoracic Surgery including coronary artery disease; cancers of the lung, esophagus and chest wall; abnormalities of the great vessels and heart valves; birth defects of the chest and heart; and tumors in the organs contained in the chest cavity. In addition, comprehensive management of all diseases of the esophagus and stomach are provided as well.

Our goal is to provide patients with the best outcomes possible using the very latest medical and surgical technology. When possible, less invasive strategies are utilized to provide equivalent results while lessening pain, blood loss, and recovery time.

Although we specialize in surgery, we firmly believe in a multidisciplinary approach to cardiothoracic disease. It is important to work closely with your primary care physician in addition to the medical specialists who will be involved in your care. In some diseases, medical treatment in addition to surgery may be important to achieve the very best results. We are committed to helping our patients achieve prompt diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up in a health system that can be confusing and intimidating.

Facing surgery to treat disorders of the organs and tissues in the chest cavity can be a frightening experience. While it may be difficult to focus on the next steps, you may have several choices to make, including which hospital and which surgeon to go to, and which procedure to choose. Learning as much as possible about your surgical options, including minimally invasive alternatives to traditional open surgery, may ease some of your concerns. Fortunately, less invasive options are increasingly available for patients facing cardiothoracic surgery. Many cardiothoracic surgeons are recognizing the benefits of smaller incisions made between the ribs to perform coronary bypass or make repairs to the heart, esophagus, and lungs under visualization using thoracoscopy or robotic surgery techniques.