Cardiothoracic Surgery

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a sugeon who specialises in operations involving the chest. This includes open operations of the heart and lungs.

Medical Conditions

Ischaemic heart disease - narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood and oxygen - may cause angina, heart attack, heart failure and ultimately death.
Valvular heart disease - the heart valves may become diseased and require replacement.
Lung cancer
Trauma
Pneumothorax
Emphysema / CAL
Aortic dissection

Specialty Areas of Interest

Thoracic surgery
Cardiac surgery

Associated Tests

Procedures

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
Valve replacement
Lobectomy
Pneumonectomy
Pleuradhesis
Lung volume reduction surgery

What to expect

History

Your cardiothoracic surgeon will ask about your current symptoms, previous and current therapy and state of fitness.

Examination

Your cardiothoracic surgeon will examine your heart and chest in association with reviewing other imaging investigations.

Training and Qualifications

Entry into cardiothoracic training is usually very competitive. Once selected 5 years of specialty training follows. Trainees work and operate under the supervision of a consultant / specialist cardiothoracic surgeon. Registrars must sit examinations, perform many supervised operations and conduct research before eventually reaching specialty level.