Cardiothoracic Surgery

A cardiothoracic surgeon performs coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, lung cancer surgery, lung transplantation, repair of congenital heart defects, aortic aneurysm repair, and minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedures.

Heart bypass surgery is recommended when coronary arteries are severely blocked or narrowed in multiple locations, when angioplasty with stenting is not suitable, or when the left main coronary artery has significant blockage.

Most patients spend five to seven days in the hospital and require six to twelve weeks for full recovery. Cardiac rehabilitation programs typically begin within two weeks of discharge and continue for several months.

Cardiac surgery focuses specifically on the heart and its blood vessels. Cardiothoracic surgery is a broader field that includes cardiac surgery plus procedures on the lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and other structures within the chest cavity.

Not all patients qualify for minimally invasive approaches. Suitability depends on the specific condition, the number and location of affected vessels or valves, previous chest surgeries, and overall health. Your surgeon will evaluate which approach is safest.