Cardiothoracic surgery, often referred to as thoracic surgery, is a specialized field focused on the surgical treatment of organs within the chest cavity. A Cardiothoracic Doctor, also known as a cardiothoracic surgeon, is an expert in performing complex procedures on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other vital organs in this region. From addressing critical conditions like heart failure and pulmonary embolism to managing esophageal cancer, the scope of cardiothoracic surgery is vast and life-saving.
At the Summa Health Heart and Vascular Institute, our team of board-certified cardiothoracic doctors are dedicated to providing exceptional care across the spectrum of chest surgeries. We handle both routine and highly complex cases, broadly categorizing our surgical expertise into adult cardiac surgery and general thoracic surgery. Our patient-centered approach ensures that you receive the most advanced and personalized treatment available.
Adult Cardiac Surgery: Expertise in Heart and Aortic Conditions
Our cardiothoracic doctors at Summa Health are leaders in the surgical treatment of heart and aortic diseases, working collaboratively to deliver the best possible outcomes. Our expertise encompasses a wide array of cardiac procedures, including:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): A crucial procedure performed by a cardiothoracic doctor to bypass blockages in the heart arteries, restoring blood flow and alleviating coronary artery disease.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): For patients with aortic valve stenosis, our cardiothoracic surgeons offer TAVR, a minimally invasive approach to valve replacement, often performed without large chest incisions.
- Open Heart Valve Surgery: Cardiothoracic doctors are highly skilled in open-heart surgeries to repair or replace heart valves, including the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves, addressing various forms of valve disease.
- Atrial Fibrillation Surgery and Ablation: To treat atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, our cardiothoracic surgeons perform surgical ablation procedures to restore a regular heartbeat.
- Pericardial Surgery: Conditions affecting the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, are expertly managed by our cardiothoracic doctors through specialized surgical interventions.
- Ascending Aortic Surgery: Our expertise extends to the surgical treatment of the ascending aorta, addressing aneurysms and dissections in this critical blood vessel.
- Heart Trauma Surgery: In cases of chest trauma affecting the heart, our cardiothoracic doctors provide life-saving surgical care to repair injuries and restore cardiac function.
- Heart Tumor Removal: Cardiothoracic surgeons are trained to surgically remove tumors of the heart, both benign and malignant.
- Pulmonary Embolism Surgery: For severe pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening blockage in the lung arteries, surgical intervention by a cardiothoracic doctor may be necessary.
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): Our team is proficient in ECMO procedures and management, providing temporary life support for patients with severe heart and/or lung failure.
General Thoracic Surgery: Beyond the Heart – Lung and Esophageal Expertise
Beyond heart surgery, our cardiothoracic doctors possess extensive expertise in general thoracic surgery, addressing a wide range of non-cardiac chest and upper abdominal conditions. Many of these procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques, resulting in smaller incisions and faster recovery. Our general thoracic surgical services include:
- Lung Nodule and Cancer Surgery: From diagnosing and removing lung nodules to performing complex lung resections for cancer, our cardiothoracic surgeons are at the forefront of lung cancer care.
- Esophageal Surgery: Our expertise covers the surgical management of esophageal conditions, including esophageal cancer, benign tumors, and perforations.
- Mediastinal Tumor Surgery: Cardiothoracic doctors are skilled in the surgical removal of tumors located in the mediastinum, the space in the chest between the lungs.
- Chest Wall Surgery: We provide surgical treatment for both benign and malignant conditions of the chest wall.
- Chest Infections: Complex chest infections requiring surgical intervention are managed by our experienced thoracic surgeons.
- Pleural Disease Surgery: Conditions affecting the pleura, the lining of the lungs, including mesothelioma and pleural effusions, are treated with advanced surgical approaches.
- Sternal Plating: Cardiothoracic surgeons perform sternal plating for sternal fractures or instability following surgery.
- Esophageal and Airway Stenting: To relieve obstructions in the esophagus or airway, our doctors utilize stenting procedures.
- Upper Abdominal Surgery: Our thoracic expertise extends to certain upper abdominal surgeries, including procedures for achalasia, paraesophageal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
At Summa Health Cardiothoracic Surgery, our primary goal, as cardiothoracic doctors and a comprehensive team, is to deliver the highest quality care to our patients and their families. We are honored to serve our community and are committed to providing compassionate, advanced surgical care for every patient we treat.
