Overview
Cardiothoracic Surgery is a field of surgery that deals with the treatment of diseases affecting the organs and structures of the chest, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels. It involves complex surgical procedures to repair or replace heart valves, reconstruct or repair damaged heart muscle, perform bypass surgery, and remove or replace diseased or damaged lungs or esophagus. Cardiothoracic Surgery is an important and often lifesaving specialty that has advanced dramatically in the last few decades. It is routinely performed to treat heart failure, structural defects, coronary artery disease, and certain types of cancer. Cardiothoracic Surgery is also a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of many other problems affecting the chest, such as aortic aneurysms, pulmonary embolism, and lung infections. This specialty also plays a role in preventative care, such as smoking cessation and lifestyle modification.