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Reviews of Dr. Oner Gulcan - Best Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon in Turkey

Dr. Oner Gulcan

Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon
Istanbul, Turkey
17 Years of experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a Cardiac Surgeon?

Cardiac surgeons have special training and certification in performing heart surgery. A cardiac surgeon falls under the category of a cardiothoracic surgeon who focuses on the heart, its valves, and tissues. They also focus on the major veins and arteries surrounding the heart. Organs of the upper abdomen, including the lungs, esophagus, and heart, are the focus area that falls under the key area of specialization of a general cardiothoracic surgeon.

A cardiac surgeon specializes in surgery for congenital heart defects that may be hereditary. The cardiac operations are mostly performed on newborns and children, but they can also be performed on adults in cases of emergencies. Cardiologists are often confused as cardiac surgeons, However, they are not specialized in diagnosing and treating heart problems that need operating. A cardiologist usually conducts diagnostic tests and assists patients with persistent heart diseases. They may also do minor surgical treatments but not serious cardiac procedures.

What are the qualifications of a Cardiac Surgeon?

  • A cardiac surgeon should have completed 6 to 8 years of residency training in cardiac or thoracic surgery and passed a certification exam from the country’s medical board.
  • The surgeon's experience keeps growing throughout the years as they keep practicing their skills and they might opt for further specialization and training.
  • With the exception of congenital heart surgery, which requires completion of a one-year fellowship, some cardiothoracic surgeons choose to complete extra training in a subspecialized specialty such as pediatrics.

What conditions do Cardiac Surgeons treat?

A cardiac surgeon is educated to operate on the body's heart and blood arteries, as well as associated parts.

The following are some of the operations and therapies provided by a Cardiac Surgeon:

  • Insertion of a permanent pacemaker and follow-up care
  • Bypass surgery of the coronary arteries
  • Valvular heart disease surgical therapy
  • Surgical treatment of arterial disorders such as blockage in the lower extremity and aortic aneurysm
  • Carotid artery issues that require surgical treatment
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Surgical therapy of issues with the lungs and esophagus
  • Diabetic leg ulcers that need to be treated using microvascular surgery
  • Leaking heart valve(s)
  • Enlargement that is abnormal or large artery aneurysms in the chest
  • Heart failure
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Lung cancer
  • Severe emphysema
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Hiatal hernias
  • Swallowing disorders such as achalasia
  • Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

What are the subspecialties of Cardiac Surgeon?

Cardiothoracic surgeon: A cardiothoracic surgeon is also popularly known as a general thoracic surgeon. These surgeons are specialized to operate on the organs and tissues of the chest, heart, main blood vessels, lungs, and esophagus. Some thoracic surgeons prefer to specialize in the heart, pericardium, and major blood arteries specifically. Others may prefer to concentrate on problems other than the heart and major blood arteries.

Cardiac congenital or pediatric surgeon: A congenital or pediatric heart surgeon specializes in operating and treating the structural defects or malformations that occur during birth or are hereditary. Problems with heart valves, perforations in the walls of the heart, between the heart's chambers, and other factors can all contribute and lead to the need for surgery in a child.

Additionally, Some cardiac surgeons may receive their specialization in treating adult heart defects while others may choose to work exclusively on rare heart defects.

What diagnostic tests are required by a Cardiac Surgeon?

Some of the diagnostic tests that can be ordered by a Cardiac surgeon are mentioned below:

  • Blood work
  • Chest X-Ray
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Pulmonary Function Test
  • Carotid Doppler/Ultrasound Study
  • Ankle-Brachial Index
  • Surface Echocardiogram
  • Vein Mapping
  • Trans-esphogeal echocardiogram
  • ECG-gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging
  • Heart Catheterization
  • Computed Tomography Scan
  • Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

When should you visit a Cardiac Surgeon?

When a person is suffering from any of the following they may be referred to a cardiac surgeon by their general physicians:

  • Serious heart disease or disorder
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Blockage in veins or arteries
  • Chest injuries
  • Heart defects
  • Advanced category of heart disorders that fail to be treated by less invasive forms of treatment

What can you expect from your first visit with a Cardiac Surgeon?

A medical procedure will begin after an expert consultation during which your surgeon can ask you about the medical records and medical history.

You can anticipate the following:

  • A physical examination of blood pressure, heart, and lung conditions.
  • X-rays, EKGs, and echocardiograms.
  • Certain suggestions, diagnostic or therapeutic practices for curing the concerned problem.
  • A detailed explanation of the surgical procedure that you will undergo.
  • Other therapeutic alternatives.
  • Instructions and other details to prepare you for a hospital visit, procedure, and recovery.
  • General therapeutic guidance for pre and post-surgical procedures for you and your family.

How to choose the best doctors in Istanbul?

Selecting the best doctor can be hard for some people. The term "best" can indicate different things to different people and is open to interpretation. One of the most common ways to find a doctor or medical specialist is through referrals from neighbours, family members, or acquaintances. Many people read online reviews and compare prices before going to the doctor. The healthcare sector in Istanbul is rapidly growing. You may be able to locate a doctor who meets your needs with a little research and effort. Making a list of the following criteria can help you find the best doctors:

  • Set specific criteria: Establishing specific criteria can assist you in narrowing down your search for the best doctor. Consider whether you would like to see only board-certified doctors or doctors who speak several languages. Answering such basic but critical questions can help a patient find the best doctor while also saving time.
  • Consult your general practitioner for referrals: Before seeing a specialist in Istanbul, it is common to collect referrals from your primary physician unless it is an emergency. A specialist appointment should be made at least one week in advance. Online appointment scheduling is available in Istanbul. All MRI scans, ultrasounds, and laboratory tests require a doctor's prescription.
  • Ask around: If you have health insurance, you can select from a list of doctors and hospitals provided by your insurer. Many hospitals in Istanbul employ English-speaking/multilingual staff, making it easy for foreign visitors to find them. Consulates can be contacted, or you can ask your friends and neighbours if they are aware of any English-speaking doctors in the area.

The most important consideration is whether you feel comfortable with your healthcare provider. Finding the right doctor requires time and effort.

Which are some of the most common types of doctors patients seek out in Istanbul?

To practise medicine in Istanbul, doctors must fulfil a minimum level of education and clinical training. They have to keep up with modern medical technology in order to improve the quality of patient care. Medical tourism is gaining popularity in Istanbul. Patients from neighbouring nations travel to the city to receive high-quality treatment using cutting-edge technology. Most European countries offer high-quality healthcare but at high costs. Medical treatments are comparatively inexpensive in Istanbul. The consultation fees are reasonable, and the therapy is of high quality. Doctors and healthcare workers in Istanbul speak several languages. You can easily find a good doctor who is best suitable for your needs in Istanbul with little research. Some of the most common types of doctors patients seek out in Istanbul are:

  • Aesthetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
  • Dermatologist
  • Ear, Nose & Throat specialist
  • General Surgeon
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) specialist
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Nephrology
  • Pediatric Surgeon
  • Perinatologist
  • Physical Therapist and Rehabilitation specialist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Psychologist
  • Radiation Oncologist
  • Radiologist
  • Rheumatologist
  • Urologist
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgeon
  • Obstetrician and Gynecologist
  • Orthopedist
  • Allergy and Immunology specialist
  • Cardiologist
  • Endocrinologist
  • Gastroenterologist
  • Hepatologist
  • Haematologist
  • Intensive Care specialist
  • Nephrologist
  • Neurologist
  • Oncologist

Which are the most popular treatments availed in Istanbul?

Istanbul’s hospitals and clinics are well-equipped and have competent staff to treat a wide range of illnesses and diseases. The quality of treatments and facilities available in the hospitals and clinics is excellent. The doctors working in various healthcare facilities of Istanbul encourage regular medical examinations to aid in the early detection of major diseases and the initiation of preventative treatment. Istanbul’s healthcare system is well-known among the residents of the city as well as a famous medical tourism destination. The following are some of the most common treatment choices in Istanbul:

  • Aesthetic, Plastic surgery
  • Face, arm, and uterus transplants
  • Cardiac health
  • Dental and eye care
  • In-vitro fertilization applications
  • Hair transplant
  • Major cosmetic surgeries
  • Laser eye LASIK treatments
  • Organ transplants
  • Dental implants
  • Cancer treatment

What is the level of expertise which is offered by doctors and surgeons in Istanbul?

Depending on their educational background and training, the doctors in Istanbul have varying degrees of expertise. Istanbul has a large number of doctors, ranging from highly experienced doctors with more than 10-20 years of experience to those who are new to medicine. Istanbul is a Turkish city. All the medical records and other forms of communication are written in Turkish. The city has a considerable number of bilingual physicians. Many doctors have completed their education in medical schools across the United States and Europe, some of the city's doctors are fluent in English and (in some circumstances) German. Other languages spoken by doctors in Istanbul include Arabic and Azerbaijani, depending on their origins. The most common translators used in hospitals are Turkish to English, Arabic, Russian, Bulgarian, and Georgian. Finally, you must choose a doctor who is fluent in your local language. After conducting extensive research, the patient has the option of selecting a healthcare practitioner who best suits their needs.