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Category (Cardiac Surgeon)
Dr. Krishnanu Dutta Choudhury
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.