Heart and lungs are two of the most important organs of the human body. These two organs oxygenate us and provide blood. And that makes us alive. Life turns out to be tough and uncertain sometimes if everything is not fine with these organs. Cardiothoracic surgery is that branch of medicine, which concerns the heart, lungs, chest, and blood vessels.
Cardiothoracic surgeons are highly trained doctors. They fix life-threatening problems such as clogged arteries, heart failure, lung cancer, and chest injury. They save lives daily. In this article, below we will inform you about what cardiothoracic surgery is, what is fixed, how surgeries are performed, recovery, cost, risk, and why this specialty is so important.
What Is Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Cardiothoracic surgery is a chest organ surgery. They are:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Esophagus (food pipe)
- Large chest vessels
- Chest wall and diaphragm
“Heart” is “cardio,” and “chest” is “thoracic.” Combined, it’s heart and chest function.
Why Is Cardiothoracic Surgery Necessary?
It’s needed for most serious diseases in the medical arena. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Blocked heart arteries
- Heart valve issues
- Heart failure
- Lung disease or cancer
- Severe injuries within the chest
- Congenital heart malformations (they’re born with it)
- Malformation of the esophagus
- Aneurysms (pools of blood in artery or vein wall which burst)
They are dangerous if left untreated.
Cardiothoracic Surgeons correct the following
Coronary Artery Disease
When fat clots block heart arteries, then heart attack or chest pain ensues. It can be bypassed or blockage opened by surgery.
Valve Disease of the Heart
The heart also has four valves, which ensure blood flows in one direction. If they are not opening and closing to allow their function, then they have to be repaired or replaced by the cardiothoracic surgeon.
Heart Failure
Despite the worst-case scenarios, the heart is unable to pump blood. Cardiothoracic surgeons can place devices or even conduct a heart transplant.
Lung Cancer and Lung Disease
If the lung tissue is cancerous or diseased, doctors can have a half lung or a whole lung removed.
Heart Defects
They have defective hearts at birth, with defects like holes in their heart or improper connections. They are operated on, usually when they are children.
Esophagus Disorders
Cancer or severe disease of the esophagus can involve removal or reconstruction of part of it.
Aneurysms of the Aorta
A tear in the aorta, the coronary artery of the heart, will rupture if not operated upon. It is corrected or replaced by surgery.
Types of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Open-Heart Surgery
The chestbone is opened and the heart is exposed and directly operated upon. It is performed for bypass surgery, valve replacement, and transplant.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimum incisions are made, and small scopes and instruments are inserted through them. It is less painful and recovery time is less.
Robotic Surgery
Sophisticated procedures are managed by robot operations of very high accuracy.
Thoracic Surgery
It includes lung, esophagus, and chest wall.
Transplant Surgery
Heart and lung transplant is done in patients with end-stage disease when everything else has been exhausted in every other avenue.
Preparation Before Surgery
Some of the pre-operative investigations which are utilized to check the patient for suitability for surgery are:
- Blood test
- ECG (electrocardiogram) to control the heartbeat of the heart
- Chest X-ray or CT scan
- Echocardiogram to evaluate the function of the heart
- Lung function tests
- Drug check-up that is being taken
Patients are typically asked not to smoke, drugs, and eat before surgery.
The Procedure
Steps are surgical, but usually steps are:
- The patient is sedated to sleep and not hurt by pain.
- Incisions are made across the chest.
- That portion of the sickness will be implanted, taken out, or fixed by the surgeon.
- In case the heart has to be stopped, then there will be a heart-lung machine, which will give oxygen and circulate blood.
- The patient rolled and chest closed after surgery.
Recovery Following Cardiothoracic Surgery
In Hospital
- The patients are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for one or two days.
- Breathing and drainage tubes are inserted, if required.
- The discomfort is managed with medication.
- The nurses and doctors closely monitor the vital signs.
First Few Weeks
- The patient is recovering but gradually becomes used to activity in a bid to accure strength.
- The stitches or staples are removed.
- A cardiac rehabilitation program can be initiated.
Long-Term Recovery
- The recovery will be weeks to months depending on the surgery.
- Lifestyle modification in terms of dietary health, smoking cessation, and exercise is advocated.
- Follow-up needs to be continued to assess improvement.
Risks and Complications
As with any kind of surgery, cardiothoracic surgery does have risks. They are:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Bleeding clots
- Stroke
- Irregular heart beat
- Shortness of breath
- Allergic reaction to anesthetic
- Organ rejection on transplanting
Good surgery and good doctors reduce the risk above, but patients need to be warned.
Cost of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cost is procedure-, hospital-, and insurance-dependent. United States cost on average:
- Bypass surgery: $30,000 to $75,000
- Heart valve replacement: $50,000 to $100,000
- Lung surgery: $25,000 to $60,000
- Heart transplant: more than $1 million (and a lifetime’s worth of medication)
Most but the very few health insurance policies cover cardiothoracic surgery when needed for well-being. The uninsured make financial aid or hospital payment plans.
Benefit of Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Saves life in life-threatening crises
- Enhances function of the lungs and heart
- Decreases chest tightness and pain
- Enhances quality of life
- Permits patients to resume activity
- Gives long-term freedom from potentially fatal disease
Patient Experience
Cardiothoracic surgery is thought by most patients to be challenging but life-saving. They are frightened before operation but reassured afterwards once symptoms have been relieved. Most patients are able to resume jobs, physical fitness, and home functioning with adequate support.
Rehabilitation therapy, support groups, and counseling help in adjusting to surgery and stress post-recovery.
The Future of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Medicine is advancing at a very fast rate. So the future of cardiothoracic surgery is bright. The advancements are as below:
- Greater number of less-invasive operations with rapid healing
- Improved artificial heart valves and implants
- Stem cell treatment to repair injured heart tissues
- Better transplant success with less side effects
- Artificial intelligence to preplan operations and evaluate risk
All of the above will enhance operations and patient treatment across the world.
FAQs
What is a cardiothoracic surgeon?
They work with the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels of the chest.
Is cardiothoracic surgery dangerous?
Any big operation is dangerous, but technology and wise doctors now make it an awful lot safer.
How long does it take to recover from heart surgery?
Six to twelve weeks, depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition.
Will lifestyle change end cardiothoracic surgery?
Yes. Nutrition, exercise, nonsmoking, and low pressure and cholesterol can reduce the risk of surgery.
Is all cardiothoracic surgery performed with the chest open?
No. Most is now performed with minimal incision or robot systems, less cut.
Cardiothoracic surgery is likely the most advanced field of medicine today. It rescues thousands of patients annually with its treatment and diagnosis of fatal cardiac and pulmonary disease. At least, however, if surgery is highly complicated, the result can be revolutionary.
With world-class physicians, cutting-edge technology, and improved recuperative rehabilitation, patients can look forward to improved health, an improved quality of life, and a lot more years of living with loved ones. If you, a friend, or family member has heart disease or lung disease, cardiothoracic care education is the passport to good health and promise.
