What is Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Cardiothoracic surgery is the medical specialty involved in the surgical treatment of diseases affecting the organs inside the chest, such as the heart, the lungs as well as the esophagus. Surgery is performed for both diagnosed disease as well as trauma due to accidents.
Surgery for the heart includes coronary artery bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart by bypassing the narrowed coronary arteries; heart valve surgery to repair and replace narrowed or leaking heart valves; and aortic surgery to replace an enlarged or damaged blood vessels.
Surgery for the chest include surgery for lung cancer where tumors and cysts are present, pleural effusion, emphysema, surgery for collapsed or infected lungs, laproscopic thoracic surgery and surgery for deformaties and abnormalities of the chest wall.
Common Cardiothoracic surgical procedures
Cardiac Surgery
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
A procedure to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart.
- Heart Valve Surgery
A procedure to repair or replace damaged heart valves, such as aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves.
- Aortic Surgery
A procedure to repair or replace a weakened or enlarged aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body.
- Heart Transplant
A procedure to replace a failing heart with a healthy donor heart.
Thoracic Surgery
- Lung Cancer Surgery
A procedure to remove cancerous tumors from the lungs.
- Lobectomy
A procedure to remove a lung lobe.
- Pneumonectomy
A procedure to remove an entire lung.
- Pleural Surgery
A procedure to treat conditions affecting the pleura, the thin lining that covers the lungs.
- Esophageal Surgery
A procedure to treat conditions like esophageal cancer or acid reflux disease.
- Mediastinal Surgery
A procedure to treat conditions affecting the mediastinum, the space between the lungs.
Our dedicated teams of experienced multidisciplnary specialists and healthcare professionals work together to provde treatment plans tailored to the needs of our patients on their recovery journey.
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Conditions We Treat
Heart Valve Disease
Heart Valve Disease is a condition where the valves in the heart malfunction. The heart valves open and close to allow blood to flow through the atria and ventricles of the heart and in the correct direction. Valve disorders range from narrowing or stenosis, or not being able to close properly. They greatly affect the heart’s ability to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Heart valve disorders can cause the blood to clot which can block major arteries in the body which can potentially lead to a stroke or a heart attack.
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High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is a common chronic condition where blood is pumped around the body at too high a pressure. Also known as high blood pressure, it does not show obvious symptoms and left untreated, can lead to serious diseases, such as stroke, kidney failure, and heart disease.
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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the cancer of the lung and is a condition where a malignant tumour is present in the tissues of the lungs. The lungs are located on either side of the chest and receive oxygen from the air when we breathe and transfers it into the bloodstream. They also transfer the carbon dioxide in our body to the atmosphere when we exhale. Most lung cancer cases are caused by long-term tobacco smoking. Lung cancer may also be determined by genetic factors and exposure to various chemicals and air pollution.
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Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm develops when the aortic wall loses its elasticity and bursts.The aorta is the main artery that provides a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. A normal functioning aortic wall is elastic and is able to withstand the heavy pressure that results from the expansion and contraction of the heart function. The main causes of aortic aneurysm are high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
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Heart Failure
Heart failure is a chronic and progressive medical condition where the heart does not function and eventually fails. The heart is an organ that pumps blood to various parts of the body continuously for a lifetime with the help of its own muscle called the cardiac muscle. There might be a situation where the heart cannot pump enough blood or function the way it should. It may try to make up for the insufficiency by enlarging itself or building more muscle as it is forced to pump faster to keep up with the demand. The effects on the body can be negative as it may lead to fluid build up in other organs like the lungs and liver and if the heart weakens or becomes more damaged trying to do this.
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Heart Murmur
A heart murmur is made by blood flow within the heart and can be heard through a stethoscope. Heart murmurs can be congenital and present at birth or may be a condition where it develops later in life. A heart murmur may indicate underlying heart issues. They are usually harmless but may require follow-up tests to ensure the condition of your heart.
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Heart Attack / Myocardial Infarction
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when an artery supplying the heart with blood and oxygen becomes blocked. Your arteries become narrow when you have coronary heart disease and blood can’t flow as well as it should. Deposits made up of fat, protein and cells build up over time, forming plaques in your heart's arteries. When the plaque ruptures, it causes platelets and blood clots to form around it. You suffer a heart attack when your blood supply is blocked by a blood clot. Your heart does not get its oxygen if a blood clot blocks your artery and this can lead to permanent damage.
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Medical Tests We Provide
Coronary Angioplasty
A coronary angioplasty is a procedure where a tiny balloon is used to widen the artery that is narrowed or blocked. The procedure is commonly done when a fatty substance called plaque attaches to the walls of an artery. Known as atherosclerosis, this buildup of plaque causes the inside of the artery to narrow, restricting blood flow. It gives rise to a serious condition called coronary heart disease that is life threatening as it reduces heart function as the supply of fresh oxygenated blood to the heart is affected.
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Cardiovascular Imaging
Cardiovascular Imaging is concerned with chest discomfort, palpitations, shortness of breath and other varying signs that are symptoms of heart diseases
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a painless and non-invasive procedure where a magnetic field and radio waves are used to view objects in your body. Radio waves are transmitted to a receiver in the machine which forms an image of the body that can be used to diagnose various health issues. Common areas that are diagnosed with MRI include the joints, brain, breasts, heart and blood vessels.
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Treatments We Offer
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is the process of restoring and regaining the loss of a variety of physical, mental, and/or cognitive abilities needed for daily life. The loss may be due to ageing or a health condition, including chronic diseases or disorders, injuries or traumas.
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Coronary Angioplasty And Stents
Coronary Angioplasty, or Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), is a procedure used for opening clogged heart arteries. Angioplasty is the temporary insertion and inflation of a tiny balloon where the artery is clogged to help open and widen it.
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Open Heart Surgery (Coronary Bypass)
Open heart surgery or a coronary bypass is a surgical procedure to treat coronary heart disease. It improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart by diverting blood around narrowed or clogged parts of the major arteries.
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