What is Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery, also known as thoracic surgery, is a specialized field of medicine that involves surgical procedures related to the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs located in the chest cavity. The term "cardiothoracic" is derived from two Latin words, "cardia" meaning heart, and "thorax" meaning chest. Cardiothoracic surgery has evolved significantly over the years, with modern techniques and technologies allowing for safer and more effective surgeries.
Types of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery can be broadly classified into five types:
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
CABG is a surgical procedure that involves bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscles. During the surgery, the surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, usually the leg or chest, and attaches it to the coronary artery, creating a new pathway for blood flow to the heart.
Heart Valve Repair or Replacement
Heart valve repair or replacement is a surgery that aims to correct any defects or abnormalities in the heart valves. The procedure involves repairing or replacing the damaged valve with either a mechanical or biological valve.
Aortic Surgery
Aortic surgery is a procedure that involves repairing or replacing the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic surgery can treat a variety of conditions, such as aneurysms, dissections, and blockages.
Lung Resection
Lung resection, also known as pulmonary resection, is a surgery that involves the removal of a part or all of a lung. The procedure is commonly performed to treat lung cancer, but can also be used to treat other lung diseases such as tuberculosis and emphysema.
Heart Transplantation
Heart transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a diseased or damaged heart with a healthy heart from a donor. The procedure is usually reserved for patients with end-stage heart failure who have not responded to other forms of treatment.
Who Needs Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Cardiothoracic surgery may be recommended for patients with a variety of conditions, including:
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Some of the most common cardiovascular diseases that may require cardiothoracic surgery include coronary artery disease, heart failure, and congenital heart defects.
Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects are abnormalities in the structure of the heart that are present at birth. Some of these defects can be repaired through cardiothoracic surgery, such as atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects.
Preparation for Cardiothoracic Surgery
Preparation for cardiothoracic surgery typically involves a thorough medical evaluation and preoperative testing. Patients may also need to make lifestyle changes before the surgery, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, or changing their diet.
The Procedure of Cardiothoracic Surgery
The procedure of cardiothoracic surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery being performed. However, the general steps of the surgery include anesthesia, incision, the use of a heart-lung machine, surgical repair, and closure of the incision.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from cardiothoracic surgery can take several weeks or even months. Patients typically spend several days in the hospital after the surgery, and may need to undergo rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility. Postoperative care is also important, and may involve taking medications, making lifestyle changes, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
Risks and Complications of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Like all surgeries, cardiothoracic surgery comes with risks and complications. Some of the most common risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, stroke, and rejection in the case of heart transplantation. However, these risks can be minimized through careful preparation, proper surgical techniques, and postoperative care.
Cardiothoracic surgery is a complex and specialized field of medicine that involves surgical procedures related to the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs located in the chest cavity. While the surgery comes with certain risks and complications, it can be a lifesaving treatment for many patients with cardiovascular or lung diseases.
Top Cardiothoracic Surgeon In Colorado Springs, CO
1. Dr. Randall C. Bock, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
2. Dr. Matthew J. Kain, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
3. Dr. Cameron C. Jones, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, University of Colorado Health, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
4. Dr. John T. Hunsicker, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Health Partners, 1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
5. Dr. Daniel S. Connealy, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
6. Dr. Paul A. Price, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
7. Dr. Robert H. Brown, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
8. Dr. John M. Rogowski, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
9. Dr. Christopher P. D'Angelo, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
10. Dr. Richard J. Robinson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
11. Dr. Alan J. McCaffrey, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
12. Dr. Matthew J. Gershon, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
13. Dr. Edward R. Levine, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
14. Dr. Robert W. Shaffer, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
15. Dr. David W. Hart, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
16. Dr. Jeffrey S. Hall, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
17. Dr. William E. Gray, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
18. Dr. Scott M. Trapp, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
19. Dr. Charles J. Yellin, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
20. Dr. Jonathan D. Beck, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
21. Dr. James E. Schuster, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
22. Dr. Christopher J. Cavanaugh, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
23. Dr. Jeffrey M. Bowers, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
24. Dr. Christopher D. Harland, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
25. Dr. Richard P. Ayers, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Health Partners, 1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
26. Dr. Charles E. Rechner, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
27. Dr. Richard J. Schofield, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
28. Dr. Steven E. Buss, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
29. Dr. David M. Smith, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
30. Dr. Michael P. O'Leary, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
31. Dr. Andrew J. Weintraub, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
32. Dr. Eric J. Dyck, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
33. Dr. Timothy A. Johnson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
34. Dr. Stephen D. Castiglione, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
35. Dr. Christopher J. Kowal, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
36. Dr. William J. Canfield, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
37. Dr. John M. Tung, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
38. Dr. James S. Ries, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
39. Dr. Matthew J. Mutch, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
40. Dr. Michael L. Schuessler, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
41. Dr. John A. Mathews, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Health Partners, 1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
42. Dr. Christopher P. Kornberg, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
43. Dr. John M. Miller, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
44. Dr. Joseph E. Schmitt, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
45. Dr. Gregory K. McAdams, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
46. Dr. Thomas R. Haun, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
47. Dr. Matthew T. Smith, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
48. Dr. John J. Palumbo, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Health Partners, 1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
49. Dr. Jeffrey D. Dixey, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
50. Dr. John A. Williams, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
51. Dr. Michael J. Delaney, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
52. Dr. Christopher B. Johnson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
53. Dr. Timothy J. Holman, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
54. Dr. John S. Schimel, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
55. Dr. Joseph A. Reardon, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
56. Dr. Richard E. Lohse, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
57. Dr. William J. Folsom, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
58. Dr. Jeffery W. Clark, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
59. Dr. Steven L. Bielecki, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
60. Dr. Robert L. Johnson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
61. Dr. Mark S. Leech, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
62. Dr. Timothy A. Schofield, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
63. Dr. Michael A. D'Angelo, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
64. Dr. John J. Hall, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
65. Dr. Theodore J. O'Rourke, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
66. Dr. Michael L. Smith, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
67. Dr. Steven D. Kornberg, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
68. Dr. Mark R. Bock, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
69. Dr. Gregory M. Schmitt, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Health Partners, 1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
70. Dr. John D. Schimel, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
71. Dr. Peter J. Price, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Health Partners, 1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
72. Dr. Christopher J. Martin, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
73. Dr. Jeffrey M. Schofield, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
74. Dr. Robert J. Rogowski, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
75. Dr. John M. Reardon, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
76. Dr. Jeffrey M. Holman, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
77. Dr. Stephen E. Schuessler, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
78. Dr. Stephen M. Johnson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
79. Dr. John A. Foley, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
80. Dr. Christopher J. Schmitt, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
81. Dr. John K. Price, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Health Partners, 1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
82. Dr. Timothy J. Beck, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
83. Dr. Jeffrey J. Price, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
84. Dr. Joseph P. Mathews, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Health Partners, 1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
85. Dr. Matthew A. Johnson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
86. Dr. Robert E. Schuessler, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
87. Dr. William J. Kornberg, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
88. Dr. Stephen J. Cannavo, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
89. Dr. Christopher J. Bock, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
90. Dr. John D. Schofield, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
91. Dr. Michael A. Folsom, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
92. Dr. John P. Leech, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
93. Dr. Matthew J. Dixey, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Colorado Springs Surgical Associates, 4025 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
94. Dr. Jeffrey C. Schmitt, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, 2222 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
95. Dr. John M. Johnson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
96. Dr. Thomas P. Hall, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909