Best Cardiothoracic Surgeon In Milwaukee

What is Cardiothoracic Surgery? 

Cardiothoracic surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that involves the treatment of diseases and conditions of the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest cavity. This type of surgery is performed by highly skilled cardiothoracic surgeons who have undergone extensive training in the field. 

Cardiothoracic surgeons perform a range of surgical procedures, including open-heart surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, lung surgery, and heart transplant surgery. They may also treat conditions such as aneurysms, tumors, and congenital defects. 

Types of Cardiothoracic Surgery Procedures 

There are several types of cardiothoracic surgery procedures, including: 

Open-Heart Surgery 

Open-heart surgery is a type of surgery that involves opening the chest to access the heart. It is typically performed to treat a variety of conditions, including heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects. 

During open-heart surgery, the patient is placed on a heart-lung machine, which takes over the function of the heart and lungs while the surgery is performed. The surgeon then makes an incision in the chest and opens the sternum to access the heart. The surgery may involve repairing or replacing heart valves, bypassing blocked coronary arteries, or repairing defects in the heart. 

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) 

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure that involves bypassing blocked coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart. This procedure is typically performed to treat coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. 

During CABG, the surgeon uses a healthy blood vessel taken from another part of the body to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked artery. This helps to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce the risk of heart attack. 

Valve Replacement 

Valve replacement surgery is a type of surgery that involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a new one. This surgery may be performed to treat conditions such as valve stenosis or regurgitation, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated. 

During valve replacement surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest and opens the sternum to access the heart. The damaged valve is removed, and a new valve is implanted in its place. The new valve may be a mechanical valve or a biological valve, depending on the patient's age and medical history. 

Lung Surgery 

Lung surgery is a type of surgery that involves removing all or part of a lung to treat conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis. This surgery may be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). 

During lung surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest and removes the affected portion of the lung. In some cases, the entire lung may need to be removed. The surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes to check for the presence of cancer cells. 

Heart Transplant Surgery 

Heart transplant surgery is a type of surgery that involves replacing a diseDuring heart transplant surgery, the patient's diseased heart is removed and replaced with a healthy heart from a donor. This surgery is typically reserved for patients with end-stage heart failure who have not responded to other treatments. 

Recovery After Cardiothoracic Surgery 

Recovery after cardiothoracic surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the patient's overall health. In general, patients can expect to spend several days in the hospital following surgery, during which time they will be closely monitored by medical staff. 

After being discharged from the hospital, patients will need to follow a strict recovery plan that may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. It is important for patients to follow their doctor's instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. 

In summary, cardiothoracic surgery is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the treatment of conditions related to the chest, including the heart, lungs, and other organs. Cardiothoracic surgeons perform a range of surgical procedures, including open-heart surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, lung surgery, and heart transplant surgery. Recovery after cardiothoracic surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the patient's overall health, but following a strict recovery plan is important for a successful outcome. 

Top Cardiothoracic Surgeon In Milwaukee, WI