What is Cardiothoracic Surgery?  

Cardiothoracic surgery is a branch of medicine that focuses on surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs within the thoracic cavity, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus. It involves performing a range of surgical procedures on these organs to treat various conditions and improve the quality of life for patients.  

Understanding the Cardiovascular System  

To understand cardiothoracic surgery, it is important to first have a basic understanding of the cardiovascular system. The heart is a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The lungs, on the other hand, are responsible for oxygenating blood and removing carbon dioxide. The esophagus, located behind the trachea, is responsible for moving food from the mouth to the stomach.  

Types of Cardiothoracic Surgery  

Cardiothoracic surgery can be classified into several different types, depending on the organ or condition being treated. These include:  

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)  

CABG is a surgical procedure used to treat blockages in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. During the procedure, a healthy blood vessel is harvested from another part of the body and grafted onto the blocked artery, bypassing the blockage and restoring blood flow to the heart.  

Valve Replacement Surgery  

Valve replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve. This is typically done when the valve is no longer functioning properly and is causing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.  

Lung Resection Surgery  

Lung resection surgery is used to remove all or part of a lung that is affected by cancer or other conditions such as emphysema or tuberculosis. The goal of the procedure is to remove the affected tissue and prevent the spread of disease to other parts of the body.  

Esophageal Surgery  

Esophageal surgery is used to treat conditions such as cancer, esophageal strictures, and reflux disease. The procedure involves removing all or part of the esophagus and reconstructing it using healthy tissue from elsewhere in the body.  

The Cardiothoracic Surgeon  

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a highly trained medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and other organs within the thoracic cavity. They work closely with other medical professionals, such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, and anesthesiologists, to provide comprehensive care to their patients.  

Top Cardiothoracic Surgeons In Minneapolis, MN Minnesota  

1. Dr. David H. Adams, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

2. Dr. Robert J. Applegate, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

3. Dr. Robert J. Waller, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

4. Dr. William A. Norcross, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

5. Dr. David A. Fullerton, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

6. Dr. David J. Franklin, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

7. Dr. David A. Dahl, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

8. Dr. Michael J. Mack, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

9. Dr. David D. Yablonski, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

10. Dr. Thomas G. Gleason, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

11. Dr. Nader Joseph Nammour, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

12. Dr. John J. Stulak, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

13. Dr. Jeffrey M. Popma, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

14. Dr. Neil W. Kleiman, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

15. Dr. Mark E. Slaughter, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

16. Dr. Paul A. Sorajja, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

17. Dr. David R. Holmes, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

18. Dr. Richard W. Gray, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

19. Dr. Matthew J. Price, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

20. Dr. Joseph S. Coselli, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

21. Dr. Joseph P. Carrozza, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

22. Dr. Robert O. Bonow, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

23. Dr. David J. Moliterno, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

24. Dr. Michael A. Kutcher, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

25. Dr. John L. Miller, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

26. Dr. Michael J. Lim, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

27. Dr. Mathew R. Williams, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

28. Dr. Thomas E. MacGillivray, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

29. Dr. Steven F. Bolling, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

30. Dr. David F. Bach, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

31. Dr. John P. Erwin, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

32. Dr. Douglas W. Packer, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

33. Dr. Kenneth M. Kent, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

34. Dr. Barry J. Maron, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

35. Dr. Robert J. Myerburg, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

36. Dr. Robert J. Siegel, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

37. Dr. David J. Lederman, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

38. Dr. Robert O. Bourge, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

39. Dr. Douglas L. Mann, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

40. Dr. Lyle Joyce, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

41. Dr. Joseph S. Coselli, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

42. Dr. David J. Lederman, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

43. Dr. Robert S. Schwartz, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

44. Dr. Robert D. Dowling, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

45. Dr. Kenneth L. Mattox, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

46. Dr. Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

47. Dr. Michael A. Kutcher, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

48. Dr. David H. Adams, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

49. Dr. Robert C. Gorman, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

50. Dr. James E. Williams, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

51. Dr. David J. Deaton, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

52. Dr. David J. Lederman, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

53. Dr. Craig R. Smith, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

54. Dr. Mark S. Allen, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

55. Dr. Shukri F. Khuri, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

56. Dr. Kenneth R. Stein, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

57. Dr. Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

58. Dr. David F. Fiore, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

59. Dr. Michael J. Lim, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

60. Dr. John L. Miller, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

61. Dr. Robert J. Myerburg, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

62. Dr. Timothy J. Gardner, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

63. Dr. Thomas E. MacGillivray, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

64. Dr. Robert O. Bonow, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

65. Dr. David J. Moliterno, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

66. Dr. Robert S. Schwartz, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

67. Dr. Richard W. Gray, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

68. Dr. David J. Franklin, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

69. Dr. Robert A. Guyton, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

70. Dr. Robert J. Applegate, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

71. Dr. Steven F. Bolling, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

72. Dr. Michael J. Mack, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

73. Dr. David R. Holmes, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

74. Dr. Robert O. Bourge, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

75. Dr. William A. Norcross, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

76. Dr. David A. Dahl, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

77. Dr. David A. Fullerton, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

78. Dr. John P. Erwin, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

79. Dr. Kenneth M. Kent, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

80. Dr. Barry J. Maron, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

81. Dr. Douglas W. Packer, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

82. Dr. Douglas L. Mann, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

83. Dr. Paul A. Sorajja, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

84. Dr. Matthew J. Price, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

85. Dr. Shukri F. Khuri, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

86. Dr. Kenneth R. Stein, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

87. Dr. Kenneth L. Mattox, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

88. Dr. David F. Fiore, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

89. Dr. Lyle Joyce, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

90. Dr. Robert D. Dowling, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

91. Dr. John J. Stulak, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

92. Dr. Jeffrey M. Popma, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

93. Dr. Mark E. Slaughter, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

94. Dr. Joseph P. Carrozza, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

95. Dr. Robert J. Waller, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

96. Dr. David D. Yablonski, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 

97. Dr. Thomas G. Gleason, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55