List of Cardiothoracic Surgeon near me in Walnut creek

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a highly trained specialist who performs surgeries on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs within the chest. These surgeons are responsible for treating a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, lung cancer, and other complex disorders that affect the thoracic (chest) cavity. Cardiothoracic surgeons play a critical role in improving the lives of patients by restoring normal function to vital organs, often through life-saving procedures. Their expertise, combined with advanced surgical techniques, helps patients recover from some of the most serious conditions affecting the chest. Conditions Treated by Cardiothoracic Surgeons Cardiothoracic surgeons treat a variety of conditions related to the heart and lungs, including: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): One of the most common reasons for cardiothoracic surgery. Surgeons perform coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to improve blood flow to the heart by rerouting blood around blocked arteries. Heart Valve Disease: Conditions such as aortic stenosis or mitral valve prolapse are treated by repairing or replacing damaged heart valves through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection: These life-threatening conditions occur when the wall of the aorta (the body's main artery) weakens or tears, requiring surgical intervention to prevent rupture or severe complications. Lung Cancer: Cardiothoracic surgeons remove cancerous tumors from the lungs through procedures like lobectomy or pneumonectomy, often working closely with oncologists as part of a cancer treatment plan. Congenital Heart Defects: Surgeons correct heart defects present at birth, such as septal defects (holes in the heart) or valve malformations, to improve heart function and quality of life. Thoracic Tumors: This includes surgery for tumors of the esophagus, mediastinum (the area between the lungs), or chest wall. Arrhythmias: Cardiothoracic surgeons may perform procedures like the Maze procedure or insert pacemakers to treat abnormal heart rhythms that dont respond to medication. Types of Cardiothoracic Procedures Cardiothoracic surgeons are trained to perform a variety of complex and often delicate procedures, including: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): One of the most common heart surgeries, where blocked coronary arteries are bypassed using veins or arteries taken from other parts of the body. Heart Valve Repair and Replacement: Surgeons repair or replace malfunctioning heart valves, either through traditional open-heart surgery or using minimally invasive techniques like transcatheter procedures. Lung Surgery: Procedures such as lobectomy, wedge resection, or pneumonectomy are used to remove lung tissue affected by cancer or other diseases. Thoracic Aortic Surgery: Surgeons repair aneurysms or dissections of the thoracic aorta using grafts to strengthen or replace weakened sections of the artery. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Using smaller incisions and advanced technology like robotic surgery, cardiothoracic surgeons perform complex procedures with less impact on the body, resulting in shorter recovery times and reduced pain. Preoperative and Postoperative Care Cardiothoracic surgery often requires comprehensive care both before and after the procedure. Cardiothoracic surgeons work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation specialists, to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. Preoperative care typically involves diagnostic imaging, heart function tests, and thorough risk assessments to plan for a safe and effective surgery. Postoperative care includes monitoring in the ICU, pain management, and physical rehabilitation to help patients regain strength and function.