Understanding Cardiothoracic Surgery

We often think of cardiothoracic surgery as just heart surgery, but it encompasses so much more than that. Learn more about this broad specialty and the important work cardiothoracic surgeons do to keep us well.

What is a cardiothoracic surgeon?

Cardiothoracic surgeons train in general surgery first and then spend an additional two to three years learning how to surgically treat diseases that affect the chest organs, which include the heart, lungs and esophagus.

What conditions do cardiothoracic surgeons commonly treat?

While cardiothoracic surgeons can have different areas of expertise, the conditions they most commonly treat are coronary artery disease, valve disease, aortic aneurysms and lung cancer. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in men and women. The most advanced cases are commonly treated through bypass surgery. Cardiothoracic surgeons also treat diseases affecting the opening and closing of the heart’s four valves, most commonly aortic and mitral valves. This can be done by either repairing or replacing the heart valves. Aneurysms of blood vessels in the chest, tumors of the heart and atrial fibrillation are also cardiac conditions that can be treated surgically. In the non-cardiac field, cardiothoracic surgeons treat one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the United States: lung cancer. Fortunately, the advancements in surgical treatment for lung cancer, as well as advancements in radiation therapy and medication, are bringing new hope for patients diagnosed with this disease.

How do cardiothoracic surgeons partner with other medical providers?

Primary care doctors might refer their patients to a cardiothoracic surgeon if they notice an abnormal chest X-ray, CT scan or heart test. However, patients are typically referred to cardiothoracic surgeons by cardiologists, medical doctors who specialize in diseases of the heart, or pulmonologists, medical doctors who specialize in diseases of the chest such as lung cancer and emphysema. When these doctors find a patient who has a disease they believe needs surgical correction, they will refer them to a cardiothoracic surgeon who will meet the patient, review their tests and work together with their doctor to determine the best treatment plan.

In St. Charles County, cardiothoracic surgeons are now available at the cardiology clinic at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. While cardiothoracic surgery is still performed at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, the cardiothoracic surgeons can see new and established patients for consults and follow-up care, with access to on-site cardiac testing should it be needed. The presence of cardiothoracic surgeons at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital allows patients to be seen closer to their home and their primary care doctors and cardiologists in St. Charles County.

Michael Mauney, MD, is a cardiothoracic surgeon with an office on the campus of Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. For more information, call 636.928.WELL.

Learn more about heart care in St. Charles County: BJC.org/Heart