What Is The Difference Between A Cardiac Surgeon And A Thoracic Surgeon?

What is the difference between a Cardiac Surgeon and a Thoracic Surgeon? 

Have you ever wondered the difference between cardiac and thoracic surgeons? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably no. But it’s an important distinction to make, especially if you or a loved one needs heart or lung surgery.

Cardiac and thoracic surgeons operate on the heart and chest area, but their areas of expertise and training differ. A cardiac surgeon specializes in surgeries that involve the heart and its blood vessels. In contrast, a thoracic surgeon focuses on surgeries of the lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest cavity.

The heart and lungs are two of the most vital organs in the body, responsible for keeping us alive and functioning properly. So, it’s crucial to have a skilled and experienced surgeon on your side when it comes to surgery on these organs. You can find more detailed information about the heart and its functions at the American Heart Association website.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the differences between cardiac and thoracic surgeons, including their education, training, and areas of expertise. We’ll also explore some common procedures each type of surgeon performs and the conditions they treat.

By the end of this post, you’ll better understand the distinction between these two types of surgeons and be better equipped to make informed decisions about your healthcare. So, let’s get started and discover what sets cardiac and thoracic surgeons apart!

What Is a Cardiac Surgeon and What Does It Treat?

What is the difference between a Cardiac Surgeon and a Thoracic Surgeon? First, a cardiac surgeon is a specialized doctor who performs surgical procedures on the heart and its blood vessels. They are also known as cardiovascular surgeons or cardiothoracic surgeons, as their expertise extends to surgeries involving the chest cavity.

Cardiac surgeons are highly trained medical professionals who undergo extensive education and training to be able to perform complex surgeries on the heart and blood vessels. It includes a bachelor’s degree in a pre-medical field, followed by four years of medical school and several years of residency training in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery. More about their training can be found at the American Board of Thoracic Surgery website.

Cardiac surgeons are trained to treat a wide range of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and congenital heart defects. They use a variety of surgical techniques, such as open-heart surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery, to treat these conditions.

Some common procedures cardiac surgeons perform include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, heart transplant surgery, and surgery for congenital heart defects. CABG involves creating a new pathway for blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery in the heart, while valve repair or replacement surgery is done to fix or replace a damaged heart valve. Heart transplant surgery involves replacing a diseased heart with a healthy heart from a donor. In contrast, surgery for congenital heart defects corrects abnormalities in the heart that were present at birth.

Cardiac surgeons work closely with other members of a patient’s healthcare team, such as cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care. They are also involved in patients’ pre-operative and post-operative care, monitoring their recovery and ensuring that they receive appropriate follow-up care.

In summary, a cardiac surgeon is a highly trained medical professional who performs surgical procedures on the heart and its blood vessels to treat a variety of heart conditions. They use a range of surgical techniques to perform procedures such as CABG, heart valve repair or replacement, heart transplant surgery, and surgery for congenital heart defects.

What are the Types of Cardiac Surgery?

Several types of cardiac surgeries can be classified based on the specific procedure and technique used.

Some of the common types of cardiac surgery include:

1. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): This type of surgery involves creating a new pathway for blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery in the heart. The surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery.
2. Heart valve repair or replacement: This type of surgery is done to fix or replace a damaged heart valve. Age, disease, or other factors can damage heart valves. The surgeon can repair or replace the damaged valve with an artificial one.
3. Heart transplant surgery: This is a procedure that involves replacing a diseased heart with a healthy heart from a donor. This surgery is usually reserved for patients with end-stage heart failure who have not responded to other treatments.
4. Aortic surgery: This type of surgery involves repairing or replacing the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic surgery may be necessary due to an aneurysm (a bulge in the artery) or a dissection (a tear in the artery).
5. Arrhythmia surgery: This surgery is done to correct irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. The surgeon can use various techniques, such as ablation (destroying the tissue causing the arrhythmia) or implanting a pacemaker to correct the arrhythmia.
6. Congenital heart defect surgery: This type of surgery is done to correct heart abnormalities present at birth. The surgery may involve repairing a hole in the heart, correcting a narrowed or blocked blood vessel or other procedures to correct the defect.

These are just a few examples of the types of cardiac surgery that a cardiac surgeon may perform. The specific procedure and technique used will depend on the patient’s individual condition and needs.

What Is a Thoracic Surgeon and What Does It Treat?

What is the difference between a Cardiac Surgeon and a Thoracic Surgeon? On the other hand, a thoracic surgeon is a specialized doctor who performs surgical procedures on the organs and tissues located in the chest cavity, including the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall. They are also known as thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons, as their expertise extends to surgeries involving the heart and blood vessels.

Thoracic surgeons are highly trained medical professionals who undergo extensive education and training to perform complex surgeries on the chest and its contents. It includes a bachelor’s degree in a pre-medical field, followed by four years of medical school and several years of residency training in general surgery and thoracic surgery.

Thoracic surgeons are trained to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the chest cavity’s organs and tissues. These conditions may include lung cancer, esophageal cancer, chest wall tumors, and pleural diseases such as mesothelioma. They also treat conditions such as emphysema, lung infections, and pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

Some of the common procedures performed by thoracic surgeons include lung resection surgery (such as lobectomy or pneumonectomy), minimally invasive thoracic surgery (such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or VATS), and esophagectomy (surgery to remove part or all of the esophagus). These surgeries may be done to remove tumors, repair damaged tissues, or improve breathing function.

Thoracic surgeons work closely with other members of a patient’s healthcare team, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care. They are also involved in patients’ pre-operative and post-operative care, monitoring their recovery and ensuring that they receive appropriate follow-up care.

What Are the Thoracic Surgery Types

Thoracic surgery involves a variety of procedures that aim to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that affect the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall.

Here are some common types of thoracic surgery:

1. Lung Resection Surgery: This type of surgery involves the removal of a portion of the lung. It can be done to treat lung cancer, benign tumors, and infections or to improve breathing function in patients with severe lung diseases.
2. Esophagectomy: This surgery removes part or all of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. This procedure may be necessary to treat esophageal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, or other conditions affecting the esophagus.
3. Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): This minimally invasive surgical technique involves making small incisions in the chest wall and inserting a camera and surgical instruments to perform the surgery. VATS can be used for various procedures, including lung biopsies, lung resection surgery, and pleural procedures.
4. Thoracotomy: This is a traditional open surgery involving a large incision in the chest to access the organs and tissues in the thoracic cavity. It may be necessary for complex or advanced cases where minimally invasive techniques are not feasible.
5. Mediastinoscopy: This procedure involves making a small incision in the neck to access the mediastinum, the space between the lungs that contains the heart, esophagus, and major blood vessels. Mediastinoscopy may be used to diagnose and stage lung cancer and other mediastinal tumors or lymphomas.
6. Chest Wall Resection: This surgery is performed to remove tumors or other abnormalities of the chest wall, which can include the ribs, sternum, and other bones and tissues that make up the chest wall.

What Is the Difference Between a Cardiac Surgeon and a Thoracic Surgeon in Diagnosing and Managing Diseases and Conditions?

While both cardiac surgeons and thoracic surgeons are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in surgeries related to the chest cavity, there are some key differences in the conditions they diagnose and manage.

A cardiac surgeon specializes in surgeries that involve the heart and blood vessels. They are trained to diagnose and treat conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, and aneurysms in the blood vessels. Some common cardiac surgeon procedures include coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, and aortic aneurysm repair.

On the other hand, a thoracic surgeon specializes in surgeries involving the organs and tissues in the chest cavity, including the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall. They are trained to diagnose and treat conditions such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, chest wall tumors, and pleural diseases such as mesothelioma. Some common procedures a thoracic surgeon performs include lung resection surgery, minimally invasive thoracic surgery, and esophagectomy.

While there is some overlap between the conditions treated by cardiac and thoracic surgeons, some key differences exist in the surgical techniques and approaches. For example, cardiac surgery often involves the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, a technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery.

In contrast, thoracic surgery often involves using minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which use small incisions and a camera to perform surgery.

In terms of diagnosis, cardiac surgeons may use a variety of tests and imaging techniques to evaluate the function and structure of the heart, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, and cardiac catheterization. Thoracic surgeons may use imaging techniques such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans to evaluate the chest cavity and diagnose conditions such as lung cancer and pleural diseases.

In summary, while both cardiac surgeons and thoracic surgeons are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in surgeries related to the chest cavity, they differ in the conditions they diagnose and manage, as well as the techniques and approaches used in surgery. Cardiac surgeons specialize in surgeries involving the heart and blood vessels, while thoracic surgeons specialize in the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall.

Other Differences Between Cardiac Surgeons and Thoracic Surgeons

In addition to the differences mentioned above, there are several other distinctions between cardiac and thoracic surgeons.

Firstly, the training and education required to become a cardiac surgeon versus a thoracic surgeon are slightly different. To become a cardiac surgeon, one must complete medical school and then undergo a residency in general surgery followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery. Thoracic surgeons, on the other hand, typically complete a residency in general surgery followed by a fellowship in thoracic surgery.

Another difference is in the types of patients that each surgeon typically sees. Cardiac surgeons often treat older patients with heart disease or structural abnormalities, while thoracic surgeons may treat patients of all ages with conditions such as lung cancer or esophageal cancer.

The surgical procedures performed by each type of surgeon also differ in duration and complexity. Cardiac surgeries can often take several hours to complete. They may involve the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, while thoracic surgeries may take less time and may be performed using minimally invasive techniques such as VATS.

The risks and potential complications of each type of surgery also differ. Cardiac surgeries carry the risk of bleeding, infection, stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmia, while thoracic surgeries carry the risk of complications such as air leaks, pneumonia, and nerve damage.

Finally, the recovery process following surgery may differ between cardiac and thoracic surgeries. Patients who undergo cardiac surgery may require a longer hospital stay and a longer rehabilitation period before returning to normal activities. Patients undergoing thoracic surgery may have a shorter hospital stay and recovery period but may still require rehabilitation to regain strength and lung function.

While there are many similarities between cardiac and thoracic surgeons, there are also several key differences in their training, patient populations, surgical procedures, and recovery processes.

Can You Become a Cardiac Surgeon and Thoracic Surgeon at the Same Time?

While it is possible to specialize in cardiac and thoracic surgery, it is rare for surgeons to practice both specialties simultaneously.

Both cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery are highly specialized fields that require significant training and expertise to perform surgeries safely and effectively. Surgeons tend to focus on one specialty to develop their skills and knowledge to the highest level possible.

To become proficient in cardiac and thoracic surgery, a surgeon must complete the required training and residency programs for both specialties. This would involve a significant investment of time and effort and a rigorous examination process to become certified in both fields.

Additionally, simultaneously practicing both specialties could be challenging, as each field requires a high level of focus and expertise to achieve successful patient outcomes. It is, therefore, more common for surgeons to specialize in one field or the other rather than attempting to practice both simultaneously.

What Is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a medical doctor specializing in surgical procedures involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest cavity. This is a highly specialized field that requires extensive training and experience.

Cardiothoracic surgeons may perform a wide range of procedures, including heart bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, lung cancer surgery, lung transplant, esophageal surgery, and other complex surgical procedures.

These surgeons work closely with other medical professionals, such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, and anesthesiologists, to develop and implement treatment plans for patients with complex cardiac and thoracic conditions.

To become a cardiothoracic surgeon, a medical doctor must complete a residency in general surgery, followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery. This involves several years of specialized training in surgical techniques and patient care, as well as the development of skills in communication and collaboration with other medical professionals.

Cardiothoracic surgeons play a critical role in treating and managing complex cardiac and thoracic conditions, using their expertise and training to provide patients with the best possible outcomes.

At What Age Do You Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

Becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon requires significant education and training, which typically takes several years after completing undergraduate studies.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, aspiring cardiothoracic surgeons must first attend medical school, which typically takes four years. Following medical school, they must complete a residency in general surgery, which typically takes five to seven years. This residency includes rotations in various surgical specialties, including cardiothoracic surgery.

After completing a residency in general surgery, aspiring cardiothoracic surgeons must complete a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery, which typically takes two to three years of specialized training in surgical techniques and patient care.

Given the time required to complete the necessary education and training, most cardiothoracic surgeons begin their careers in their late 30s or early 40s. However, the exact age at which one becomes a cardiothoracic surgeon can vary depending on individual factors such as the duration of medical school, residency, and fellowship training, as well as any gaps in training due to personal or professional reasons.

The Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary

The salary of a cardiothoracic surgeon can vary depending on various factors such as experience, geographic location, employer, and level of expertise. On average, cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States earn a median annual salary of around $448,000, according to salary data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

However, some cardiothoracic surgeons earn much more than this, especially those who work in large cities or specialized hospitals. Factors such as years of experience, additional certifications, and specialized training in certain surgical procedures can also affect salary.

In addition to their base salary, cardiothoracic surgeons may also be eligible for bonuses or incentives based on performance, patient outcomes, or other factors. They may also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

While the salary of a cardiothoracic surgeon can be substantial, it is important to note that becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon requires many years of education and training, and the work can be highly demanding. Cardiothoracic surgeons must also stay updated with the latest surgical techniques and medical advancements to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.

How to Find a Cardiothoracic Surgeon Near Me?

To find a cardiothoracic surgeon near you, you can follow these steps:

1. Ask your primary care physician or specialist for a referral to a cardiothoracic surgeon. They may recommend a surgeon who has experience treating patients with conditions similar to yours.
2. Check with your insurance provider to see which cardiothoracic surgeons are in your network. You can usually find a list of providers on your insurance company’s website or by calling their customer service line.
3. Use online directories such as Healthgrades, ZocDoc, or Vitals to search for cardiothoracic surgeons in your area. These directories allow you to search by location, specialty, and other criteria to find a surgeon who meets your needs.
4. Contact local hospitals or medical centers to ask for a referral to a cardiothoracic surgeon. Many hospitals have dedicated cardiothoracic surgery departments, and the staff there may be able to recommend a surgeon who has experience treating patients with conditions similar to yours.
5. Ask friends or family members who have undergone cardiothoracic surgery for recommendations. They can share their experiences with a particular surgeon or hospital and offer valuable insights into the care they received.

Remember to do your research and take the time to find a cardiothoracic surgeon who has the experience and expertise needed to provide the best possible care for your specific condition.

Between a Cardiac Surgeon and a Thoracic Surgeon, Who Is More in Demand in the Industry in the US According to Surveys?

According to the 2021 Medscape Cardiologist Compensation Report, Cardiac Surgeons are in higher demand than Thoracic Surgeons in the US. The report shows that Cardiac Surgeons are among the highest-paid specialists, with a median salary of $585,000 per year, compared to Thoracic Surgeons, with a median salary of $463,000 yearly.

The report also highlights that there is currently a shortage of Cardiac Surgeons in the US, with a 15% vacancy rate for open positions. This shortage is expected to increase in the coming years as the demand for cardiac surgery continues to grow due to an aging population and the increasing prevalence of heart disease.

On the other hand, there is less demand for Thoracic Surgeons, and the job market for these specialists is considered competitive. Thoracic surgery is a more specialized field that deals with a narrower range of conditions, possibly contributing to lower demand.

It is worth noting, however, that the demand for both Cardiac Surgeons and Thoracic Surgeons may vary depending on factors such as geographic location and the specific needs of individual hospitals and medical centers.

About Us:

We are a dedicated team of legal professionals specializing in physician contracts at Physician Contract Attorney. With years of experience in the healthcare industry, we deeply understand the challenges faced by physicians when navigating complex employment contracts. Our mission is to ensure that our clients are protected and well-represented. We focus on providing sound legal advice tailored to your unique needs, empowering you to negotiate your contract with confidence. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us today.