Adult Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery: An Overview

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery helps to improve problems related to the heart, lungs, chest, and blood vessels. This type of surgery is essential for saving lives and improving the quality of life for people with various heart and lung issues.

What is Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS)?

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) is a medical field that focuses on treating the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels in your chest. It is considered a specialized area of surgery performed for conditions like coronary artery disease, leaking heart valves, aortic aneurysms, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure. Many patients have recovered from heart-related issues and are now living normal lives.

Why is Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Performed?

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) is performed to treat problems related to the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. These surgeries are performed for many reasons:

• Heart Problems

• Coronary Artery Disease: If the heart’s blood vessels are blocked, a surgery called coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is done to restore blood flow.
• Heart Valve Disorders: When heart valves are damaged, surgery is performed to repair and replace them, which helps the heart pump better and reduces symptoms like chest pain and breathlessness.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Some people are born with heart defects, and surgery helps correct these for the heart can work normally.
• Heart Failure: In severe cases, a heart transplant and a special device, Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), may be used to save the patient’s life.

• Lung Problems

• Lung Cancer: Lung cancer surgery is performed to remove part of your lung affected by cancer, which cures the disease and reduces symptoms.
• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections: If the main artery in the chest (aorta) becomes weak and damaged, surgery helps to repair it and prevent dangerous complications.
• Pulmonary Conditions: In some serious lung problems like infections, blood clots, and fluid around the lungs, surgery may be needed.

• Vascular (Blood Vessel) Problems

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): If blood flow to the legs is poor, surgery and stents are used to improve circulation, reduce pain, and prevent serious damage.
• Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections: This type of surgery is performed to repair weak and torn parts of the aorta to prevent rupture and heavy bleeding.
• Carotid Artery Disease: If the neck arteries are blocked with plaque, surgery removes it to lower the risk of stroke.

• Transplants

• Heart-Lung Transplants: When these organs fail, doctors can transplant healthy donor organs to save the patient's life, which helps to reduce symptoms, prevent serious health risks, and increase survival.

Benefits of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS)

• Improved Blood Flow
• Enhanced Heart Function
• Reduced Risk of Complications
• Faster Recovery Time
• Improved Cosmetic Outcomes
• Potential for Pain Reduction

Complications of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS)

• Bleeding
• Thrombus
• Organ Damage
• Leakage from surgical sites
• Infection
• Stroke
• Chest pain
• Anesthesia complication
• Heart attack

Conclusion

Cardiothoracic and vascular surgery plays a crucial role in treating vascular diseases, providing hope and healing for many people around the world. Although there are some risks involved, the benefits and positive results highlight its importance in improving heart health and overall well-being. With ongoing advancements and caring support, vascular surgeons are helping to create healthier and happier lives for their patients.

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