Cardiothoracic (kar-dee-oh-theh-RA-sik) surgery is the surgical specialty that treats diseases and problems of the heart and chest with surgery.
A cardiothoracic surgeon is a doctor who does surgery to treat problems that affect the heart and chest.
Cardiothoracic surgeons diagnose and treat:
They do many different medical procedures, including:
Cardiothoracic surgeon training includes:
They also might do a fellowship in a subspecialty such as pediatric or transplant cardiothoracic surgery or cardiac surgery. A “fellow” is a doctor who undergoes more specialty training after completing medical school and a residency.
Cardiothoracic surgeons diagnose and treat problems in all organs of the chest including the lungs, esophagus, and heart. Cardiac surgeons get extra training in a fellowship and focus on problems of the heart.
Reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts
Date Reviewed: Sep 5, 2022