Cost of cardiac surgeon visit by state

What does a cardiac surgeon do?

A cardiac surgeon is a medical doctor that has received specialized training to perform surgery on the heart and the major vessels around the heart. Cardiac surgeons may specialize even further, focusing on specific conditions or patient populations—for example, a pediatric heart surgeon. 

Why do I need to see a cardiothoracic surgeon?

You would be referred to see a cardiothoracic surgeon by either your regular healthcare provider or a cardiologist. These providers would have identified a problem that requires surgery to treat or repair. If your condition is an emergency, they may consult a cardiothoracic surgeon once you are at a hospital. You might be referred to see a cardiothoracic surgeon if you have:

• Coronary artery disease
• Irregular heart rate or rhythm
• Damaged or diseased heart valves
• Congestive heart failure

What procedures do cardiac surgeons perform?

Cardiac surgeons perform several types of surgery on the heart and the major vessels surrounding it. Examples of these procedures include:

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Repairs of congenital heart conditions
• Heart valve repairs and replacements
• Placement of pacemakers or internal defibrillator devices
• Heart transplants

What is the difference between a cardiothoracic surgeon and a cardiovascular surgeon?

The difference between a cardiothoracic surgeon and a cardiovascular surgeon is that cardiovascular surgeons operate on the heart only. In contrast, cardiothoracic surgeons operate on other areas in the chest that are close to the heart—for instance, heart and lung transplants and aortic aneurysm repair.

Is a cardiothoracic surgeon a cardiologist?

A cardiothoracic surgeon is not a cardiologist. The major difference is that cardiothoracic surgeons perform surgery while cardiologists treat heart problems with medical management. Cardiologists will treat diseases like hypertension and heart rhythm problems.

Can a cardiologist perform surgery?

While cardiologists perform some procedures, they are different from those done by cardiothoracic surgeons. A cardiothoracic surgeon does the typical open-heart surgery you are probably thinking of. Cardiologists may perform the following procedures:

• Cardiac catheterizations
• Pacemaker implantation
• Heart stents