Cardiothoracic surgery Cardiothoracic
Surgery of the heart, valves, aorta, lungs and mediastinum.
Who is usually sent here
Almost always by referral from cardiology or respiratory medicine, once a diagnosis and full imaging exist.
What this specialty does NOT cover
Not where a chest pain work-up begins. Diagnosis belongs to cardiology; this specialty discusses intervention once the problem is defined.
What a first visit usually involves
An assessment of operative risk based on heart, lungs, kidneys and general condition, then a detailed discussion of benefit and harm.
Bring with you
The whole cardiac file, angiography results, a medicine list, and a family member.
Worth asking
- What is the risk of this operation in my case
- Is there a less invasive option
- How many cases like mine does this centre do each year