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What is Cardiothoracic?

Cardiothoracic speciality is a medical speciality that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the heart, lungs, and other organs and tissues located in the chest or thorax region of the body. Cardiothoracic surgeons are the medical professionals who specialize in this field. They are responsible for performing surgical procedures on the heart, lungs, and other thoracic organs using various techniques and technologies.

Some of the common conditions that cardiothoracic surgeons treat include coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and congenital heart defects. They may also perform heart transplants, lung transplants, and coronary artery bypass surgery. Cardiothoracic surgeons work closely with other healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, and critical care specialists, to provide comprehensive care to patients with thoracic diseases and disorders. The cardiothoracic specialty is a vital and complex field of medicine that plays a crucial role in improving the health and well-being of patients with thoracic diseases and disorders.

Symptoms of Cardiothoracic Conditions

Here are some common symptoms of cardiothoracic conditions:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
  • High blood pressure or low blood pressure
  • Bluish discoloration of lips or nails (cyanosis)
  • Rapid breathing or shallow breathing
  • Fever, chills, or sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Chest tightness or pressure
  • Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit.

It's important to note that these symptoms may vary depending on the specific cardiothoracic condition, and not all individuals with these conditions will experience them. You should get medical attention immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

Reasons For Heart and Lung Defects

Various reasons can cause heart and lung defects, including:

  • Genetic Factors :

    Certain genetic mutations or abnormalities can lead to congenital heart defects and other inherited disorders that affect the heart and lungs.

  • Environmental Factors :

    Exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, or radiation during pregnancy can increase the fetus's risk of heart and lung defects.

  • Maternal Health :

    Poor maternal health during pregnancy, such as uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of heart and lung defects in the developing fetus.

  • Infections :

    Certain infections, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, or Zika virus, can cause congenital heart and lung defects if contracted during pregnancy.

  • Medications :

    Certain medicines and seizure medications, may sometimes lead to a higher risk of heart and lung abnormalities in the developing fetus.

  • Lifestyle Factors :

    Smoking, drinking alcohol, taking illegal drugs and unhealthy lifestyle might increase the risk of heart and lung abnormalities.

  • Other Medical Conditions :

    Certain conditions, such as Down syndrome, can increase the risk of congenital heart and lung defects.

Treatments Available

Cardiothoracic treatments and procedures refer to medical interventions that focus on the heart and chest, including the lungs and the blood vessels. Some common treatments and procedures performed under cardiothoracic include:

  • Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery :

    This is a surgical procedure that involves rerouting blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery in the heart.

  • Valve repair or replacement surgery :

    This procedure involves repairing or replacing damaged heart valves that are not functioning properly.

  • Congenital heart defect repair :

    This surgery is performed on infants and children born with heart defects to correct the abnormality and improve heart function.

  • Lung surgery :

    This procedure may removing a portion of a lung or a complete lung or treating lung cancer.

  • Aortic aneurysm repair :

    An aortic aneurysm is a bulging of the aortic wall, the body's major artery. The repair involves either open surgery or minimally invasive procedures, such as endovascular stent grafting, to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing.

  • Lung cancer surgery :

    Surgery may be recommended to remove lung tumors in cases where chemotherapy or radiation therapy is insufficient.

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome surgery :

    This surgery is performed to relieve the compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the chest that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms.

  • Heart transplant :

    This surgical procedure replaces a failing heart with a healthy donor heart.

  • Ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation :

    This mechanical device is placed in the chest to assist the heart in pumping blood.

  • Cardiac catheterization :

    This treatment includes inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood artery to diagnose and treat cardiac problems.

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) :

    This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is used to open blocked or constricted coronary arteries.

  • Electrophysiology studies and ablation :

    These procedures involve studying the heart's electrical activity and using heat or cold energy to correct abnormal heart rhythms.

  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) :

    This temporary life-support system provides oxygen to the body when the lungs or heart are not functioning correctly.

Diagnostic Tests

Cardiothoracic diagnostic tests are medical procedures performed to evaluate the function and structure of the heart, lungs, and other organs within the chest. Some of the most common diagnostic tests performed under cardiothoracic include:

  • Echocardiogram :

    A non-invasive test that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart's chambers, valves, and blood vessels.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) :

    A non-invasive test that measures the heart's electrical activity to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm or function.

  • Cardiac stress test :

    A test that evaluates the heart's response to physical activity or stress, usually performed on a treadmill or stationary bike.

  • Chest X-ray :

    A non-invasive imaging diagnostic used to detect problems in the heart, lungs, and other organs within the chest.

  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan :

    A non-invasive imaging test that produces detailed images of the heart, lungs, and other organs within the chest using X-rays and computer technology.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging :

    A non-invasive imaging technique that produces detailed pictures of the heart, lungs, and other organs within the chest using a magnetic field and radio waves.

  • Pulmonary function test :

    A non-invasive test that evaluates lung function and capacity by measuring the amount of air you can inhale and exhale and how efficiently your lungs transfer oxygen into your bloodstream.

  • Cardiac catheterization :

    This test involves inserting a catheter into the heart to measure blood flow and pressure. It can help diagnose heart valve problems, coronary artery disease, and other heart-related conditions.
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