Focuses on treating heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, valve disorders, and congenital heart defects.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

When is it done?

To treat coronary artery disease (CAD) caused by blocked or narrowed arteries that restrict blood flow to the heart.

Process:

A healthy blood vessel (graft) is taken from the leg, arm, or chest and used to bypass the blocked artery, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.

Heart Valve Repair or Replacement

When is it done?

To treat damaged or malfunctioning heart valves that disrupt blood flow, such as valve stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage).

Process:

Valves are either repaired or replaced with artificial (mechanical) or biological (tissue) valves through open-heart or minimally invasive surgery.

Aortic Aneurysm Repair

When is it done?

To treat an enlarged or weakened section of the aorta, which could rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding.

Process:

The damaged part of the aorta is replaced with a synthetic graft to strengthen the vessel wall.

Arrhythmia Surgery (e.g., Maze Procedure)

When is it done?

To correct irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, that cannot be managed with medications or ablation therapy.

Process:

Small incisions or ablations are made in the heart tissue to create scar tissue, which blocks abnormal electrical signals and restores normal rhythm.

Heart Transplant

When is it done?

For end-stage heart failure when other treatments fail, and a donor heart is available.

Process:

The diseased heart is removed and replaced with a healthy donor heart.

Congenital Heart Surgery

When is it done?

To correct structural heart defects present at birth, such as holes in the heart or abnormal blood vessel connections.

Process:

The defect is repaired using patches, grafts, or surgical reconstruction to restore normal heart function.

Thoracic Surgery

Involves procedures on the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall to treat cancer, trauma, or infection.

Lung Resection

When is it done?

To treat lung cancer, lung infections, cysts, or severe emphysema.

Types:

Lobectomy: Removal of one lung lobe.

Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung.

Segmentectomy: Removal of a specific lung segment.

Process:

An incision is made through the chest (thoracotomy), or small incisions are used in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) or robotic surgery. Diseased tissue is removed, and the incision is closed.

Esophagectomy

When is it done?

To treat esophageal cancer or severe esophageal damage (e.g., from Barrett’s esophagus or injury).

Process:

Part or all of the esophagus is removed and reconstructed using a section of the stomach or colon. Surgery can be done via open or minimally invasive techniques.

Thoracotomy

When is it done?

For diagnosis or treatment of conditions like chest trauma, tumors, or infections.

Process:

A large incision is made along the chest to access the lungs, heart, or pleural space for treatment.

Pleurodesis

When is it done?

To treat recurrent pleural effusion (fluid buildup) or pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

Process:

Chemicals or talc are introduced into the pleural space to adhere the lung to the chest wall, preventing fluid or air buildup.

Thymectomy

When is it done?

To remove the thymus gland in cases of thymoma (thymus cancer) or myasthenia gravis.

Process:

The thymus is removed through a sternotomy (chest incision) or minimally invasive surgery.

Chest Wall Resection and Reconstruction

When is it done?

To treat chest wall tumors or deformities.

Process:

Diseased bone or tissue is removed and reconstructed using synthetic materials or muscle grafts to restore chest stability.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

When is it done?

For diagnostic purposes or treatment of lung cancer, pleural diseases, or infections.

Process:

Small incisions are made to insert a camera and surgical instruments, enabling minimally invasive procedures with less pain and faster recovery.

Mediastinal Surgery

When is it done?

To remove tumors or cysts in the mediastinum (area between the lungs).

Process:

Open or minimally invasive techniques are used to access and remove the growth.

Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery

Uses small incisions and advanced technology for less invasive procedures, leading to quicker recovery.

Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

When is it done?

Performed to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. It is considered when fewer grafts are needed or for patients with isolated blockages.

Process: Small incisions (2-3 inches) are made on the left side of the chest between the ribs.

A robotic or endoscopic-assisted technique may be used to harvest a healthy artery or vein for the graft. The surgeon connects the graft to the blocked artery to bypass the obstruction, restoring blood flow. The heart-lung machine is often not required (off-pump surgery).

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement

When is it done?

To treat mitral valve disease, including regurgitation (leaking valve) or stenosis (narrowed valve). This is done when the valve causes symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart failure.

Process: Small incisions (2-4 inches) are made in the chest or between the ribs. A specialized camera (thoracoscope) and robotic instruments are inserted to access the mitral valve.

Repair: The valve is reshaped, or torn parts are fixed using sutures.

Replacement: A damaged valve is removed and replaced with a mechanical or biological valve.

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement (Mini-AVR)

When is it done?

To replace a damaged or narrowed aortic valve causing restricted blood flow. This is done for patients with aortic stenosis or regurgitation.

Process: A small incision is made near the upper chest (mini-sternotomy) or between the ribs. Using advanced tools, the surgeon accesses the aortic valve and removes the diseased valve. A new mechanical or tissue valve is implanted. This approach reduces blood loss and recovery time compared to open-heart surgery.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

When is it done?

Performed for conditions in the chest cavity, such as lung cancer (early-stage tumors), lung biopsies, pleural effusion, or to remove damaged lung tissue.

Process: Several small incisions are made in the chest wall. A thoracoscope (tiny camera) is inserted through one incision, allowing the surgeon to view the chest cavity on a monitor. Special instruments are inserted through the other incisions to remove the tumor, tissue, or fluid. VATS avoids the need for a large chest incision (thoracotomy).

Robotic-Assisted Cardiothoracic Surgery

When is it done?

Used for various procedures, including valve repairs, coronary bypasses, and removing tumors. It’s chosen for precision in complex cases requiring delicate maneuvers.

Process: Small incisions are made in the chest, through which robotic arms and cameras are inserted. The surgeon controls the robotic system from a console, allowing for high-precision movements.

The robotic tools enable the surgeon to repair valves, bypass arteries, or remove tumors with minimal trauma.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

When is it done?

Used to replace a narrowed aortic valve (aortic stenosis) in high-risk or elderly patients who are not ideal candidates for open-heart surgery.

Process: A catheter is inserted through the groin (femoral artery) or chest. The new valve is delivered through the catheter and placed over the existing damaged valve. Once positioned, the new valve expands and begins functioning immediately, improving blood flow.

Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy

When is it done?

To treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in the hands, face, or underarms, or to manage certain nerve-related chest conditions.

Process: Small incisions are made in the chest wall, and a thoracoscope is inserted to locate the sympathetic nerves. The problematic nerve pathways are clipped or cut to reduce sweating.