Cardiothoracic Surgery: Scope, Procedures, and Training

Cardiothoracic surgery (thoracic surgery) is the surgical specialty treating organs within the thoracic cavity:

• Heart and great vessels (aorta, pulmonary arteries/veins)
• Lungs and pleura
• Esophagus
• Mediastinum and chest wall
• Diaphragm

Common Procedures

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Valve repair/replacement (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary)
• Aortic aneurysm/dissection repair
• Lung resection (lobectomy, pneumonectomy) for cancer
• Esophagectomy for cancer
• Heart/lung transplantation
• Minimally invasive (VATS, robotic) and hybrid approaches

Training Pathway (U.S.)

1. Medical school (4 years)
2. General surgery residency (5–7 years) OR integrated cardiothoracic residency (6 years)
3. Optional fellowship (congenital, transplant, aortic, minimally invasive)
4. Board certification: American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgeons manage complex, life-threatening conditions requiring advanced technical skill and perioperative judgment.