What is Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Cardiothoracic surgery is a specialised field of surgical medicine that focuses on surgical interventions involving the heart, lungs, oesophagus, and other organs within the chest cavity. It encompasses a wide range of procedures aimed at diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Cardiothoracic surgery can be categorised into three main subspecialties, including cardiac, thoracic, and congenital surgery.
Cardiac surgery, also known as cardiovascular surgery, encompasses a range of surgical procedures performed on the heart and major blood vessels, such as the aorta and vena cava. Its primary objectives are to repair damaged heart structures, implant medical devices to support heart function, and address various heart conditions. Common adult cardiac surgery procedures include open-heart surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart transplant, and minimally invasive techniques. The goal of cardiac surgery is to alleviate symptoms, minimise the risk of future cardiac events, and extend patients' lives.
Thoracic surgery, on the other hand focuses on surgical interventions within the chest region, excluding the heart and major blood vessels. It involves treating organs such as the lungs, oesophagus, trachea, and chest wall. Thoracic surgery addresses various conditions including lung cancer, benign and malignant tumours in the lungs, oesophageal cancer, achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux, mesothelioma, lung infections, chest reconstruction following significant trauma or prior surgeries, hyperhidrosis, pleural diseases, lung transplantation for end-stage lung diseases, and procedures to correct airway narrowing in the trachea. Patients who undergo thoracic surgery can experience relief from symptoms and restoration of normal organ or structural function.
Congenital cardiac surgery specialises in correcting heart defects that are present from birth in infants and young children. These defects can involve abnormalities in the heart's internal walls, valves, and arteries and veins responsible for blood circulation. Examples of congenital heart defects include transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defects, hypoplastic left or right heart syndrome, atrial septal defects, and coarctation of the aorta. Early surgical correction of these defects helps minimise the impact of chronic illness and offers long-term solutions. Congenital cardiac surgery requires the expertise of highly specialised surgeons due to its complex nature and is dedicated to improving the health of young patients.
Common Cardiothoracic Conditions
Cardio surgery:
- Coronary artery diseases
- Heart valve blockage or leaks
- Aneurysms in large arteries
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
Thoracic surgery:
- Lung cancer
- Tumours and benign growths in the lungs
- Oesophageal cancer
- Achalasia
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Mesothelioma
- Lung infections
- Chest reconstruction after major trauma or surgery
- Hyperhidrosis
- Pleural diseases
- Lung transplantation for end-stage lung diseases
- Tracheal resection or stent insertion for airway narrowing
Congenital cardiac surgery:
- Transposition of the great arteries
- Ventricular septal defects
- Hypoplastic left or right heart syndrome
- Atrial septal defects
- Coarctation of the aorta
Cardiacthoracic Procedures
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) – involves creating new pathways for blood to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle
- Heart Valve Repair or Replacement – repairs or replaces damaged or diseased heart valves, restoring normal blood flow and function
- Aortic Aneurysm Repair – involves repairing or replacing a weakened or bulging section of the aorta to prevent the risk of rupture
- Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (TMR) – a technique used to improve blood flow to areas of the heart with reduced blood supply by creating channels using laser energy
- Lung Resection – involves the removal of a portion of the lung affected by conditions such as lung cancer, tumours, or infections
- Oesophageal Surgery – a surgical procedure to treat oesophageal conditions, such as cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or achalasia
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair – repairs or replaces aneurysms occurring in the thoracic portion of the aorta
- Thoracoscopic Surgery – also known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), is a minimally invasive technique to operate on the chest cavity using small incisions and specialized tools
- Lobectomy – involves the removal of a lobe of the lung, commonly performed to treat lung cancer or other lung diseases
One of the Best Centre for Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Malaysia
Expertise and Specialisation
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our expert cardiothoracic surgeons are at the forefront of this intricate discipline in Malaysia, providing exceptional care and surgical expertise to patients with a diverse array of cardiac and thoracic conditions. Our commitment to excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and multidisciplinary approach makes us a premier choice for individuals seeking top-notch cardiothoracic surgical care.
Our team of cardiothoracic surgeons employ the latest advancements in medical technology and techniques to ensure optimal outcomes for patients. This includes surgeons who can be called cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons, thoracic surgeons, and congenital heart surgeons.
Whether it is a life-saving coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, lung resection, oesophageal surgery, or any other cardiothoracic procedure, our surgeons have the skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional results.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Our approach to cardiothoracic surgery extends beyond the operating room. We believe in comprehensive, patient-centred care that spans from pre-operative evaluation to post-operative rehabilitation. Our team collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, anaesthesiologists, and critical care specialists, to provide a seamless continuum of care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive personalised treatment plans tailored to their specific needs, with a focus on optimising heart surgery outcomes and enhancing overall well-being.
Advanced Facilities
At Prince Court Medical Centre, patient safety and comfort are our top priorities. We adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety protocols to minimise the risk of complications and promote a smooth recovery process. Our state-of-the-art operating theatres, advanced monitoring systems, and dedicated intensive care units are designed to provide a secure and supportive environment for patients throughout their cardiothoracic surgical journey.
Choosing cardiothoracic surgery at Prince Court Medical Centre means choosing excellence, expertise, and personalised care. Our commitment to innovation, patient-centred approach, and highly skilled surgical team ensure that you receive the highest standard of care for your cardiovascular or thoracic condition. We are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health, improve your quality of life, and restore your vitality.