Who is a Cardiac Surgeon? Let's talk about this in detail!

Have you ever thought about becoming a heart surgeon? Who exactly is a Cardiac Surgeon and what do they do? Perhaps these questions have come to mind when one of your family members or friends has to undergo such a heart surgery. Today, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is Cardiac Surgery?

Okay, let's first look at what cardiac surgery is. Simply put, this is any type of surgery that is performed on your heart or the major blood vessels that connect to it. Sometimes, even the tissues or structures closest to the heart can be involved in these surgeries. Think about it, the heart is an amazing organ in our body. We all know how important it is to keep it working properly. So when there is a problem with it, sometimes medication alone is not enough, and surgery is required.

What are the different types of heart surgeons?

Now let's see if there are different specialties among these cardiac surgeons. Yes, they can be divided into two main groups. Although their work has many similarities and connections, there are also some differences that are big enough to group them separately.

Cardiothoracic surgeon

One type is the cardiothoracic surgeon. Sometimes they are called `( Cardiothoracic Surgeon (also known as a "cardiothoracic surgeon") or "general thoracic surgeon". The name comes from a Greek word meaning "chest". As the name suggests, these surgeons specialize in surgeries on the many organs and tissues inside the chest cavity. This includes the heart and its major blood vessels, the lungs, the tube that goes from your mouth to your stomach, called the "esophagus", and the windpipe, called the "trachea".

However, some thoracic surgeons choose to focus only on diseases involving the heart, the sac around the heart (pericardium), and the major blood vessels of the heart. Others may focus only on problems in the chest, excluding the heart and major blood vessels.

Congenital/pediatric heart surgeon

The other type is the congenital heart surgeon, or pediatric heart surgeon. They are also called `(Congenital heart surgeon)` or `(Pediatric heart surgeon)`. As the name suggests, they focus on correcting structural defects or abnormalities in the heart that are present at birth. This can include things like problems with the heart valves, holes in the walls between the heart chambers, etc. Imagine how complicated it would be if a small baby was born with a heart problem.

Some surgeons specialize in performing these surgeries on adults. This is because sometimes a person is diagnosed with congenital heart disease even after they are adults. However, other surgeons are specially trained to perform these surgeries on young children, infants, and newborns . In fact, their field is very specialized. There are very few pediatric heart surgeons compared to heart surgeons who only treat adults.

How much does it take to study to become a heart surgeon?

Imagine how much time and effort it takes to become a heart surgeon! It is truly a great commitment. It takes at least 15 years to complete the education and training. If you go into some specialty areas of heart surgery, it can take more than 20 years.

Look at what they need to complete:

• It usually takes three to four years to complete a bachelor's degree ( BAC helor's degree).
• After that, you need to study for four years in medical school (to get a ``Medical doctor`` or ``Doctor of osteopathic medicine degree``).

Then, you need to choose one of these two:

• A five-year general surgery residency and an additional two or three years of cardiothoracic surgery residency.
• Or, a six-year integrated cardiothoracic surgery residency (ICTSR).

If someone chooses to become a congenital heart surgeon, they also have to complete an additional year of special training (a `Fellowship`). Look at that dedication!

What kind of diseases does a cardiac surgeon treat?

Cardiac surgeons can treat any disease, condition, or injury that requires surgery. This can range from injuries from accidents—think car crashes, stabbings, or gunshot wounds—to damage to the heart from disease or correcting a condition that someone was born with. Some common conditions that require a cardiac surgeon include:

• Heart valve diseases.
• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias).
• Heart failure.
• Conditions such as aortic dissection.
• Congenital heart diseases, such as holes between the heart chambers, such as `(Ventricular septal defect)` and `(Atrial septal defect)`.

What surgeries do cardiac surgeons perform?

Cardiac surgeons perform a variety of surgeries and procedures, including:

• `Maze procedure` (This is a surgery performed on people with irregular heartbeats).
• Coronary artery bypass grafting, as we all know it, is called ``Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)`` or bypass surgery .
• Congenital heart surgeries.
• Heart valve repair and replacement procedures.
• Implantation of special devices [for example, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). However, these can sometimes be performed by a doctor who specializes in electrophysiology].
• Surgery for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Heart transplants.

Now, surgeons are trained in different ways to perform the same type of surgery. That is, they can choose the method that best suits the patient. Some of these methods are:

Special surgical techniques

• Minimally invasive surgery: These are similar to regular open surgery, but use much smaller incisions and specialized surgical instruments. Think about it, smaller incisions heal faster, there's less pain, less bleeding, and generally lower risk, right?
• Robot-assisted surgery: A specially trained surgeon can perform surgery using a robot. The surgeon sits at a console next to the operating table in the operating room and 'operates' the robot. The robot uses instruments attached to various arms. The robot also has a special camera that is inserted into the body through a single incision. These cameras allow the surgeon to see inside the body clearly, often in ``3-D'' (as we see with our eyes). In addition, the robot allows the surgeon to move instruments inside the body more easily and rotate them more than they can by hand (some instruments can rotate 360 ​​degrees, which is much more than a surgeon's wrist can).

What are the responsibilities of a cardiac surgeon?

Now, do you think that a heart surgeon only does surgery? No, that's not the case. Their many duties also include:

• Documentation: Cardiac surgeons need to keep records of the surgeries they perform. They need to create detailed reports of what they did. This is very important.
• Teaching: Many cardiac surgeons work in teaching hospitals. This means that while they care for patients, they also teach future doctors and surgeons about heart surgery and how it affects patients.
• Training: These surgeons train together with other doctors, surgeons, and operating room staff. Just like actors practice in a `dress rehearsal` before a play. Then, when the actual surgery is done, everything can go smoothly and safely.
• Continuing Education: Every doctor needs to continue learning and training. Depending on the country and state they live in, surgeons have different levels of requirements to meet. If they don't meet them, they can lose their license to practice medicine. This includes rigorous `board certification` education and exams. Some exams can take hours, even days!

Why should you see a heart surgeon? What to expect?

Heart surgery is usually a very serious procedure. It is often done when there is no better option. That is, when there is no other way that can help you and is safe.

In most cases, you will have time to learn about the heart surgery you will need, what to expect, and how to prepare for it in advance.

However, in emergencies, you may need to have heart surgery right away without any delay. In such cases, the surgeon will talk to your family, loved ones, or someone who can speak for you and make medical decisions. The surgeon will try their best to help them understand what is happening, why you need surgery, and what to expect.

Do you need a referral to see a heart surgeon?

Yes, to see a cardiac surgeon, you almost always need a ``Referral``. That referral usually comes from a cardiologist or another specialist. This is because another specialist or doctor must first diagnose a condition or problem that requires surgery. In an emergency, a doctor or specialist on duty can discuss your condition with the cardiac surgeon on duty, assess your condition, recommend options, and suggest the best course of treatment for you.

Finally, things to remember

Having to undergo heart surgery can be a scary and overwhelming experience. But, fortunately, you don't have to go through it alone. Behind every patient who needs heart surgery is a large team of healthcare providers and professionals. This includes technicians, support staff, nurses, specialists, and surgeons.

Becoming a heart surgeon is a big commitment. It's a demanding and challenging profession. Only the best can get there. That means you have a team of dedicated, skilled, trained, educated, and passionate medical professionals with you to help you, heal you, and get you back to your life. So take heart!

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