Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgeons

If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition that requires cardiothoracic surgery, you may feel many emotions.

You can count on our cardiothoracic surgeons and an experienced medical team at CHRISTUS Health to be with you through this process. A cardiothoracic surgeon, who focuses and specializes in chest surgeries within the heart, lungs, and other organs, will perform surgeries that address various forms of heart disease. 

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Cardiothoracic Surgeries for Various Heart Disease

Surgeries for Heart Conditions

Cardiac Surgeons Areas of Expertise

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Also called heart bypass surgery, CABG is the most common heart surgery. During the procedure, a surgeon takes a blood vessel from another part of your body and uses it to bypass the blocked coronary artery, creating a new route for blood to flow.
Heart Valve Replacement & Repair
When a cardiac patient needs a heart valve replacement or repair, our surgeons will either repair the damaged valve to restore proper function or replaces it with an artificial or biological valve.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Also called coronary angioplasty, PCI opens a narrow or blocked coronary artery. Using live X-rays as a guide, the surgeon threads a catheter through an artery up to your heart and inflates a balloon that unblocks the artery. Often, a stent is placed to hold the artery open.

How to Naturally Prevent Heart Disease

While cardiac surgery can often treat heart disease, you can lower your risk of needing a procedure by making lifestyle changes. Lower your heart disease risk with these tips.

  • Eat a healthy diet. Strive to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, and cut back on sodium and added sugars.
  • Stick to an exercise routine. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity per week.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about starting a weight-loss plan. Once you have reached your goal weight, follow smart habits to maintain it.
  • Manage health conditions. If you have a condition that puts you at higher risk for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, take your medications and follow your doctor’s advice.
  • Avoid all tobacco products. If you smoke, vape or use tobacco, then quit.

 

Robotic Surgery

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Robotic Surgery

Our three da Vinci Robotic Surgical Systems® are the most advanced robotic surgery minimally invasive technology in the world and our surgeons are leaders in this pioneering surgical technique that reduces pain, promotes shorter recovery time and faster healing.

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superDimension iLogic

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Superdimension ILogic

Also known as Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB)™, the superDimension i-Logic System extends the reach of the bronchoscope to regions deep in the lung. Through proprietary software and electromagnetic technology, the system takes advantage of natural airway access and enables physicians to locate small lung lesions for diagnostic testing and potential treatment.

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