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

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

An African-American family outsideCAD is the most common form of heart disease. With CAD, plaque builds up in the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart over time. Left untreated, CAD can lead to a heart attack.
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Heart Valve Diseases

A multi-generational family standing together on the patioThese affect the valves that control blood flow in and out of your heart. They include mitral valve prolapse, in which the mitral valve does not close tightly enough. They also include stenosis, when a valve fails to open widely enough.
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Cardiomyopathy

A multi-generational Latino family eating dinner togetherIn most cases, these heart muscle diseases cause the muscle to become thick, thin or stiff, making it harder for the heart to pump blood properly. Cardiomyopathy can lead to irregular heart rhythms and heart failure.
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Heart Arrhythmias

Two Asian grandparents with their grandson outsideWhen your heart races when you’re sitting still or you feel like you’re going to pass out after a sudden movement, you may have a heart condition called arrhythmia. Also known as an irregular heartbeat, arrhythmia is caused by interruptions in the electrical impulses that regulate blood flow.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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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