A cardiothoracic surgeon is commonly referred to as a heart surgeon.
Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in surgical procedures involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs within the chest cavity. Their expertise covers a broad range of conditions, from heart valve replacements and heart transplants to the treatment of lung and esophageal cancers. Therefore, when someone mentions a "heart surgeon," they are typically referring to a cardiothoracic surgeon who has further specialized in cardiac surgery.
The following is a breakdown of the role:
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: This encompasses surgeries on the heart, lungs, and other chest organs.
- Cardiac Surgery: This is a specialization within cardiothoracic surgery focusing specifically on the heart and its related structures.
In short, while all cardiac surgeons are cardiothoracic surgeons, not all cardiothoracic surgeons are cardiac surgeons. Some may specialize in lung or esophageal surgery instead. However, the term "heart surgeon" implies a focus on cardiac procedures.
