Cardiothoracic Surgery

What conditions can cardiothoracic surgery treat?

Our distinguished team of specialists can use cardiothoracic surgery to help treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• valve replacement
• chest wall deformities (pectus excavatum and carenatum)
• rib fractures
• lung and chest wall cancers
• emphysema
• sweaty hands/armpits (hyperhidrosis)
• facial blushing (erythrophobia)

What is cardiothoracic surgery, and how does it work? 

Cardiothoracic surgeons help treat problems with organs inside your chest, usually the heart, lungs, and oesophagus.

There are several types of cardiothoracic surgeries, many of which are minimally invasive, using technologically advanced machines that allow our surgeons to work through small incisions. This technique helps you recover more quickly. 

Some machines can even adjust to changes in your body during the procedure — for example, syncing with your heartbeat to make surgery smoother and more precise.

While these surgeries can be lengthy and intricate, our specialist facility houses high-tech equipment for use during and after the procedure while you recover in intensive care. 

Our coordinated care approach ensures cardiothoracic surgeons collaborate closely with other specialists like cardiologists, oncologists, anaesthetist, perfusionists (who manage heart-lung machines) and intensive care teams.

What can I expect from a cardiothoracic procedure?

Here is a general step-by-step guide to what you can expect from your treatment.

1. Consultation: Our specialists will meet with you to discuss your condition and determine whether cardiothoracic surgery is right for you. They will explain the process and potential risks in further detail. They will also advise on how to prepare for the procedure.

2. Preoperative testing: Before your surgery takes place, we'll ensure your suitability for the procedure, checking your overall health alongside tests such as blood work and imaging scans.

3. Anaesthesia: You will have general anaesthesia and be in a sleep-like state during the surgery. An anaesthesiologist will monitor and care for you throughout.

4. Incision: Depending on the type of surgery, the surgeon may make an incision through your chest bone or between your ribs to access your heart or lungs. 

5. Repair and incision closure: The surgeon will perform the necessary repair or replacement. They may use a heart-lung bypass machine, which takes over the function of your heart and lungs to allow the surgeon to operate more precisely. Once complete, they will close the incision with stitches or staples. 

6. Postoperative care: You will usually begin recovery in our specialist intensive care facility for close monitoring. We will also provide any further care you need for the surgery and help you with pain management. 

Why choose us for cardiothoracic surgery?

You will benefit from personalised care that meets your needs and we make sure your wellbeing and recovery are key.

Our multidisciplinary team comprises a group of medical professionals specialising in different areas of expertise. Depending on your condition, your team will include highly skilled cardiothoracic surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and other specialists such as cardiologists and oncologists. We work together to provide your care, sharing best practices and innovative methods.

Our in-house cardiothoracic procedures and specialist aftercare ensure a consistent and streamlined experience.

Find out more about cardiothoracic surgery

If you have any questions about cardiothoracic surgery or would like to schedule a consultation, you can contact us in the following ways:

Call: +44 (0) 20 3311 7700
Email: imperial.private.healthcare@nhs.net