What is the role of a cardiac surgeon in a heart transplant?
Cardiac surgeons play a crucial role in heart transplant surgeries. They are responsible for removing the diseased heart from the recipient and implanting the healthy donor heart. They carefully connect the blood vessels and ensure proper functioning of the transplanted heart. Post-transplant, cardiac surgeons monitor the patient's progress and make necessary adjustments to medications and treatment plans.
What conditions do cardiac surgeons treat?
Cardiac surgeons are skilled in treating a wide range of heart conditions. These may include coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders (such as aortic valve stenosis or mitral valve regurgitation), congenital heart defects (present from birth), heart failure, aneurysms, and arrhythmias. They perform surgeries like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, congenital heart defect repairs, and heart transplantations.
What are the qualifications required to become a cardiac surgeon?
Becoming a cardiac surgeon requires extensive education and training. Typically, individuals complete a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school to obtain a medical degree (MD or DO). After medical school, aspiring cardiac surgeons undergo a rigorous residency program in general surgery, which usually lasts five to seven years. Subsequently, they pursue a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery, specializing in cardiac surgery.