Recommended cardiac surgeons

A cardiac surgeon is a doctor specialized in operations on the heart and major blood vessels of the chest. While clinical cardiologists treat heart problems with medications and less invasive procedures, the cardiac surgeon focuses on complex surgical interventions, such as bypass grafts and valve replacements. They diagnose, plan and perform surgeries that can save lives in severe cases of cardiovascular diseases, helping to restore cardiac function and improve patients' quality of life.

Warning signs to seek a cardiac surgeon

Intense chest pain that radiates to the left arm, neck or jaw can be a clear sign that your heart is not functioning properly. Persistent shortness of breath during daily activities and leg swelling are also signs of serious heart problems. These conditions, when ignored, can evolve into potentially fatal complications.

Frequent palpitations, unexplained fainting or a diagnosis of a heart condition that has not responded to clinical treatment are situations that require evaluation by a cardiac surgeon as soon as possible. The earlier the problem is evaluated, the greater the chances of treatment success and complete recovery.

Diseases treated by cardiac surgeons

The cardiac surgeon treats diseases that directly affect the heart and major vessels, being a specialist in conditions that require surgical intervention for correction or improvement.

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become blocked by fatty plaques. In advanced cases, myocardial revascularization surgery (bypass graft) may be necessary.

Valvulopathies

Valvulopathies are diseases that affect heart valves, preventing their proper functioning. The cardiac surgeon can perform repairs or replacements of damaged valves, restoring normal blood flow.

Aortic aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms are abnormal dilations of the body's largest artery, which can rupture causing severe hemorrhage. Early surgical treatment is essential to prevent fatal complications.

Congenital heart diseases

Congenital heart diseases are heart malformations present from birth. Many of these conditions require surgical correction in childhood or adult life to ensure proper heart function.

How cardiac surgeons perform treatments

Treatments performed by cardiac surgeons vary according to the patient's specific condition and the severity of cardiovascular disease. Learn about the main procedures:

Myocardial revascularization surgery

Popularly known as bypass graft, this surgery creates detours around blocked coronary arteries. The procedure reestablishes adequate blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing angina symptoms and preventing heart attacks.

Valve surgery

Involves repair or replacement of damaged heart valves. The surgeon can repair the patient's own valve or replace it with a biological or mechanical prosthesis, depending on specific needs and general health condition.

Aortic surgery

In cases of aortic aneurysms or dissections, the cardiac surgeon replaces the damaged portion of the artery with a synthetic graft. This procedure is crucial to prevent fatal ruptures and restore the integrity of the body's largest artery.

Heart transplant

When the heart is irreversibly damaged and other treatment options have been exhausted, heart transplantation may be the only alternative. This complex procedure involves complete replacement of the diseased heart with a healthy organ from a compatible donor.

The importance of prevention: the role of the cardiac surgeon

The role of the cardiac surgeon goes beyond operations; they also educate patients about modifiable risk factors. Guidelines on balanced nutrition, regular physical exercise and smoking cessation help prevent the development or worsening of heart diseases.

The cardiac surgeon also acts in post-operative follow-up and early identification of complications. Strict control of blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes are examples of essential care after cardiac procedures. This constant monitoring is fundamental to ensure long-term treatment success.

The impact of heart health on general health

Scientific studies prove that heart health is directly linked to quality of life and longevity. Untreated cardiovascular diseases can affect practically all body systems, compromising kidney, brain and metabolic functions. This occurs because the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to all organs, and any deficiency in this process impairs the proper functioning of the organism.

Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial not only to avoid cardiac surgeries, but also for mental health, physical disposition and functional capacity. Properly caring for cardiovascular health means investing in quality of life as a whole, preventing limitations and ensuring healthier aging.

When to seek a cardiac surgeon?

It is recommended to consult a cardiac surgeon when your clinical cardiologist identifies a condition that may require surgical intervention. This usually happens after detailed imaging exams that reveal severe obstructions in coronary arteries or structural problems in the heart.

If you have a strong family history of heart disease or present persistent symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath on exertion or significant swelling, do not hesitate to seek specialized evaluation. The earlier you consult a specialist, the greater the chances for less invasive treatments and better results.

How to find a trustworthy cardiac surgeon

Finding a qualified cardiac surgeon is determining factor for treatment success. When choosing a professional, verify their experience in specific procedures for your condition. An excellent way to do this is to consult the AvaliaMed platform, which offers detailed physician evaluations and opinions from other patients. This information helps identify surgeons with high satisfaction rates and proven results.

Also look for a cardiac surgeon affiliated with centers of excellence in cardiology. Hospitals with specialized cardiac surgery programs usually have multidisciplinary teams and cutting-edge technology, providing greater safety and better clinical outcomes for complex procedures. AvaliaMed is an essential tool to ensure you choose the best professional for your case.

The evolution of cardiac surgery: new technologies and techniques

Cardiac surgery has advanced significantly with the development of minimally invasive techniques that reduced surgical trauma. Robotic procedures allow complex surgeries to be performed through small incisions, resulting in less post-operative pain and faster recovery.

3D intraoperative imaging and augmented reality technologies have revolutionized surgical planning, enabling precise simulations before intervention. These tools help surgeons visualize complex anatomical structures with unprecedented detail, increasing procedure precision and reducing operative risks.

Latest generation ventricular assist devices are becoming viable options for patients with advanced heart failure. These mechanical devices can assist blood pumping, functioning as a "bridge" to transplant or as definitive therapy for those who are not candidates for heart transplant.

Training and specialization of cardiac surgeons

To become a cardiac surgeon, the professional needs to complete medical graduation, general surgery residency and specific specialization in cardiovascular surgery. This advanced training usually takes 10 to 12 years after medical school.

During specialization, the physician acquires meticulous technical skills in complex procedures such as extracorporeal circulation, myocardial revascularization techniques and valve repairs. Continuous training is imperative, since technological and surgical innovations in the field are constantly evolving.

Relationship between cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology

Cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology are complementary areas in modern cardiology. Many cases that previously necessarily required open surgery can now be treated with less invasive percutaneous procedures, such as angioplasties or transcatheter valve implants.

The cardiac surgeon and interventional cardiologist frequently work as a team, especially in complex cases requiring multidisciplinary evaluation. This approach known as "Heart Team" allows defining the most appropriate treatment strategy for each patient, considering risks, benefits and individual particularities.

Cardiac surgery and pregnancy: special care

During pregnancy, physiological changes can decompensate previously stable heart diseases or reveal conditions that were previously silent. Recent studies demonstrate that cardiac surgeries during pregnancy, although challenging, can be performed safely in specialized centers.

Recommendations for pregnant women with heart problems

Cardiological evaluation before conception is fundamental for women with known heart diseases. Follow-up by a multidisciplinary team that includes obstetrician, cardiologist and cardiac surgeon throughout pregnancy minimizes risks for both mother and baby, enabling timely interventions when necessary.

Digital cardiac surgery: precise planning and execution

Digital cardiac surgery has revolutionized how procedures are planned and executed. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the patient's heart based on CT scans allows the surgeon to virtually simulate each step of the operation, anticipating technical difficulties and defining the best surgical strategy.

Image-guided intraoperative navigation systems allow surgeons to visualize delicate cardiac structures in real time even through small incisions. This approach increases precision in complex procedures, such as mitral valve repairs and congenital heart disease corrections.

Post-surgery cardiac rehabilitation

After cardiac surgery, rehabilitation is essential to ensure full recovery and return to daily activities. This structured process involves supervised progressive physical exercises, specialized nutritional guidance and psychological support to deal with emotional aspects of recovery.

The cardiac rehabilitation program is personalized according to each patient's specific needs, considering the type of surgery performed and associated clinical conditions. Studies demonstrate that patients who actively participate in these programs have lower hospital readmission rates and better long-term quality of life.

Psychological impact of cardiac surgery

The emotional aspect of cardiac surgery often receives less attention than technical issues, but is equally important for complete recovery. Anxiety and depression symptoms are common in patients undergoing major cardiac surgeries, potentially affecting treatment adherence and quality of life.

The modern cardiac surgeon recognizes the importance of psychological support integrated with medical care. Stress management techniques, support groups and, when necessary, psychiatric follow-up are recommended as part of the recovery protocol to improve clinical results and ensure emotional well-being.

Advances in implantable cardiac devices

The integration between cardiac surgery and biomedical engineering has produced increasingly sophisticated devices to treat complex cardiac conditions. Latest generation defibrillators and pacemakers are MRI compatible and offer remote monitoring, allowing early detection of problems even before the patient presents symptoms.

Implantable ventricular assist devices have become viable options for advanced stages of heart failure, functioning as "artificial hearts" that assist blood pumping. Some newer models are fully implantable, eliminating the risk of infections associated with external cables and substantially improving patients' quality of life.

Why choose AvaliaMed to consult a cardiac surgeon

Finding the ideal cardiac surgeon can be a challenge, but with the AvaliaMed platform the process becomes simple and reliable. The platform brings together highly qualified professionals with detailed evaluations from previous patients, allowing you to make informed decisions about your cardiac health.

AvaliaMed carefully verifies the credentials and specialties of each registered cardiac surgeon, ensuring you have access only to professionals with adequate training and proven experience in the procedures you need. Through genuine evaluations from other patients, you can know the real care experience even before scheduling your consultation.

In addition to facilitating the search for the best cardiac surgeon for your specific case, AvaliaMed offers detailed information about care locations, accepted health plans and schedule availability, making consultation scheduling an uncomplicated and transparent process.