General Heart Procedures

Approximately 90% of my surgical practice involves heart valve surgery and other forms of complex heart surgery. 

The following list represents the common sub-specialties within the field of cardiothoracic surgery:

  • Adult Cardiac Surgery
  • Thoracic Oncology (Lung Cancer, Tumors of the Chest)
  • Pediatric Cardiac Surgery (also known as “Congenital Heart Surgery”)
  • Heart and Lung Transplant Surgery

In fact, it is rare these days for cardiothoracic surgeons to combine more than one of these sub-specialties into their practice.

Most of the procedures I perform at this point in my career are in the category of “Adult Cardiac Surgery.”

Click on any of the common heart operations below to learn more:

ANEURYSMS

An aneurysm is a dilatation of an artery.  Aneurysms can occur in any artery in the body.

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CORONARY BYPASS

Defined as “a surgical procedure to restore normal blood supply to the heart,” this surgery is necessitated when there is a hardening of the arteries, a condition for which there are many possible causes.

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HEART TRAUMA

One of the most serious injuries that we see to the cardiovascular system is a blunt injury to the aorta, causing it to literally tear in half.

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HEART VALVES

The internal anatomy of the heart is fascinating. There are four chambers of the heart. In order to go from one chamber to the next, the blood must travel across valves that keep the blood moving forward.

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POSTOP CARE

For the first couple of hours after surgery you’re going to be fairly sleepy.  Most patients will remain on the ventilator (breathing machine) until they are awake and strong. 

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ARRHYTHMIA

Defined as “a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm,” arrhythmias are caused by a variety of electrical problems that can occur due to aging, heart attacks, and even congenital heart disease.

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HEART DEFECTS

There are many congenital heart defects.  The term “congenital” refers to the fact that these defects occur during development of the embryo and as such are present at birth.  Unfortunately, these defects are not always recognized immediately at birth.

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HEART TUMORS

Heart tumors can be either benign or malignant.  Approximately 70% of primary heart tumors are benign and 30% are malignant.  Unfortunately, the heart can also be the site of metastatic tumors from other sites.

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LASER SURGERY

Using a carbon dioxide laser in a procedure known as Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (TMR), we will literally make holes in the heart muscle in hopes of increasing the blood supply to the muscle.

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The Amazing Structure of the Heart:

Out of all the organs in the body, the human heart is one of the hardest working and plays a critical role in keeping us alive. Phil Dolcemascolo, MS, PA-C, cardiothoracic surgery physician assistant at Einstein, explains the anatomy of the human heart and how it works (originally posted on Einstein Health). 

Cardiac Cycle: 

The amazing heart undergoes a complex sequence of organized events, just about every second of every day, known as “the cardiac cycle.” The contraction of the upper chambers, known as the atria, precede that of the pumping chambers, known as the ventricles.
 
When a chamber fills with blood, we refer to that as diastole. When the chamber ejects blood, we refer to it as systole. This orchestrated series of events occurs synchronously due to microscopic electrical channels, known as “the conduction system” of the heart.
 
All of this combines into maintaining our blood pressure, which changes with exercise, and can be monitored on ECG and pressure tracings, as shown in the video below.
 
Even with modern scientific advances, such as the implantable ventricular assist devices, no technology has yet to be developed that is as magnificent as the original design and function of our hearts!
 

 

Heart disease: 

Heart disease can attack anyone of any age. Below you can view a short video where I discuss how important it is to talk to your doctor regularly and get your yearly physical:

 

Heart Healthy Tips:

Did you know that walking an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by 35% and Type 2 diabetes by 40%?

Walking is in many ways “the wonder drug.” It reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. It helps you manage your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. It can prevent and control diabetes. It can reduce your risk of developing some cancers. It helps maintain your bone density, improves your balance, and most of all improves your daily mood!

 

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