Thoracic Surgeon vs Cardiothoracic Surgeon: Key Differences

Key Takeaways:

• Thoracic surgeons treat problems with the lungs and chest, while cardiothoracic surgeons handle both heart and lung conditions.
• Since lung cancer and heart disease continue to be major global health concerns, there is an increasing need for these professionals.
• Both surgeons use advanced techniques, like minimally invasive surgery, and often work together on complicated cases.
• Students should think about their interests and goals when choosing between these careers, and programs like AUAMED can help them get started.

Thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeons are medical specialists who focus on the chest cavity and organs in this region of the body, and, as such, are essential in treating some of the most serious medical conditions. While thoracic surgeons deal with chest and lung conditions, cardiothoracic surgeons focus on conditions that impact both the heart and lungs. 

With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death worldwide and lung cancer the second most common type of cancer, there is an increasing demand for these specialists and their expertise. 

In this blog post, we will discuss the thoracic surgeon vs cardiothoracic surgeon debate, explaining key differences between the two specialties, treatment approaches, and career outlooks.

What is a Thoracic Surgeon?

Thoracic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in treating problems regarding the chest, i.e., the lungs, heart, esophagus, and other parts of the chest. Their role is vital in healthcare as they perform complex procedures such as heart bypass surgery, lung resections, esophageal repairs, etc. 

Some of the responsibilities of a thoracic surgeon include evaluating patients, developing tailored treatment plans, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Thoracic surgeons use advanced tools and techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, to treat serious chest conditions like lung cancer, heart valve disorders, and birth defects in the chest. 

What is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

Cardiothoracic surgeons are medical specialists who focus on surgeries of the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest cavity. They are indispensable in treating serious heart conditions like heart disease, lung cancer, and other thoracic problems through surgery.

A cardiothoracic surgeon performs complex and often life-saving procedures, like heart bypass surgery, valve replacements, lung removals, and repairing heart defects.  

Most procedures conducted by cardiothoracic surgeons are performed through advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures. These procedures are key to precise treatment and faster recovery for patients. 

Thoracic Surgeon vs Cardiothoracic Surgeon 

Knowing the difference between a thoracic surgeon and a cardiothoracic one is crucial for those considering a career in one of these fields. While there is overlap between these two roles, there are significant differences between the two. 

There are differences in the conditions they treat, the treatment methods they use, the education and training they need, as well as career opportunities and salaries. We will discuss all of these in more detail in the following paragraphs. 

Common health conditions

Both thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeons treat various chest-related conditions. Each type of surgeon has their own area of expertise, although there is some overlap in the conditions they treat. 

Thoracic Conditions

Thoracic surgeons treat lung cancer by removing tumors and the diseased part of the lung. This procedure is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation to ensure the best outcome. 

Another common health condition thoracic surgeons treat is traumas to the chest. These trauma can be injuries caused by accidents, e.g. broken ribs, punctured lungs, and internal bleeding. In these cases, patients require immediate surgical intervention to prevent complications like infection or organ damage. 

Thoracic surgeons also treat conditions like pleural effusion (fluid buildup) or pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining) to drain the fluid, reduce pain, and restore normal lung function. 

Cardiothoracic Conditions

On the other hand, typically treat heart valve disorders. In this case, a cardiothoracic surgeon repairs or replaces damaged heart valves that may be leaking or narrowed. This is done to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Cardiothoracic surgeons also treat patients with severe heart dysfunction who may need heart transplants or ventricular assist devices to support heart function.

Other treatments that cardiothoracic surgeons perform are pericardial diseases. With inflammation (pericarditis) or fluid buildup around the heart (pericardial effusion), cardiothoracic surgeons drain the excess fluid or remove part of the pericardium to relieve pressure on the heart to improve its function.

Treatment methods

The techniques thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeons use to treat their patients depend on the condition and the patient’s needs. Both types of surgeons use minimally invasive as well as traditional open surgeries in their practice. Here are some of the treatment methods they use:

Thoracic surgeons:

Thoracic surgeons use video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This is a minimally invasive surgery where a surgeon uses small cuts and a camera to treat lung cancer, remove tumors, or drain fluid. Minimally invasive techniques help patients heal faster.

They also use bronchoscopy and endoscopic techniques. Both of these are non-surgical techniques, meaning no cuts. The surgeon uses a thin flexible tube to look inside the airways, remove blockages, or extract tissue samples for testing.

Another common technique is that of thoracotomy, which is a traditional open surgery and is used for more complicated procedures. The surgeon makes a larger cut in the chest to remove large tumors or repair serious injuries. 

Cardiothoracic surgeons

On the other hand, cardiothoracic surgeons perform open-heart surgery. This is another traditional open surgery where the chest is opened to fix problems like blocked arteries or damaged heart valves to improve heart function.

Sometimes, patients need a heart or lung transplant if they’re too damaged and can’t work properly. Cardiothoracic surgeons are the go-to surgeons who replace these organs with new ones from donors.

Patients with irregular heartbeats need ablation procedures to help the heart beat normally again. Here, cardiothoracic surgeons come to the rescue as they have the medical capabilities to destroy small areas of the heart tissue that cause this problem.

Educational requirements

Becoming a thoracic or cardiothoracic surgeon requires years of education and training. The general education requirements are the same for both professions. First, you need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other similar science subjects. 

After that, you enter medical school, which typically takes 4 years to finish. The next step after medical school is enrolling for residency. Both aspiring thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeons must complete a general surgery residency, which takes around 5 years. 

After residency, the path for thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeons divides. Future thoracic surgeons have to complete a fellowship or specialized training in thoracic surgery, whereas future cardiothoracic surgeons complete a fellowship in heart and lung surgery. A fellowship usually takes 1-2 years to complete. 

Through its extensive curriculum, clinical rotations, and research opportunities, the American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUAMED) provides prospective thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeons with a solid medical foundation. 

Career and salary outlook

Both thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeons have excellent career and salary prospects. With the aging population and other factors contributing to the rise in heart and lung disease, like pollution, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles, the need for these specialists has grown over the years. The employment of surgeons, including thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeons, is expected to grow by 4% by 2033. 

In terms of salary, both these careers are among the highest paid in medicine. The average annual salary for thoracic surgeons is $543,960, whereas cardiothoracic surgeons make around $533,900 annually. The need for these specialists is expected to grow, and with it, the salary, especially with new medical technologies making treatments more advanced and effective. 

The Overlap Between Thoracic and Cardiothoracic Surgery

Though they are different specialties, thoracic and cardiothoracic surgery share a lot in common. As their name suggests, thoracic, i.e., relating to the thorax (chest), both these specialties treat problems in the chest area, e.g., lungs, heart, and esophagus. To treat these problems, they use many of the same techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures like VATS and traditional open surgery. 

Another important way these specialties overlap is through collaboration on complex cases. For example, if a patient has lung cancer that happens to be located near the heart, a thoracic and a cardiothoracic surgeon might work together to devise a plan and perform the surgery. 

Which One Should You Choose?

Given the fact that both fields, thoracic and cardiothoracic, are rewarding, choosing between them will depend on your interests and career goals. If you are interested in treating heart and lung conditions and enjoy performing high-risk, life-saving procedures, cardiothoracic surgery might be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you’d rather concentrate on lung and other chest-related conditions, then go for thoracic surgery. 

So, when making this decision, think about the conditions you want to treat, the work environment, and the work-life balance you prefer (cardiothoracic work in more fast-paced, high-pressure settings, while thoracic surgeons have a more predictable schedule).

Another thing to consider is the type of procedures you will perform and your own skills. Cardiothoracic surgeons generally have more complicated procedures, so if you think you’d enjoy the challenge of complex cases, go for it. 

Conclusion

Thoracic and cardiothoracic surgery are both important medical fields with some key differences. Thoracic surgeons focus on chest and lung conditions, while cardiothoracic surgeons work on both the heart and lungs. Despite these differences, they share similar techniques and often work together on complicated cases to provide the best care for patients. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in these fields, be sure to explore the excellent programs offered by AUAMED to help you start your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardest cardiothoracic surgery?

The hardest cardiothoracic surgery is heart transplantation due to its complexity and the need for precise organ matching.

Why is thoracic surgery considered to be the highest-risk surgery?

 Thoracic surgery is high-risk due to the proximity of vital organs like the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, making even small errors potentially life-threatening.

What is the most common thoracic surgery?

 The most common thoracic surgery is the removal of lung cancer tumors, often done through minimally invasive techniques like VATS.

Do cardiothoracic surgeons make more than cardiologists?

 Yes, cardiothoracic surgeons typically earn more than cardiologists due to the complexity and higher risk involved in their surgeries.