Heart surgeons

Beacon’s cardiothoracic surgeons have advanced expertise. Our highly trained, board-certified heart and lung surgical team treats conditions related to the heart, lungs, aorta and other organs in the chest.

Heart surgeon role

Since you are probably unfamiliar with what a heart surgeon does, here are some answers to commonly asked questions:

What does a cardiothoracic surgeon do and what is their training?

As part of a leading cardiothoracic surgery practice, Beacon heart surgeons are dedicated to helping patients overcome heart and lung conditions. Our cardiothoracic (heart and chest) surgeons are fellowship trained and board certified in areas including:

• adult cardiac surgery
• percutaneous transcatheter mitral valve replacement
• structural heart and valve disease
• thoracic surgery
• cardiothoracic surgery
• transcarotid artery revascularization

What kind of conditions do they treat?

From injury caused by trauma, disease or genetic abnormalities, we treat:

• valve disease (mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis)
• abnormal or damaged structures in the heart
• heart failure (heart does not pump enough to meet body’s needs)
• coronary heart disease (heart is unable to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to heart)
• abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation)
• congenital heart problems
• ischemic heart disease

What procedures do heart surgeons perform?

They do traditional surgery, like open heart procedures, minimally invasive procedures, using a smaller incision for better healing and recovery, and robotic-assisted procedures, using a camera inserted through a small incision.

Get a second opinion from a cardiac surgeon

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and cardiovascular care plan are right for you. It’s easy to get a second opinion with a heart surgeon at Beacon. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options for restoring or correcting your heart’s rhythm. Talk with one of our providers about a personalized heart care plan.

When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. If you are looking for a second opinion for advanced heart care, our cardiologists can also connect you with the right specialists for heart surgery, including heart valve repair, ablation and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Our heart and vascular specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national care team.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

If you are experiencing chest pain, especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing, you might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.