Cardiovascular Surgery

Although both specialties diagnose and treat various heart diseases, there are important differences between what a Cardiologist does and does not do and what a Cardiovascular Surgeon does and does not do.

On the one hand, there are certain procedures that can be practiced by both specialists; but many others differ completely.

The specialist in Cardiology

• In the first instance, it is a branch that focuses on the treatment of those alterations that may become complicated in the medium and long term; which implies a relationship with the patient for an undetermined period of time.
• It diagnoses and treats alterations that may affect the heart, such as high cholesterol or arterial hypertension.
• Monitors the heart to detect arrhythmias.
• Performs electrocardiograms and stress tests for the diagnosis of specific pathologies.
• They can place stents in blocked arteries and place pacemakers, defibrillators or other specialized devices in the heart.

The specialist in Cardiovascular Surgery

• Treatment time is usually limited to surgery; including the pre- and post-operative period.
• It is dedicated to the repair of complex alterations present in the heart and its structures.
• He can perform very specific procedures; but he can also place a pacemaker without problems (as can the Cardiologist).
• Some procedures may require the joint work of both specialists, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Undoubtedly, a Cardiovascular Surgeon performs many different types of surgeries, among which we can easily identify the following:

• Correction of congenital heart disease in pediatric or adult age. Each case presents a particularity and especially the treatment of children requires a high degree of specialization.
• Valve repair and replacement. The reconstruction or replacement of a valve can be done with a valve of biological origin (from animal or human tissue) or with a mechanical one.
• Coronary artery surgery (coronary bypass) or myocardial revascularization. The replacement of an obstructed area in the artery with a piece of healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is performed; generating an alternate pathway that allows the normal circulation of blood flow.
• Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. It consists of replacing the weakened section with a graft composed of a synthetic tube.
• Aortic surgery and treatment of carotid artery disease. After making an incision in the affected area, a tube is inserted to temporarily bypass the blood flow while the artery is cleaned.
• Surgeries for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (varicose veins). Among other procedures, saphenectomy allows the removal of the main vein of the leg (saphenous) when it is not in optimal conditions.
• Heart transplantation. As Cardiovascular disease worsens, the weakened heart must work too hard to pump blood to the rest of the body and increases in size (hypertrophy). This overexertion consumes the last of the heart's strength; it must be replaced in order to fulfill even its most basic functions.

In addition to all these procedures, the implantation of mechanical ventricular assist devices may also be included; these devices provide support to a failing heart, facilitating the pumping of blood throughout the body. Although not all of these procedures are performed by a single specialist (given the level of complexity of the intervention and/or the precise conditions required in the operating room), they are mentioned as the most representative of this specialty. Similarly, the most modern technologies incorporate a type of minimally invasive surgery that relies on robotics to achieve smaller incisions and consequently, a much faster overall recovery.