Cardiothoracic Surgery: Heart & Lung Surgery by the Best Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Penang
What is Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Cardiothoracic surgery involves the surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs within the thorax (chest)
where surgeons generally treat diseases and other conditions related to the heart and lungs. These include but
are not limited to operations such as heart by-pass and open-heart surgeries.
What Do Cardiothoracic Surgeon Do?
A cardiothoracic surgeon performs heart, lung, and chest
surgeries. This includes procedures like heart valve
replacements, heart transplants, and treatments for lung cancer. They specialize in managing complex chest
conditions to improve organ function.
As one of the leading hospitals for cardiothoracic surgery in Penang, Gleneagles Hospitals
boasts
state-of-the-art equipment combined with a multidisciplinary team of expert cardiothoracic surgeons,
cardiologists, nurses, and aftercare specialists to deliver to professional and experienced medical care.
With heart disease cases on the rise due to sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, heavy smoking as well as diabetes
and hot tropical climates, most patients develop coronary artery issues in their mid forties.
Cardiothoracic surgery is the newest development in medical surgery which combines the diligence and meticulous
approach to both diagnosis and treatment – each patient receives the highest level of professional attention
from their personalised team of medical professionals.
Cardiothoracic Conditions Treated by Our Expert Surgeons
Cardiothoracic surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the heart and
lungs. Some of the common conditions we treat include:
- Coronary Artery Disease: Narrowing of coronary arteries, leading to chest pain (angina), heart attack
(myocardial infarction), heart failure and/or arrhythmia.
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer, often caused by trauma or accidents.
- Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat that can lead to complications like stroke.
- Congestive Heart Failure: A condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, often due to
previous heart attacks.
- Left Ventricular Aneurysm: A bulging of the heart’s left ventricle, typically following a heart
attack.
- Lung Cancer: Tumours in the lungs that may require surgical
removal or other treatments.
- Mediastinal Tumours: Tumours in the space between the lungs that may need surgical removal.
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Enlargement of the aorta in the chest, which can lead to life-threatening ruptures
if untreated.
- Valvular Insufficiency: A condition where the heart valves don’t close properly, leading to blood
leakage.
- Valvular Stenosis: Narrowing of the heart valves, causing blood flow problems.
Symptoms of Heart Conditions May Include
- Pain in the chest, upper back, or neck
- Heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Heart palpitations (feeling of rapid or irregular heartbeat)
If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your heart or lung health, it’s important to
consult a cardiothoracic surgeon for a thorough evaluation and treatment.
Screening Options for Cardiothoracic Conditions
A range of advanced screening tests may be used to accurately diagnose and assess cardiothoracic conditions
affecting the heart and lungs. These tests help your cardiothoracic surgeons identify any underlying issues and
determine the best course of treatment. Here are some of the key screening options:
Heart Screening Tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart's electrical activity to detect irregularities.
- Echocardiogram (Echo): Uses sound waves to create images of the heart, helping identify structural issues or
heart disease.
- Holter Monitor: A portable device that records the heart’s electrical activity over a 24-48 hour
period.
- CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA): A non-invasive imaging technique that helps assess coronary artery
blockages.
- Blood Tests: Includes Cardiac Enzymes, Troponin I, and Lipid Profile to evaluate heart health and detect
heart damage.
- Full Blood Count: Checks for overall health and helps detect conditions like anemia or infection.
- Blood Test – C-reactive Protein (CRP) & Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Measures
inflammation levels that may indicate heart disease.
- Tumour Markers: Used to detect potential cardiac tumours.
Lung Screening Tests
- Chest X-ray: A basic imaging test to check for lung diseases, infections, or abnormalities.
- CT Thorax: A detailed scan to examine the lungs and detect conditions like cancer, infections, or structural
issues.
- PET Scan: A special imaging technique to detect cancer,
particularly useful
in assessing lung tumours.
These diagnostic tools help our cardiothoracic team quickly identify heart or lung problems so we can provide the
best care tailored to your needs.
Cardiothoracic Surgery Services at Gleneagles Penang
- Coronary artery bypass grafting including total arterial revascularisation
- Heart valve repairs and replacement
- Repair of congenital heart defects in children and adults
- Complex aortic aneurysms requiring replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve and re-implantation
of the coronary arteries
- Surgery for cardiac tumours
- Surgery for disease of the pericardium – pericardiectomy, drainage, pericardial window, excision of
pericardial cysts and tumours
- Lung surgery – video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), bronchoscopy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy,
tumours, lung abscess, and lung biopsy
- Surgery for pleural disease - decortication, biopsy
- Surgery for mediastinal disease - mediastinoscopy, excision of mediastinal tumours, thymectomy, retrosternal
goitre
- Chest wall reconstruction surgery
Risks and Side Effects of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery comes with potential risks, including:
- Infection or bleeding at the surgery site
- Blood clots
- Stroke and seizures (rare)
- Heart attack
- Reaction to anaesthesia
- Injury to the oesophagus, trachea, or nerves
- Surgical mortality
Expert Cardiothoracic Care at Gleneagles Hospital Penang
At Gleneagles Hospital Penang, the cardiothoracic surgeons are dedicated to providing the highest level of care
using the latest advancements in heart and lung surgery. If you're searching for the best cardiothoracic surgeon
in Penang, trust us to deliver expert, personalised care tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a
consultation with one of our experienced surgeons.
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