Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, or CTVS, is the specialised branch of surgery that treats diseases affecting the heart, lungs, major blood vessels and structures within the chest. In this field, two closely linked specialities, ‘Cardiothoracic Surgery’ and ‘Vascular Surgery’, work together.

Cardiothoracic surgery focuses on the heart and chest. This covers procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, congenital heart defect correction and aortic surgery.

Vascular surgery, on the other hand, deals with conditions affecting blood vessels outside the heart, including blocked arteries, aneurysms and problems with blood flow to the limbs and organs.

The CTVS team at the CK Birla Hospital is equipped to handle even the most complex cases. Depending on what a patient needs, this may involve procedures performed with the assistance of a cardiopulmonary bypass machine (heart-lung machine), minimally invasive approaches, or specialised vascular interventions.

Heart and vascular diseases often do not appear overnight. They build up gradually, shaped by factors like ageing, genetics, past health conditions or changes in the blood vessels over time. In some cases, this can mean blocked arteries, damaged valves or weakened blood vessels can affect the body’s ability to receive oxygen-rich blood.

 

That is why the CTVS approach always starts with getting to know the patient, including their medical history, symptoms, imaging reports and overall health. Only once the team has this complete information do they decide on the best path forward, whether that is surgery, medication, a catheter-based procedure, or a combination of these.

Surgical treatment may be recommended when:

• Coronary arteries have severe blockages that cannot be effectively treated with angioplasty
• Heart valves are severely narrowed or leaking
• A weakened section of the aorta requires repair
• Blood circulation to the limbs is significantly reduced
• Congenital heart defects require correction
• A cardiac emergency requires immediate surgical intervention

The CTVS team, at the CK Birla Hospital, manages a wide range of heart, chest and vascular conditions, including:

• Coronary Artery Disease

The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. When these arteries become severely narrowed or blocked, blood flow to the heart drops. In advanced cases, patients may need coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to restore blood flow around the blockage.

• Heart Valve Disorders

The heart valves control blood flow between different chambers of the heart. Valve diseases such as aortic stenosis, mitral valve regurgitation and other valve abnormalities may require valve repair or replacement using mechanical or tissue valves.

• Aortic Diseases

Conditions affecting the body’s largest artery, the aorta, can become serious if left untreated. The CTVS team manages conditions such as thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections through specialised surgical procedures.

• Congenital Heart Conditions

Some heart abnormalities are present from birth and may continue to affect adults if not corrected earlier. The CTVS team provides surgical treatment for congenital heart defects based on the type and severity of the condition.

• Vascular Disorders

The CTVS team treats blood vessel conditions such as peripheral artery disease, blocked arteries, aneurysms and venous disorders. Procedures may include peripheral vascular bypass surgery or endovascular techniques such as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

• Thoracic Conditions

Beyond the heart and blood vessels, the CTVS team also manages selected conditions within the chest, including the lungs, chest wall and other structures inside the chest cavity. This includes tumours and other thoracic disorders that require surgical treatment.

Not every symptom leads to surgery. However, there are certain signs that should always be checked by a CTVS specialist. Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Constant chest pain, pressure or tightness
• Breathlessness during routine activities or at rest
• Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
• Irregular heartbeat or frequent palpitations
• Swelling in the legs due to fluid retention
• Dizziness, fainting episodes or reduced stamina
• Pain, numbness or coldness in the legs due to poor circulation
• A diagnosed aneurysm or significant blockage in blood vessels

Early evaluation can help identify whether surgical treatment or another approach is required.

Before recommending surgery, the CTVS team performs detailed assessments to understand the condition and plan treatment safely. Common diagnostic evaluations include:

• Echocardiography
• Coronary angiography
• Computed tomography (CT) angiography
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood tests and cardiac assessments

The surgical plan depends on factors such as the severity of disease, age, medical history and overall fitness for surgery.

CABG is performed to improve blood supply to the heart when coronary arteries are severely blocked. During the procedure, surgeons create a new pathway for blood flow using healthy blood vessels, commonly the internal mammary artery or saphenous vein graft.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery uses smaller incisions compared with traditional open-heart surgery. This approach may help reduce surgical trauma and support faster recovery in suitable patients.

When heart valves become damaged, surgeons may repair the existing valve or replace it with a mechanical or tissue valve. Valve surgery can help improve blood flow and reduce strain on the heart. The choice between repair and replacement depends on the valve condition and individual patient factors.

Aortic and vascular procedures treat diseases affecting major blood vessels. These may include thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery, vascular bypass procedures and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), where appropriate.

Certain cardiac and vascular emergencies require immediate surgical attention, including life-threatening complications of aortic disease, severe heart injuries and other critical conditions.

At the CK Birla Hospital, CTVS care combines surgical expertise with coordinated support across diagnosis, surgery and recovery. We offer:

• Experienced cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, supported by a multidisciplinary cardiac care team
• Modern operating theatres equipped with advanced surgical technology and heart-lung support machinery
• Access to advanced diagnostic facilities
• Dedicated ICU with round-the-clock critical care nursing and 24×7 emergency support
• Personalised rehabilitation for long-term heart health

When it comes to heart and vascular health, timely evaluation is very important. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Book your consultation today.