Other Cardiothorasic Conditions

Mesothelioma

A mesothelioma is a tumor of the tissue that lines the lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs.
Treatment may include surgery, but also radiation, and chemotherapy are common.

Aortic Root Aneurysms

An aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel stretches or bulges. An aortic root aneurysm occurs in the beginning of the aorta. The aorta is the body’s largest blood vessel. It is responsible for transporting blood to the body from the heart.

Ascending Aortic Aneurysms

Aneurysms are excessive localized enlargements of an artery. They are caused by a weakening of the artery wall. Ascending aortic aneurysms are a subtype of thoracic aortic aneurysms or aneurysms that occur in the chest area above the diaphragm.

Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Aneurysms are excessive localized enlargements of an artery. They are caused by a weakening of the artery wall. Descending aortic aneurysms occur in the back of the chest cavity.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when an area of the aorta becomes very large or bulges out.

Acute and Chronic Aortic Dissections

An aortic dissection is a tear in the aorta. It typically occurs when the inner layer of the artery’s wall weakens. A small tear forms in this layer, and, if left untreated, it can enlarge. Blood can pass through the tear into the middle layer of the wall, causing the layers to separate from one another, or dissect.

Coarctation

A coarctation is a narrowing of the aorta. Although born with this condition, many people have no symptoms, and the condition often isn’t detected until adulthood. The most common symptom is high blood pressure in adults.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve

A bicuspid aortic valve may cause the heart’s aortic valve to narrow. This in return prevents the valve from opening fully, which reduces or blocks blood flow from the heart to the body.

Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair fixes an aneurysm in your aorta. An aneurysm is a weak or bulging part of a vein or artery. Without repair, this can be a life threatening problem.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR)

Aortic aneurysm repair is surgery to fix a weak and bulging section of the aorta. The aorta is the large blood vessel (artery) that carries blood from the heart through the chest and belly to the rest of the body. An aortic aneurysm that is not repaired may burst (rupture). This can be life-threatening.

Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (AAA)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is a type of surgery. It fixes an aneurysm in your aorta. An aneurysm is a weak or bulging part of a vein or artery. Your aorta is a large artery that carries blood from your heart through your belly to the rest of your body. Without surgery to fix this problem, your aorta could burst. This can cause death.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is narrowing or blockage of arteries in your arms and legs. The most common cause of PAD is the buildup of plaque on the inside of arteries. Plaque is made of extra cholesterol, calcium, and other material in your blood. Over time, plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, including those that supply blood to your legs. This buildup leads to poor blood flow.

Femoral to Popliteal Bypass

This type of surgery redirects blood around a blocked blood vessel in your leg. It may improve blood flow.

Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid Endarterectomy removes fatty buildup (plaque) from one of the carotid arteries. There are two of these arteries. One runs along each side of the neck, supplying blood to your brain.

Femoral-tibial Bypass

Femoral-tibial bypass redirects blood around blocked blood vessels in your lower leg or foot. It is often done if you have pain,or it may be done if you have foot sores caused by circulation problems.

Toe Amputation

Toe amputation is surgery to remove one or more toes. You will get medicine to help you relax and numb your foot. Then your physician will make a cut (incision) to remove your toe.

Aortobifemoral Bypass

An aortobifemoral bypass is surgery to move blood flow around blocked blood vessels in your belly or groin area. This will increase blood flow to your legs and may improving walking.

Foot Amputation

Foot amputation is surgery to remove part or all of your foot. Your surgeon will leave as much healthy skin, blood vessels, and nerve tissue as possible. He or she will leave enough healthy skin to cover the residual limb or the remaining part of your foot.

A Below-the-Knee Amputation

A below-the-knee amputation is surgery to remove your leg below the knee. Your surgeon removes the leg and keeps as much healthy skin, blood vessels, and nerve tissue as possible. Having your leg removed is traumatic. You have to learn to live with new limitations.

An Above-the-Knee Amputation

An above-the-knee amputation is surgery to remove your leg above the knee. Your physician removes the leg and keeps as much healthy skin, blood vessels, and nerve tissue as possible.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They develop most often in the legs and ankles. Some people may be more likely than others to get varicose veins because of aging or hormone changes or because a parent has them.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment to get rid of varicose veins. A chemical called a sclerosant is injected into the varicose vein. This causes the vein to close.

Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy is a procedure used to remove varicose veins. These are twisted and enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. The procedure is also called ambulatory phlebectomy or stab avulsion.

Endovenous Ablation

Endovenous ablation is a procedure to close off varicose veins. Endovenous means that the procedure is done inside the vein. Ablation means a physician uses heat to damage and close off the vein. Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin.