Question 1

What Do Cardiothoracic Surgeons Do?

Accepted Answer

Cardiothoracic surgeons are in charge of performing clinical duties and cardiothoracic surgeries on behalf of their organisation.

They are generally responsible for providing excellent patient care, resolving inquiries as they arise, and leading a team of clinical professionals in and out of the surgery room, so strong leadership skills are required to avoid incidents during treatment and surgery.

These surgeons are highly organised, pay close attention to detail, follow strict safety and privacy procedures, and respect patient confidentiality. They also follow up with post-surgery care and treatment options, oversee recovery advancement, read patient charts to recommend treatment options.

Other primary responsibilities include:

Recommending surgical treatments.
Transplanting ventricular assist devices.
Performing research on patients’ illnesses.
Using specialised tools and clinical devices.
Actively participating in peer reviews to recommend innovative solutions to cardiothoracic obstacles before and after operations.

Cardiothoracic surgeons have expert knowledge of robotic techniques to perform surgery steps with the help of automated equipment and also participate in training sessions to further their education and familiarise themselves with the latest technology in their field.

They must work well with other surgeons to reach all objectives within specific time-frames and perform effectively on their own, as they work in a fast-paced environment that requires excellent multi-tasking skills.

A medical degree in cardiology specialising in cardiothoracic surgery is required for this position, and prior work experience in a surgeon capacity is highly beneficial. Medical and leadership certifications are also helpful.

Question 2

Who Should Undergo Cardiothoracic Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Cardiothoracic surgery is recommended to patients if:

The medications or other initial treatments are no longer working. It could be because the patient is allergic to them, the condition doesn’t simply respond, or the side effects are serious.
The condition is congenital
The disease has already progressed or has become more severe
The condition threatens the patient’s life, such as when a blood vessel is clogged due to plaque deposit buildup, putting the patient at risk of myocardial infarction or heart attack
All non-surgical treatment has already been tried, but none has worked
The technology to make the surgical procedure much safer, more reliable, and faster is already available (such as in the case of robotic-assisted surgery)

A cardiothoracic surgery consultation is also for patients who seek a second opinion. Faced with serious dangers associated with surgery, it’s normal for patients to confirm the first surgeon’s recommendation by scheduling another consultation with another surgeon.

Question 3

What Are the Complications and Risks for Cardiothoracic Surgery?

Accepted Answer

As with any surgery, there are certain risks that the patient should be aware of. The amount of risk will vary based on your general health status prior to the procedure.

These risks can include, but are not limited to, bleeding, up to and including transfusion: infection; damage to major organs including the kidneys, which may require temporary or permanent dialysis; difficultly with breathing, requiring long-term ventilation; the risk for neurologic injury or stroke; the risk for heart attack, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, or death.

However, advances in how the surgery is performed and how patients are managed afterwards have led to a steady decline in complication rates.

Question 4

How Long Does it Take to Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Central Message Cardiothoracic Surgery training in Australia and New Zealand is a rigorous, high-quality process involving regular in-training assessments and multiple examinations spread for 6 years.

Question 5

How Much Do Cardiothoracic Surgeons Make in Australia?

Accepted Answer

An early career Cardiothoracic Surgeon with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of AU$200,446 based on 15 salaries.

A mid-career Cardiothoracic Surgeon with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of AU$281,386 based on 11 salaries.

An experienced Cardiothoracic Surgeon with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of AU$242,166 based on 19 salaries.

In their late-career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of AU$311,409.

Top 20 Heart & Lung Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Melbourne [2021]

Top 40 Cardiologists in Melbourne [2021]

Top 30 Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment Clinics in Melbourne, Victoria [2022]

Hear Specialist Melbourne

Local Community