A cardiac surgeon has had special training to perform delicate operations on the heart, blood vessels and lungs.
After four years of medical school, a cardiac surgeon must complete five years of training in general surgery, followed by a two- or three-year training program in cardiothoracic surgery.
Some cardiac surgeons also have additional training to perform pediatric or transplant surgery.
The cardiac surgeon leads a team of doctors and nurses responsible for the immediate evaluation before surgery, final decision for surgery and the recovery period after surgery until you are discharged from the hospital.
After you leave the hospital, it's likely that you will visit both your cardiologist and your cardiac surgeon to make sure that your recovery period is progressing smoothly.
Cardiac surgeons are responsible for explaining clearly to patients what their treatment options are, what to expect from treatment and necessary follow-up to treatment.
