8,440
Cardiothoracic Surgeons
100%
Accepting patients
87%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 8,440 cardiothoracic surgeons nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (87%). 66% accept Medicare.
Cardiothoracic surgeons (also called CT surgeons or cardiac surgeons) operate on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other structures within the chest. They perform coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair and replacement, lung cancer surgery, aortic surgery, and heart transplants.
Training requires a general surgery residency followed by a two- to three-year cardiothoracic surgery fellowship, or an integrated six-year cardiothoracic residency. Some subspecialize further in congenital heart surgery (pediatric cases), minimally invasive cardiac surgery, or thoracic oncology (lung cancer). This is among the most demanding training paths in medicine.
Cardiac surgery has evolved significantly. Many valve procedures that once required open-heart surgery can now be done through small incisions or catheter-based approaches (transcatheter valve replacement). Robotic-assisted techniques allow lung surgery through tiny incisions. Your surgeon will recommend the least invasive approach that provides the best outcome for your condition.
See a cardiothoracic surgeon for coronary artery disease requiring bypass surgery, heart valve disease (aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation), aortic aneurysms involving the thoracic aorta, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, and pleural conditions. Your cardiologist, pulmonologist, or oncologist will typically make the referral when surgery is being considered.
The consultation includes a review of your cardiac or thoracic imaging, lab work, and previous testing (echocardiograms, cardiac catheterization, CT scans). The surgeon will explain the recommended procedure, expected outcomes, risks, and recovery timeline. For heart surgery, pre-operative testing may include dental clearance, blood typing, and a meeting with the anesthesia team. Recovery from open-heart surgery typically involves several days in the ICU and a total hospital stay of five to seven days.
Consultation copay: $30-75 · Bypass surgery (CABG): $70,000-200,000 · Valve replacement: $50,000-170,000 · VATS lobectomy: $30,000-80,000
Hospital stay is typically five to seven days, including time in the ICU. You can walk short distances within a day or two of surgery. Full recovery takes six to twelve weeks. Cardiac rehabilitation (supervised exercise program) starts soon after discharge and significantly improves outcomes. Most patients return to normal activities within two to three months. Driving is usually allowed at four to six weeks.
Not anymore. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a catheter-based procedure that replaces the aortic valve without open-heart surgery, performed through a small puncture in the groin. Minimally invasive mitral valve repair uses small incisions. These approaches offer shorter recovery and lower risk for eligible patients. Your surgeon and cardiologist will determine which approach is best for your valve condition.
Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) allows the surgeon to remove lung tumors through small incisions using robotic instruments and a high-definition camera. Benefits include less pain, shorter hospital stays (one to three days), and faster return to activity compared to traditional open surgery (thoracotomy). Not all lung cancers are eligible for robotic approach; size, location, and stage determine candidacy.
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Cardiothoracic surgery is covered under medical insurance for medically indicated conditions. These are complex, expensive procedures that always require prior authorization. Cardiac rehabilitation after surgery is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans (typically 36 sessions). Verify that all members of the surgical team and the hospital are in-network. Hospital stays for heart surgery commonly exceed $100,000 before insurance.