David N. Helman, MD

Thoracic Surgeon (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon)

Dr. David N. Helman is a Thoracic Surgeon (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon) in Iowa City, IA with special training and skill in diagnosing and surgically treating vascular disorders of the chest cavity. As a Thoracic Surgeon (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon), David N. Helman, MD performs thoracic surgery, cancer treatment, disorder assessment, and post-operative patient care. Thoracic / Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery is a medical specialty focused on surgically treating vascular conditions of the chest. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Thoracic / Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeons include ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrest, coronary artery bypass surgery, aortic valve disease, mitral valve disease, atrial septal defect, esophageal cancer, and lung cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Thoracic / Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeons include x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and CT imaging, tissue biopsy, surgical repair of thoracic arteries and blood vessels, heart transplant, emergency heart surgery, medication prescription, patient education, and post-operative care.

A thoracic surgeon provides the operative, perioperative and critical care of patients with pathologic conditions within the chest. Included is the surgical care of coronary artery disease, cancers of the lung, esophagus and chest wall, abnormalities of the trachea, abnormalities of the great vessels and heart valves, congenital anomalies, tumors of the mediastinum and diseases of the diaphragm. The management of the airway and injuries of the chest is within the scope of the specialty.