Patricia A. Thistlethwaite, MD, PhD

Thoracic Surgeon (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon)

Dr. Patricia A. Thistlethwaite is a Thoracic Surgeon (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon) in San Diego, CA with special training and skill in diagnosing and surgically treating vascular disorders of the chest cavity. As a Thoracic Surgeon (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon), Patricia A. Thistlethwaite, MD, PhD 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.

Surgeon

Dr. Patricia A. Thistlethwaite is a Surgeon in San Diego, CA with special training and skill in performing surgical procedures within a wide variety of specialties. As a Surgeon, Patricia A. Thistlethwaite, MD, PhD performs surgical operations to prevent or remedy illness, injury, or dysfunction relating to patient anatomy. Surgery is a medical specialty focusing on surgical operations performed as emergency or elective procedures. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Surgeons include appendicitis, heart disease, pancreatitis, traumatic injury, cancer, congenital birth defect, oral disease or dysfunction, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, chronic back, neck, or joint pain, chronic sinus infection, brain disorders, and eye injury or illness. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Surgeons include laboratory testing, surgical procedures, post-operative care, patient education, anesthesia administration, and pre-and post-operative medication prescription.

A general surgeon has expertise related to the diagnosis - preoperative, operative and postoperative management - and management of complications of surgical conditions in the following areas: alimentary tract; abdomen; breast, skin and soft tissue; endocrine system; head and neck surgery; pediatric surgery; surgical critical care; surgical oncology; trauma and burns; and vascular surgery. General surgeons increasingly provide care through the use of minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques. Many general surgeons also possess expertise in transplantation surgery, plastic surgery and cardiothoracic surgery.