University Thoracic Surgeons

Thoracic / Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery

University Thoracic Surgeons is a Thoracic / Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery practice in Chicago, IL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosing and surgically treating vascular disorders of the chest cavity. Thoracic / Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeons at University Thoracic Surgeons perform 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 at Thoracic / Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery practices 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 Surgery practices 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.

Physician Assisting

A physician assistant is a person who has successfully completed an accredited education program for physician assistant, is licensed by the state and is practicing within the scope of that license. Physician assistants are formally trained to perform many of the routine, time-consuming tasks a physician can do. In some states, they may prescribe medications. They take medical histories, perform physical exams, order lab tests and x-rays, and give inoculations. Most states require that they work under the supervision of a physician.