Who treats what
- A cardiologist treats the heart with medication, stents and pacemakers, without open surgery
- A cardiothoracic surgeon operates on the heart itself, the heart valves and the lungs
- A vascular surgeon treats every artery and vein outside the heart and the brain — the aorta, the neck arteries, the arteries and veins of the arms, abdomen and legs
Where the paths cross
The aorta is shared ground. Disease of the ascending aorta and arch is usually cardiothoracic territory; the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta is vascular. Complex cases are planned jointly, which is exactly how they should be.
If you are unsure who to see, ask your GP for a vascular opinion — we will redirect you promptly if you need a different specialist.
