Thoracic Surgery

Overview

Thoracic surgeons at Mayo Clinic provide high-quality, comprehensive diagnosis and surgical care to adult patients with diseases of the lungs, trachea, esophagus, diaphragm, chest wall and mediastinum. Surgeons at Mayo perform high volumes of complex chest surgeries using the latest technology and procedure innovations.

Mayo Clinic physicians work together as an integrated, multidisciplinary team. The thoracic surgery team includes:

• Diagnostic specialists
• Pathologists
• Oncologists
• Physicians assistants
• Respiratory therapists
• Surgical and intensive care nurses
• Other allied health professionals

Mayo Clinic's thoracic surgery practice is one of the largest in the United States. Mayo Clinic thoracic surgeons perform well over 2,000 procedures for treatment of various diseases each year. Patients have access to comprehensive services, beginning with preparation for surgery and following the procedure through to dismissal. Mayo's chest surgeons also work closely with colleagues to ensure that the patient returns home with instructions for appropriate incision care, pain management, exercise and other activities of daily living. There are three board-certified thoracic surgeons practicing at Mayo Clinic in Florida, five in Minnesota and three in Arizona. Pediatric care is provided in Minnesota.

In Florida and Arizona, the thoracic surgery specialty is combined with cardiovascular surgery to form cardiothoracic surgery, which also provides surgical care for the heart, aorta and other major blood vessels. In Minnesota, heart surgeons work in Cardiovascular Surgery.