CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY DEPARTMENT

The Department of Cardiovascular Surgery is a specialized medical discipline focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of diseases and conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. It encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures and interventions aimed at treating various cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease, heart valve abnormalities, congenital heart defects, thoracic aortic diseases, and pulmonary conditions. Highly trained cardiovascular surgeons lead this department and collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Key aspects and functions of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery include:

Cardiac Surgery: The department specializes in cardiac surgery, which involves surgical interventions on the heart and related structures. Cardiovascular surgeons perform procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, congenital heart defect repairs, heart transplantation, and ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. These surgeries aim to restore normal cardiac function, improve blood flow, and correct structural abnormalities.
Thoracic Surgery: The department also includes thoracic surgery, focusing on surgical interventions involving the lungs, chest wall, and other thoracic structures. This may include lung resections for lung cancer, lobectomy, pneumonectomy, chest tumor resections, and chest wall reconstructions. Thoracic surgeons collaborate with other specialists to manage thoracic diseases and improve respiratory function.
Preoperative Evaluation: Cardiovascular surgeons work closely with cardiologists and other healthcare professionals to evaluate patients before surgery. They review medical history, perform physical examinations, and order diagnostic tests, including imaging studies and cardiac catheterizations. This evaluation helps determine surgical eligibility, identify risk factors, and guide the development of individualized treatment plans.
Intraoperative Care: During surgical procedures, cardiovascular surgeons lead the surgical team, which may include anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and specialized nurses. They perform the surgical procedure while closely monitoring the patient's vital signs, cardiovascular function, and overall condition. Surgeons make critical intraoperative decisions to ensure the success of the surgery and the safety of the patient.
Postoperative Care: Following surgery, cardiovascular surgeons oversee postoperative care and patient recovery. They monitor progress, manage pain, address complications, and provide guidance for rehabilitation. Collaborative care with cardiology and pulmonary teams helps ensure long-term recovery and ongoing cardiovascular health.
Research and Innovation: The department actively engages in research and innovation to advance the field of cardiovascular surgery. Surgeons contribute to clinical trials, research studies, and technological developments aimed at improving surgical techniques, developing new devices, and enhancing patient outcomes. Research efforts support innovation and help elevate the quality of care provided to patients.
Education and Training: Cardiovascular surgeons within the department play an essential role in teaching and training. They educate medical students, residents, and fellows pursuing careers in cardiovascular surgery. Through lectures, surgical demonstrations, and hands-on training, they help develop the next generation of cardiovascular surgeons and contribute to advancements in the field.

The Department of Cardiovascular Surgery is an essential component of healthcare institutions, working in collaboration with cardiologists, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, and other specialists to provide comprehensive and specialized care to patients with cardiovascular diseases. The expertise and dedication of cardiovascular surgeons contribute to improved outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and better management of cardiovascular conditions.
Our Mission

The Department of Cardiovascular Surgery aims to be a pioneering division fostering lifelong understanding of cardiovascular disease through multidisciplinary collaboration among clinicians and scientists, by achieving the following:

• Superior compassionate, patient- and family-centered care

• Innovative science and discovery

• Excellence in education

Our Vision

The vision of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery is to become the leading national academic cardiac and vascular unit for education and patient care.

ACADEMIC STAFF

Prof. Dr. Ali CİVELEK
Head of Department
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 444-1-428 / 50010

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökalp ALTUN
Faculty Member
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 444-1-428 / 50010