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Cardiovascular surgeon

Cardiovascular surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgery of the heart and blood vessels. They generally perform heart surgeries and treat people who have a blockage in the blood vessels leading to the heart (coronary artery disease) or problems with heart valves.

Cardiovascular surgeons may further specialize in treating people of specific age groups, such as pediatric cardiovascular surgeons, who only treat children and often treat heart problems related to birth defects.

Cardiovascular surgeons can be board-certified by the Board of Surgery in general surgery or vascular surgery. The Board of Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Author Bets Davis, MFA
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Updated August 25, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 25, 2008
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