Thoracic Surgeon

A Deep Dive into Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Thoracic Surgeon Lawyer

Thoracic surgeons are medical professionals who use surgery to treat diseases and conditions affecting the chest, lungs, esophagus, and also other organs within the thoracic cavity. They diagnose and treating a wide range of illnesses, from lung cancer to heart defects. Thoracic surgery is not without its risks. Medical malpractice claims can arise in this area due to errors, omissions, or negligence on the part of the surgeon. If you are injured, then you may need the Baltimore thoracic surgeon lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Education, Training, and Licensing Requirements

To become a thoracic surgeon, a physician must complete an educational and training path. This typically involves:

• Undergraduate Degree: Firstly, a bachelor’s degree, often in a science field like biology or chemistry, is the first step.
• Medical School: Then, completion of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
• General Surgery Residency: Afterward, a five-year residency program focused on general surgery, providing a strong foundation in surgical techniques and patient care.
• Thoracic Surgery Fellowship: Lastly, a two-to-three-year fellowship specializing in thoracic surgery, where physicians gain advanced skills in treating conditions of the chest and lungs.

After completing their training, thoracic surgeons then must obtain a medical license from the state where they practice. Additionally, they are required to pass board examinations administered by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS).

Types of Patients and Procedures

Thoracic surgeons treat patients of all ages, from infants with congenital heart defects to adults with lung cancer. Common conditions they address generally include:

• Lung cancer
• Benign lung tumors
• Emphysema
• Pneumonia
• Pleural effusion
• Pneumothorax
• Aortic aneurysms
• Esophageal diseases
• Congenital heart defects

The procedures performed by thoracic surgeons are often complex and invasive, requiring specialized surgical techniques. Some common procedures generally include:

• Lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung)
• Pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung)
• Lung transplantation
• Esophagectomy (removal of the esophagus)
• Aortic aneurysm repair
• Thoracoscopy (a minimally invasive surgical technique using small incisions)

Workplace and Collaboration

Thoracic surgeons typically work in hospitals, medical centers, or private practices. They generally work with a variety of doctors and other medical professionals, including:

• Pulmonologists (lung specialists)
• Cardiologists (heart specialists)
• Oncologists (cancer specialists)
• Anesthesiologists
• Nurses
• Respiratory therapists
• Physical therapists

Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore Thoracic Surgeon Lawyer

Medical malpractice claims against thoracic surgeons can arise from various errors or omissions, such as:

• Surgical errors: Incorrect surgical procedures, improper technique, or also leaving foreign objects in the body.
• Diagnostic errors: Failure to diagnose a condition or misdiagnosis.
• Treatment errors: Incorrect treatment choices or medication errors.
• Informed consent issues: Failure to obtain informed consent or providing inadequate information about risks and benefits.
• Postoperative complications: Failure to manage postoperative complications effectively.

Thoracic Surgeon Subspecialties

Within the field of thoracic surgery, there are several subspecialties that focus on specific areas:

• Cardiothoracic surgery: This subspecialty focuses on the surgical treatment of heart and lung diseases, including congenital heart defects, coronary artery bypass surgery, and also heart transplantation.
• Lung transplant surgery: Surgeons in this subspecialty specialize in performing lung transplant procedures for patients specifically with end-stage lung diseases.
• Esophageal surgery: This subspecialty focuses on the surgical treatment of esophageal diseases, such as esophageal cancer and achalasia.
• Thoracic oncology: Surgeons in this subspecialty specialize in the surgical treatment of thoracic cancers, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and also mesothelioma.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Thoracic Surgeon Lawyer

Thoracic surgery is a specialized field. While medical malpractice claims can occur in any medical specialty, the complex nature of thoracic surgery procedures and the potential for serious complications can increase the risk of such claims. Understanding the education, training, and licensing requirements, as well as the types of procedures and patients involved, is crucial for understanding the potential legal implications of thoracic surgery.

Visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.