What is CTVS Surgery? A Complete Guide to Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

Heart skipping a beat? That’s not just poetic—it could mean something real’s up. In India, where lifestyle diseases are on the rise, the demand for advanced medical solutions like CTVS surgery is growing faster than most people realize. From clogged arteries to damaged valves and weak lungs, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons handle the really critical stuff—literally keeping people alive, breath by breath.

But what is CTVS, really? Is it the same as cardiology? When does someone need a CTVS surgeon and what does this surgery cost in places like Navi Mumbai or Delhi? There’s a ton of confusion around this specialized branch of medicine. So, let’s cut through the clutter. Whether you're someone facing surgery or just curious, this article's your full guide to everything about CTVS surgery in India.

Understanding CTVS: Meaning and Scope

What does CTVS stand for?

CTVS stands for Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery—a superspecialty branch of surgery that deals with surgical treatment of organs in the chest (thorax) and blood vessels throughout the body. That includes the heart, lungs, aorta, and all major arteries and veins.

It’s a relatively modern field in India, but it's expanding rapidly, especially in urban centers like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. With non-invasive treatments like stenting becoming popular, many people assume surgery is outdated. But when it comes to complex heart defects, blocked arteries, or ruptured aneurysms, CTVS is not optional—it’s life-saving.

What conditions does CTVS cover?

CTVS is a wide field. Here are just a few things it covers:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Blockages in heart arteries

• Heart valve problems: Stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking)

• Aortic aneurysms: Bulging or weak spots in the largest artery

• Congenital heart defects: Birth defects involving the heart

• Lung diseases: Tumors, infections, or damage needing surgical removal

• Peripheral artery disease: Blockages in arteries of the legs or arms

Some of these are managed by cardiologists or pulmonologists, but once the need for surgery is clear—it’s a CTVS surgeon’s domain.

What Does a CTVS Surgeon Do?

Role and expertise of a CTVS surgeon

CTVS surgeons are not your everyday doctors. They handle surgeries that involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and vascular system. Sounds intense? That’s because it is.

They work in trauma cases, elective surgeries, transplant programs, and more. One day they might be fixing a leaking mitral valve, and the next, operating on a child with a congenital heart defect.

Unlike cardiologists (who use medications and diagnostic tools), CTVS surgeons actually open up the body and fix the problem physically. Kind of like a mechanic—but for the human heart and vessels. A literal lifesaver.

Qualifications and training

Becoming a CTVS surgeon in India is no walk in the park. The typical path looks like this:

1. MBBS (5.5 years)

2. MS in General Surgery (3 years)

3. MCh in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (3 years)

That’s over a decade of rigorous study and training. And let’s be honest, not everybody's cut out for it. It takes nerves of steel and hands that don’t shake under pressure.

CTVS Surgery List: Common Procedures Explained

Major types of surgeries performed

CTVS surgery isn’t just one operation—it’s a whole universe of procedures. Depending on what’s going wrong inside the chest or vascular system, a surgeon might recommend one of several types of life-saving surgeries.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Often just called "bypass surgery," this is one of the most performed heart surgeries in India. When arteries supplying the heart get blocked, surgeons reroute the blood using vessels from the leg or chest. Sounds complicated? That’s because it is. But it works—millions of lives saved, including in busy cities like Delhi and Navi Mumbai.

• Heart Valve Repair or Replacement: When valves don’t open or close properly, they can lead to breathlessness, fatigue, or even heart failure. CTVS surgeons either fix the damaged valve or replace it with a mechanical or tissue valve.

• Lung Resection: Think of this like cutting out the bad parts. In cases of lung cancer or severe infections, part (or all) of a lung might need to be surgically removed.

• Aortic Aneurysm Repair: This is a biggie. When the aorta—the main artery—starts bulging, it can rupture. That’s a medical emergency. CTVS surgeons can repair or replace the weakened part before it bursts.

• Vascular Bypass Surgery: Blocked arteries in the legs? Surgeons can bypass the blockage just like they do in the heart, restoring blood flow and saving limbs.

There are dozens of other procedures—pericardiectomy, thoracic tumor removal, congenital heart defect correction—but these above form the bulk of surgeries in India’s CTVS departments.

Minimally invasive vs. open surgeries

In the past, heart and lung surgeries meant large incisions and long recovery times. But that’s changing—fast. Thanks to technology and robotics, many procedures are now minimally invasive.

What does that mean? Smaller cuts. Less pain. Faster healing. Lower infection risk. Hospitals like Fortis and Apollo in Navi Mumbai now routinely offer robotic-assisted CTVS surgeries.

That said, not all procedures can be done this way. Some cases still need traditional “open” surgery, especially emergencies or complex conditions. The key is personalization—what works best for the patient, not just what’s trendy.

Who Needs CTVS Surgery?

Symptoms and diagnosis

So, how do you know if you—or someone you care about—might need to see a CTVS surgeon?

Here are common warning signs:

• Chest pain or tightness

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling in legs or ankles

• Chronic fatigue

• Sudden fainting or blackouts

These symptoms could mean a heart valve issue, blocked arteries, or other serious problems. But symptoms alone aren’t enough. That’s where tests come in.

The CTVS test: What does it involve?

There’s actually no single “CTVS test.” Instead, it’s a combo of:

• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)

• Angiography (visualizing blood flow)

• CT scans or MRIs

• Pulmonary function tests (for lung surgery cases)

Based on these results, your cardiologist or general physician may refer you to a CTVS surgeon.

And here’s a little secret? Many people delay the decision until it’s almost too late. Early intervention can mean a simpler surgery, better recovery, and fewer complications.

Best CTVS Hospitals in India

Leading hospitals for CTVS in Navi Mumbai

If you're looking for the best CTVS cardiothoracic and vascular surgery hospital in Navi Mumbai, you're in luck. The city is home to several renowned centers that have cutting-edge infrastructure and experienced surgeons.

• Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai: Known for its minimally invasive cardiac program and 24/7 emergency care. They also have a strong transplant team.

• Fortis Hiranandani Hospital: Offers advanced CTVS surgeries with a high success rate and experienced consultants.

• MGM Hospital Vashi: A trusted name for affordable CTVS care with a focus on post-op rehabilitation.

Each of these facilities has access to ICUs, cardiac cath labs, and hybrid operating rooms, giving patients the best possible outcomes. That said, smaller cities are catching up too. Thanks to telemedicine and government initiatives, quality CTVS care is reaching more corners of the country.

How to choose the right hospital for CTVS surgery

Here's a simple checklist:

• Is the hospital NABH or JCI-accredited?

• Are the CTVS surgeons well-trained with MCh degrees?

• Does it have 24/7 cardiac emergency care?

• What are the post-op care and ICU facilities like?

• Read reviews. Check Google, Practo, or even hospital Facebook pages.

And ask for a second opinion if you’re unsure. It never hurt nobody.

Cost of CTVS Surgery in India

Factors affecting the cost

CTVS surgeries aren’t exactly cheap, but compared to global rates, India offers tremendous value. The cost depends on:

• The type of procedure

• Surgeon’s expertise

• Room category (general ward vs. deluxe)

• City and hospital

A complex CABG in a top-tier private hospital might cost around ₹2.5–4 lakhs. In contrast, public hospitals or trusts may offer the same at ₹50,000–₹1 lakh.

Average cost in Navi Mumbai and metro cities

In Navi Mumbai and other metro cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai, the cost of CTVS surgeries can vary widely depending on the procedure and hospital. A coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery typically costs between ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹4.5 lakhs in a private hospital. If you need a heart valve replacement, expect to pay around ₹2 lakhs to ₹3.5 lakhs. Lung resections usually fall in the range of ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs, while complex aortic aneurysm repairs can go up to ₹6 lakhs or more.

These prices are for top-tier private hospitals. Government hospitals or charitable institutions may offer similar surgeries at much lower costs—sometimes even under ₹1 lakh—especially if you're eligible for financial aid or health schemes. It’s always wise to compare options and check if insurance or Ayushman Bharat coverage applies.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Hospital stay and discharge timeline

Most patients stay 5–7 days in the hospital post-surgery. ICU for 1–2 days, then general room. Complications (if any) could stretch it.

Home care, medication, and lifestyle changes

Recovery doesn’t end when you go home. You’ll need:

• Regular follow-ups

• Blood thinners or heart meds

• Diet changes (less salt, more greens)

• Light walking, no lifting heavy weights

• A bit of patience—it takes time to heal, both physically and emotionally

Cardiac rehab programs are super useful. Not mandatory, but they really help you bounce back faster.

CTVS vs. Cardiology: What’s the Difference?

Many get confused: is CTVS part of cardiology? Not really.

• Cardiologists: Diagnose and treat heart conditions without surgery.

• CTVS surgeons: Handle things that require a scalpel (and nerves of steel).

It’s teamwork. Most heart patients will see both at some point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of CTVS?

CTVS stands for Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery—a super-specialized surgical branch.

What does a CTVS surgeon do?

They perform surgeries on the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

What is the CTVS test?

There isn’t one single test—it’s a combo of diagnostics like echo, CT, angiography etc.

What is the difference between cardiology and CTVS?

Cardiology is non-surgical, CTVS is surgical. They often work together.

Conclusion

CTVS surgery might sound scary, but it’s often the thing that saves a life when everything else fails. Whether you're looking for the best CTVS hospital in Navi Mumbai or just trying to understand if surgery is the right next step—knowledge helps. India has world-class options, and the outcomes are improving every day.

So don’t wait. If your heart or lungs are talking to you… maybe it’s time to listen.