Cardiothoracic surgery involves the heart and other areas within the chest. A cardiothoracic or thoracic surgeon provides care for patients with diseases within the chest area. This encompasses treating heart disease and abnormalities of the heart’s vessels and valves, lung cancer, tumors within the chest area, diseases of the diaphragm, chest injuries, and trachea and airway problems. Thoracic surgeons have exceptional knowledge of diagnostic and surgical techniques and physiology of the heart, lungs and respiratory system.