What are some common types of thoracic surgeries?

Coronary artery bypass grafting and lung cancer surgery are common thoracic surgeries, according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Valve replacement and valve repair are also common, explains Mayo Clinic.

Coronary artery bypass grafting is indicated when the blood vessels that serve the heart no longer function properly, states the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The surgery uses the internal mammary artery, found in the chest, to bypass the damaged arteries and supply blood to the heart.

For lung cancer, mediastinoscopy is performed to stage the cancer before the removal of a lobe of the lung or the lung itself, states the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Heart valve surgery is used when one or more of the four heart valves malfunctions, notes Mayo Clinic.