HealthAugust 22, 2026

cardiothoracic

KAR-dee-oh-thor-AS-ik

Definition

Relating to the heart and the chest cavity, or the surgery performed on those organs.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'kardia' (heart) and 'thorakos' (chest/breastplate), the term combines these roots to describe the medical field focused on the thoracic cavity's major organs.

In the news

The word identifies Dr. Yurvati's medical specialty, emphasizing the high-stakes surgical career that frames his later reflections on life, illness, and humanity.

Dr. Albert H. Yurvati Reflects on a Lifetime of Service and Resilience in “30 Degrees on Bypass”

Read the full article ↗

WebWire

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