Cardiothoracic Surgery
(heart and lung surgery)
We are the largest Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit in Queensland, providing urgent and elective procedures for patients requiring advanced heart or lung surgical care. The department is home to dedicated professionals and the latest technology to help deliver one of the best available services in Australia.
Our services
Our state-of-the-art operating facilities enabling us to specialise in a complete spectrum of cardiothoracic surgery including heart and lung transplantation. We have some of the best results for conventional and complex surgeries both nationally and internationally. We are also a training centre for Royal Australasian College of Surgeons trainees from Australia and New Zealand.
View the list of cardiothoracic surgery procedures and their definitions.
Meet our Cardiothoracic Surgery Team
We are committed to improving patient outcomes and providing the highest level of care. Meet our dedicated team of surgeons and doctors.
Patient stories
Mick’s open heart surgery
Suffering chest pain Mick was referred to a cardiologist who found he needed open heart surgery. He talks about his experience before and after surgery.
Physiotherapy Pre-Surgery Education
Recovery After Open Heart Surgery
Physiotherapy is very important to aid recovery after open heart surgery. Learn about what to expect and how to get the best possible outcome.
How to access this service
To access this service, your GP or medical practitioner will need to send a referral letter to the hospital.
If there is a waiting list, you will receive a confirmation letter and be advised on what to do next. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient:
Referral guidelines
GP and Specialist Hotline:
1300 364 938
Health professionals:
More information
After your hospital appointment
Your doctor may advise that you require surgery. If this is the case you will be placed on a surgical waiting list and may need to attend the Pre-admission Clinic before your surgery.
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you have one)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing and mobility aids
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
- An adult carer to support you and take you home
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney (if you have one)
- A jacket or cardigan in case you get cold
- A dressing gown or cardigan, sleepwear or comfortable day clothes
- Slippers and shoes (low heel, closed-in, non-slip, adjustable and firm fitting around the foot)
- Your toiletries and personal items
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney if you have one
- Something to read or do during your stay
- Medical devices required for your care (e.g. CPAP machine)
- Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
Publications
View the most recent citations for publications by The Prince Charles Hospital Cardiothoracic Department staff and research partners.
Contact us
Heart and Lung Clinic
Location: Ground floor, Main Building, The Prince Charles Hospital
Phone: (07) 3139 4207
Surgical bookings
Phone: (07) 3139 4695
Need help outside hours?
For non-urgent medical issues call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient to this service, view the Cardiology referral guideline or the Thoracic Surgery referral guideline.
GP and Specialist Referral Hotline: 1300 364 938
Health professionals
The Cardiothoracic Department at The Prince Charles Hospital is one of the largest in Australia, performing about 1,800 procedures every year. The unit caters to the population of south-east Queensland, northern New South Wales and is a referral centre for high risk cases from all across the state.
We are also the referral centre for thoracic organ transplantations in Queensland, performing about 60 heart and lung transplants every year. The department uses the latest technologies in organ procurement and transport (ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion and Organ Care System for heart) to optimise the utilisation of donor organs.
We are specialists in the following cardiac procedures:
- coronary bypass surgery and complex redo coronary
- valvular surgery including minimally invasive valvular surgery
- aortic surgery
- heart-failure surgery
- adult congenital heart surgery
- atrial fibrillation surgery
- surgical transcatheter valve operations
- pulmonary embolism surgery
We offer the following specialised thoracic procedures:
- lung cancer surgery
- benign lung tumours surgery
- surgery for mediastinal and pleural diseases
- chest wall surgery including pectus excavatum
- lung volume reduction surgery
- video assisted thoracoscopy procedures
- uniportal surgeries.
Education and training
We are a major teaching facility, training Australian and international heart and lung experts in the latest technology and interventions. We have partnerships with the University of Queensland, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and various national and international societies.
We are proud to have a long tradition of educating and training the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons in Queensland. We offer a graduate program and 8 medical registrar opportunities. Contact us or visit our careers page for more information.