01↗
Heart valve surgery
Repair or replacement may be considered when a valve is narrowed or does not close properly.
Learn more →Cardiac surgery information
Heart Surgeon Melbourne
Heart Surgeon Melbourne is an information and enquiry destination for people considering specialist cardiac surgery in Melbourne. Explore procedures, questions worth asking and what happens before and after a surgical assessment.
General information to support discussions with your treating clinicians.
01 Understand your options02 Prepare for a consultation03 Ask the right questions
Surgery information
Heart surgery in Melbourne:
find the information relevant to you.
Heart surgery is not a single procedure. The approach depends on the affected part of the heart, other medical conditions, previous operations and the balance of expected benefits and risks.
02↗
Coronary bypass surgery
CABG creates an alternative route for blood flow around selected blocked coronary arteries.
Learn more →
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Minimally invasive surgery
Smaller-incision approaches can be suitable for selected procedures and patients.
Learn more →
04↗
Aortic surgery
Aortic aneurysms and dissections require careful specialist assessment.
Learn more →Whether any particular operation is appropriate depends on your individual medical assessment.
What to expect
Why Heart Surgeon Melbourne
starts with a conversation.
A recommendation for heart surgery can bring many questions. A consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss your diagnosis, review investigations, compare suitable approaches and plan next steps.
Prepare for your visit ↗ - 01
Referral and review
A referral, test results and cardiac imaging help clarify the next assessment.
- 02
Surgical assessment
Discuss the diagnosis, treatment alternatives, benefits and material risks.
- 03
Planning and consent
If surgery is recommended, your care team will explain admission, anaesthesia and arrangements.
- 04
Recovery and follow-up
Your team will advise on wound care, medicines, activity and rehabilitation where appropriate.
Appointment checklist
A few things to
bring with you.
- Your GP or specialist referral
- A current medication list
- Relevant test results and reports
- Previous cardiology letters
- Your questions and symptom notes
Before your visit
Feel informed.
Arrive prepared.
Note your symptoms and bring earlier tests or letters if available. A surgeon can explain whether an operation is indicated, alternatives and the main risks and expected benefits in your circumstances.
Useful questions include: What is the aim of surgery? What happens without an operation? Which tests are still needed? Which hospital would provide treatment?
Important medical note
Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your treating clinician instructs you to do so. For new or severe chest pain, sudden breathlessness, fainting or symptoms of stroke, call 000 in Australia.
Treatment decisions
Open and minimally invasive
heart surgery.
Traditional open surgery and minimally invasive surgery use different access methods. Some operations can be performed through smaller incisions, but suitability depends on anatomy, procedure complexity and clinical factors.
No technique is automatically safer or better for every person. The choice should be based on a clinician's individual assessment, not incision size alone.
Shared decision-making
Clinical decisions may involve cardiologists, surgeons, anaesthetists and imaging specialists. Your priorities and concerns matter alongside the medical evidence.
Your questions
A little more
peace of mind.
Answers to common questions about cardiac surgery, referrals and preparing for an appointment.
How do I find a heart surgeon in Melbourne?+
A referral from your cardiologist or GP can help identify an appropriately qualified cardiac surgeon and provide the information needed for an assessment.
What is the difference between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon?+
A cardiologist diagnoses and treats cardiovascular conditions with medicines, investigations and some catheter procedures. A cardiac surgeon assesses and performs operations where surgery is indicated.
Do I need a referral?+
A cardiothoracic surgeon will commonly request a medical referral and relevant results before an appointment. Requirements can vary by clinic and funding arrangements.
Is minimally invasive heart surgery suitable for everyone?+
No. Suitability depends on anatomy, disease complexity, previous operations and the experience of the surgical team with a particular method.
How long is recovery after heart surgery?+
Recovery varies with the procedure, complications, age and general health. Your treating team can give advice specific to your operation.
When should I get urgent help?+
Call 000 in Australia for severe or rapidly worsening chest pain, sudden breathlessness, collapse or signs of stroke. An online enquiry is not an emergency service.
Start with a conversation
Prepare for an informed
surgical discussion.
Discuss your circumstances with your treating doctors and seek an individual specialist assessment where needed. You can call the practice or send a general enquiry below.
(03) 9515 0656