Our Summary

This paper examines the global imbalance of gender in the field of cardiac surgery. It found that women only make up 8% of the worldwide cardiac surgical workforce. This is especially concerning given that research has shown better post-surgery outcomes when the surgeon and patient are of the same gender.

The study found that North America and Europe have the highest representation of female cardiac surgeons (11.4% and 10.3% respectively), while East Asia and the Middle East have the lowest (2.9% and 1.7% respectively). Wealthier countries have twice as many female cardiac surgeons as lower-income countries, and in very poor countries, there are virtually none.

The study also found a correlation between the number of female cardiac surgeons and a country’s wealth, its gender equality rating, and how much it spends on health care.

The authors of the paper suggest that increasing the representation of women in cardiac surgery is crucial for both fairness and improving patient care. They recommend further research into the specific challenges faced by women in low and middle-income countries, along with efforts to mentor women in the field and remove barriers to their entry.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of the worldwide cardiac surgical workforce is made up by women?
  2. Which regions have the highest and lowest representation of female cardiac surgeons?
  3. What recommendations do the authors of the study give to increase the representation of women in cardiac surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about cardiac surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team. This may include fasting before surgery, stopping certain medications, and avoiding smoking or alcohol. Following these instructions can help minimize the risk of complications during and after the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cardiac surgery include those with severe coronary artery disease, valve disease, congenital heart defects, and other conditions that cannot be managed effectively with medication or other non-invasive treatments. Patients who have experienced a heart attack, have severe heart failure, or have a high risk of complications from their condition may also be recommended for cardiac surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if cardiac surgery is the best course of action for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before cardiac surgery:

  • Patient undergoes initial consultation and evaluation with a cardiologist to determine the need for surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing, such as blood work, imaging tests, and possibly a stress test
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes or take medication to prepare for surgery
  • Patient discusses the surgery with their cardiac surgeon and anesthesiologist
  • Patient may undergo a pre-operative education session to learn about what to expect during and after surgery

After cardiac surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after surgery
  • Patient is gradually weaned off of mechanical ventilation and other support devices
  • Patient is monitored for complications such as bleeding, infection, or arrhythmias
  • Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and function
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues follow-up care with their cardiac surgeon and cardiologist
  • Patient may need to make further lifestyle changes and take medication to promote healing and prevent future heart issues

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after cardiac surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure and individual circumstances, but the goal is always to improve the patient’s heart health and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cardiac surgery include:

  1. How many cardiac surgeries have you performed?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate for this type of surgery?
  4. What is the recovery process like, and how long will it take?
  5. Are there alternative treatment options to consider?
  6. Will I have a say in the decision-making process for my treatment plan?
  7. What is your experience with performing cardiac surgery on patients of my age and health condition?
  8. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should be aware of?
  9. What can I expect in terms of follow-up care after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific gender-related considerations I should be aware of in relation to this surgery?

Reference

Authors: Izumi A, Lee G, Gomes Z, Ouzounian M, Adinku P, Montes L, Vervoort D. Journal: Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2024 Dec 26;67(1):ezae463. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezae463. PMID: 39693123