Top 10 Questions for Cardiac Surgeon Interview

1. Walk me through the steps involved in performing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)?

In a CABG, I would:

• Make an incision in the chest to access the heart.
• Create a bypass graft using a vein or artery from another part of the body.
• Attach the graft to the coronary artery beyond the blockage.
• Open the bypass graft to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

2. Discuss the key principles of managing acute aortic dissection?

Time-sensitive intervention

• Prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical repair are crucial.

Blood pressure control

• Maintain systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg to prevent further dissection.
• Administer beta-blockers and vasodilators as needed.

Surgical repair

• Replace the dissected aortic segment with a synthetic graft.
• Re-establish blood flow to vital organs.

3. How do you evaluate and manage patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)?

In HFpEF, I would:

• Perform a thorough medical history and physical examination.
• Order echocardiography and other diagnostic tests to assess cardiac function, valvular abnormalities, and co-morbidities.
• Prescribe medications to improve symptoms and prevent complications, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors.
• Consider lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, sodium restriction, and regular exercise.

4. Describe the indications and contraindications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)?

Indications

• Severe aortic stenosis in patients at high or intermediate risk for surgical aortic valve replacement.
• Symptomatic aortic stenosis with a life expectancy of at least 1 year.

Contraindications

• Active endocarditis.
• Uncontrollable bleeding disorders.
• Severe aortic regurgitation.
• Anatomic factors that preclude successful TAVR.

5. How do you manage a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism (PE)?

In a suspected PE, I would:

• Obtain a detailed medical history and physical examination.
• Order a CT pulmonary angiogram to confirm the diagnosis.
• Start anticoagulation therapy with heparin or a direct oral anticoagulant.
• Assess for risk factors and underlying conditions that may have contributed to the PE.

6. Describe the surgical approach and post-operative care for a patient undergoing mitral valve repair?

Surgical approach

• Median sternotomy to access the heart.
• Repair or replacement of the mitral valve leaflets and annulus.

Post-operative care

• Monitor for bleeding, arrhythmias, and other complications.
• Provide pain management and respiratory support as needed.
• Start anticoagulation therapy to prevent thromboembolism.
• Commence cardiac rehabilitation to improve recovery and prevent future events.

7. How do you evaluate and treat a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)?

In HCM, I would:

• Perform a thorough medical history, physical examination, and family history.
• Order echocardiography and other diagnostic tests to assess cardiac function and morphology.
• Consider genetic testing to identify mutations associated with HCM.
• Prescribe medications to improve symptoms and prevent complications, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.

8. Discuss the anesthetic considerations for cardiac surgery in patients with end-stage renal disease?

In cardiac surgery with end-stage renal disease, I would:

• Consult with a nephrologist pre-operatively to optimize renal function.
• Consider regional anesthesia techniques, such as neuraxial blocks, to minimize hemodynamic instability.
• Monitor renal function closely during and after surgery.
• Adjust anesthetic medications and fluids to avoid volume overload and electrolyte imbalances.

9. Describe the role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in cardiac surgery?

Intraoperative TEE allows me to:

• Visualize the heart and cardiac structures in real-time.
• Assess cardiac function, valve function, and blood flow.
• Detect complications such as air embolism or pericardial effusion.
• Guide surgical procedures, such as valve repair or replacement.

10. How do you manage a patient with a post-operative mediastinal infection?

In a post-operative mediastinal infection, I would:

• Obtain cultures from the mediastinum and other potential sources.
• Start broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover common pathogens.
• Consider surgical drainage if the infection is localized.
• Monitor the patient closely for signs of sepsis or other complications.
• Adjust the antibiotic regimen based on culture results and clinical response.

Cardiac Surgeons are highly skilled medical professionals who specialize in the surgical treatment of heart and blood vessel conditions. They perform a wide range of procedures, from repairing congenital heart defects to performing heart transplants.

1. Perform Surgical Procedures

Cardiac Surgeons perform a variety of surgical procedures, including:

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Heart valve repair or replacement
• Heart transplant
• Congenital heart defect repair
• Ablation procedures for arrhythmias

2. Diagnose and Treat Cardiac Conditions

Cardiac Surgeons also diagnose and treat cardiac conditions, such as:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve disease
• Congenital heart defects
• Arrhythmias
• Heart failure

3. Provide Pre- and Post-operative Care

Cardiac Surgeons provide pre- and post-operative care to their patients. This includes:

• Evaluating patients before surgery to determine their risk and suitability for surgery
• Planning and performing surgery
• Monitoring patients after surgery and managing any complications

4. Collaborate with Other Healthcare Professionals

Cardiac Surgeons collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as cardiologists, nurses, and anesthesiologists, to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

Preparing for a job interview can be stressful, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.

1. Research the Company and Position

Before you go to your interview, take some time to research the company and the position you are applying for. This will help you understand the company’s culture and what they are looking for in a candidate.

2. Practice Your Answers to Common Interview Questions

There are a few common interview questions that you are likely to be asked, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Why are you interested in this position?” Practice your answers to these questions so that you can deliver them confidently and concisely.

3. Dress Professionally

First impressions matter, so make sure you dress professionally for your interview. This means wearing clean, pressed clothes that are appropriate for a business setting.

4. Be Punctual

Punctuality shows that you are respectful of the interviewer’s time. Arrive for your interview on time, or even a few minutes early.

5. Be Yourself

The most important thing is to be yourself during your interview. The interviewer wants to get to know the real you, so don’t try to be someone you’re not.