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Home > OH Providers > Thoracic (Chest) Surgeons

Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD

(42 Ratings)

Specializes in: Thoracic Surgery

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2000)

Professional interests include: thoracentesis, epigastric hernia, cancer, and more.

9500 Euclid Avenue Mail Code J4-1
Cleveland, OH 44195

(216) 445-6860

Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD is a thoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH specializing in thoracic surgery. He graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 2000 and has 24 years of experience. Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Main Campus.

Office Locations

Address:

9500 Euclid Avenue Mail Code J4-1
Cleveland, OH 44195

Some issues Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD can help you with:

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, is inserted in the mouth or nose and slowly advanced to the lungs. This allows doctors to see the respiratory tract, which includes the throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchi (airways), and lungs. Doctors may recommend those who have or show signs of lung problems - for example, lung cancer or difficulty breathing - to undergo a bronchoscopy.

In performing a diagnostic bronchoscopy, doctors may only wish to visualize the respiratory tract, or doctors may also collect samples of tissue or fluid. The samples can help diagnose patients' conditions or, if patients have cancer, they can be used for staging purposes. One method for sample collection is bronchoalveolar lavage. In a bronchoalveolar lavage, doctors inject saline (salt water) through the bronchoscope and then suction it out of the airways. The washout collected is tested for lung disorders. Doctors can also insert a biopsy tool to collect tissue or mucus samples. The following are biopsies that can be performed by bronchoscopy:

Brush biopsy, which uses a brush to collect samples.
Endobronchial biopsy, which uses the bronchoscope to guide forceps to sample lung tissue.
Transbronchial biopsy, which uses forceps and image guidance - such as X-rays, CT scans, or fluoroscopy - to sample lung tissue.
Transbronchial fine needle aspiration (TBNA), which uses a small needle to take samples of the lymph nodes or lungs.

For visualization, bronchoscopy can be done alone, or it can be combined with ultrasound. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) allows real-time imaging of the airway and is used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, as well as for determining where the cancer has spread. EBUS can be performed with TBNA, a procedure known as endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Doctors can also use bronchoscopy as a treatment for lung problems. For example, if a foreign body is trapped in the airway, doctors can insert forceps through the bronchoscope to remove it. If the airway has become narrowed - which may occur if patients have an infection, cancer, or some other inflammatory issue - bronchoscopy can be used to place a device called a stent in the area of constriction. The stent will keep the airway open, allowing the patient to breathe properly.

During a bronchoscopy, patients will be given medication (sedative) to help them relax. If it is only a diagnostic bronchoscopy, patients will be kept awake, but if the bronchoscopy is for therapeutic purposes, patients will be put to sleep by general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few hours. They will not be able to eat or drink for about 2 hours. Some patients may experience discomfort, such as a sore throat or pain while swallowing. Throat lozenges and gargling may help alleviate these symptoms, which should go away after a few days. Patients will need to have someone drive them home once their doctor determines that they are ready.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where the sweat glands become overactive, leading to excessive sweating. It can occur in just one area, such as the armpits, feet, or hands; or it can be general sweating over the entire body. Hyperhidrosis can happen to people of all ages and genders. It is estimated that the condition affects as many as 3% of all people, but many are never diagnosed because they are too embarrassed to talk about their symptoms with their doctor.

When excessive sweating is the main complaint and is not related to any other condition, it is called primary hyperhidrosis. There is no known cause, but it does tend to run in families. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that is caused by another medical condition, such as anxiety, cancer, hyperthyroidism, or menopause. Sometimes treating the underlying condition can improve this type of sweating.

There are tests doctors can use to diagnose hyperhidrosis. One involves simply soaking up the perspiration with paper and then weighing the paper to measure how much extra sweat is being produced. Another test, called the starch-iodine test, involves covering the body with powder. This powder turns blue in any areas where sweat is produced.

Treatment depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis and the areas affected. Some options are:

Prescription antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride and work by plugging the sweat ducts. This signals the sweat glands to decrease sweat production. They work for moderate cases of hyperhidrosis and are relatively affordable.
Lontophoresis, a procedure that uses small amounts of electricity and a tray of tap water to decrease production of sweat glands in the hands or feet.
Botox, which can be injected into the nerves that control sweat glands in the underarms.
Sympathectomy, a surgery for severe cases that can be performed to cut the nerves that stimulate sweat production. Sympathectomy is most effective for hyperhidrosis of the hands. It may cause new symptoms of sweating elsewhere on the body.
Surgery to remove sweat glands, most often in the underarms.

Hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition that causes both physical and emotional distress. Treatments are available, and support groups exist to help patients cope.

Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy or tracheotomy is a surgical procedure to open an airway in a blocked trachea, or windpipe. A small hole is created in the neck, and a tube is often inserted into the hole to provide support and drainage. The patient can breathe through the hole that is created.

Tracheostomy is performed for a variety of reasons when a bypass to the normal airway is needed. A patient may have an object lodged in their throat or have an injury that damaged their windpipe. They may have cancer or a swelling in their throat that stops air from moving freely. Sometimes tracheostomy is performed to make breathing easier when patients are paralyzed or have trouble coming off a ventilator.

A tracheostomy can be temporary or permanent. A temporary tracheostomy tends to heal over easily when the tube is removed, leaving a small scar. A permanent tracheostomy can make speech difficult at first. It takes time to learn how to use the throat and air in a new way.

Tracheostomy is a fairly simple procedure, but it can make all the difference in a life or death situation.

doctor visit	117
hospital care	35
inpatient care	35
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	51

**Gender**
Male	118
Female	86

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	173
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	85
From 75 to 84	68
85 and over	16
Less than 65	35

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	11
Ischemic Heart Disease	63
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	57
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	33
Heart Failure	58
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	47
Diabetes	37
Dementia	11
Cancer	26

balloon dilation	31
diagnostic procedures	30
doctor visit	272
esophageal dilation	31
gastrointestinal procedures	88
hospital care	13
inpatient care	13
minimally invasive procedures	89
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	30
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	24

**Gender**
Male	162
Female	126

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	253
Black	24
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	160
From 75 to 84	67
85 and over	11
Less than 65	50

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	44
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	21
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	28
Diabetes	30
Dementia	9
Cancer	26

balloon dilation	39
diagnostic procedures	18
doctor visit	213
esophageal dilation	39
gastrointestinal procedures	84
hospital care	20
inpatient care	20
minimally invasive procedures	85
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	18
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	36

**Gender**
Male	334
Female	242

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	524
Black	28
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	274
From 75 to 84	168
85 and over	36
Less than 65	98

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	49
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	20
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	25
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	36
Diabetes	33
Dementia	8
Cancer	24

**Gender**
Male	168
Female	133

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	273
Black	16
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	152
From 75 to 84	91
85 and over	13
Less than 65	45

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	26
Osteoperosis	5
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	27
Diabetes	33
Dementia	12
Cancer	22

balloon dilation	17
diagnostic procedures	26
doctor visit	236
esophageal dilation	17
gastrointestinal procedures	82
minimally invasive procedures	83
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	26
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	28

**Gender**
Male	153
Female	134

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	255
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	166
From 75 to 84	76
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	47
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	40
Asthma	18
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	26
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	31
Diabetes	33
Dementia	9
Cancer	23

balloon dilation	26
diagnostic procedures	16
doctor visit	219
esophageal dilation	26
gastrointestinal procedures	79
minimally invasive procedures	80
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	16
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	21

**Gender**
Male	162
Female	134

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	259
Black	20
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	169
From 75 to 84	72
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	66
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	46
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	31
Dementia	11
Cancer	21

balloon dilation	28
diagnostic procedures	21
doctor visit	165
esophageal dilation	28
gastrointestinal procedures	88
minimally invasive procedures	89
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	21

**Gender**
Male	138
Female	111

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	219
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	135
From 75 to 84	67
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	44
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	25
Dementia	0
Cancer	16

balloon dilation	26
diagnostic procedures	10
doctor visit	107
esophageal dilation	26
gastrointestinal procedures	64
minimally invasive procedures	65
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	10

**Gender**
Male	107
Female	82

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	170
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	120
From 75 to 84	46
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	47
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	23
Diabetes	31
Dementia	10
Cancer	15

balloon dilation	34
diagnostic procedures	34
doctor visit	228
esophageal dilation	34
gastrointestinal procedures	181
minimally invasive procedures	182
pyloric dilation	30
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	34

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD treated as a thoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH were gastrointestinal procedures, minimally invasive procedures, tracheal (windpipe) procedures and pyloric dilation.

abdominal surgery	10
balloon dilation	27
diagnostic procedures	22
doctor visit	200
esophageal dilation	27
gastrointestinal procedures	95
hospital care	20
inpatient care	20
minimally invasive procedures	94
open surgery	10
pyloric dilation	30
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	22
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	31

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	134
Female	104

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	8
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	212
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	65
85 and over	7
Less than 65	22
65 to 74	126

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	12
Osteoporosis	5
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	23
Diabetes	25
Atrial Fibrillation	17
Cancer	17
Dementia	7

Education & Training

Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 2000. He completed residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He is certified by the Surgery - General Surgery Thoracic Surgery - Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery and has a state license in Ohio.

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2000)

Residency: Brigham and Women's Hospital (2009)

Board Certification: Surgery - General Surgery Thoracic Surgery - Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery

Licensed In: Ohio

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 42 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD from all over the web to help you find the right in Cleveland, OH.

Overall Rating

(42 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Siva Raja, MD, PhD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$5,632 Da Vinci Surgical System $5,632
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.	$3,558 OPDIVO $3,558
Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.	$3,233 Portex $875	$2,358
Teleflex Medical Incorporated	$752 SURGICAL $752
Neomend, Inc.	$392 SURGICAL $251	DAV-Arista AH $141
Other	$2,095 AtriCure cryoICE cryoSPHERE Cryoablation System $218	Aortic and Mitral Tissue Stented $188	CFN PleurX $183	Progel $135	NanoPass $128	Other $1,243

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$5,050
Food and Beverage	$4,167
Education	$3,000
Travel and Lodging	$2,774
Royalty or License	$400
Other	$272

Biography

Dr. Siva Raja's area of specialization is thoracic surgery. Clinical interests for Dr. Raja include achalasia, lung cancer surgery, and lung nodule. Patients rated Dr. Raja highly, giving him an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). After attending the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, he completed his residency training at Brigham and Women's Hospital. In addition to English, he speaks Tamil. He is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Main Campus.