Discussions about the most relevant topics in cardiothoracic surgery from CTSNet, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network.
Episodes
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
In this month’s episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. David Taggart about internal mammary artery harvesting. They discuss indications, patient preparation, internal thoracic artery anatomy, and key steps—sternotomy, free parietal pleura, incised endothoracic fascia, cutting of IMA, and more. They also discuss the pedicled technique, the skeletonized technique, and complications.
The Atrium is a monthly podcast presenting clinical and career-focused topics for residents and early career professionals across all cardiothoracic surgery subspecialties. Watch for next month’s episode on VATS lobectomy.
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Dr. Husam Balkhy, Professor of Surgery and the Director of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at University of Chicago Medicine and President of The International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS), about robotic totally endoscopic cardiac surgery procedures. They discuss potential ways to get the world to perform more robot-assisted surgeries, the building blocks to learning robotics, the future of learning robotics, and what to expect this year at the ISMICS 2025 Annual Meeting. They also explore Dr. Balkhy’s new President’s Series on CTSNet and provide insights into the first video of this series. Joel also highlights some of the videos in the CTSNet Resident Video Competition and the robotics vs VATS debate in Britain.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on the impact of restricted chests on long-term lung function parameters following lung transplantation in patients with interstitial lung disease, determinants of inadequate cardioprotection in adult patients with left ventricular dysfunction, engineered heart muscle allografts for heart repair in primates and humans, and risk factor analysis for 30-day mortality after surgery for infective endocarditis.
In addition, Joel explores open repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, totally 3D endoscopic third tricuspid valve replacement, and how to use the Impella for on-pump CABG in patients with low EF. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
2.) Determinants of Inadequate Cardioprotection in Adult Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction
3.) Engineered Heart Muscle Allografts for Heart Repair in Primates and Humans
4.) Risk Factor Analysis for 30-Day Mortality After Surgery for Infective Endocarditis
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Open Repair of Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms
2.) Totally 3D Endoscopic Third Tricuspid Valve Replacement
Other Items Mentioned
1.) President's Series With Husam Balkhy | ISMICS President
2.) ISMICS 2025 Annual Meeting
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Tom D’Amico, professor and vice chairman of surgery and chief medical officer of the Duke Cancer Institute, about oligometastatic disease. They discuss the current updates of oligometastatic disease, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) guidelines on the surgical management of oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and the importance of choosing the right patient. They also explore where the new boundaries of this procedure are, radiation therapy, and shared decision-making. Joel also highlights a surgical robot (spaceMIRA) at the International Space Station that completed its first surgery demo in zero gravity, the state of lung transplants in the United Kingdom, and the Priority Setting Partnership (PSP).
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on perioperative extra corporeal membrane oxygenation in neonates with transposition of the great arteries, a randomized controlled trial on the effects of postoperative glucocorticoids on mitigation of organ dysfunction in patients with Type A aortic dissection, if socioeconomic factors impair uptake of neoadjuvant therapy for patients with locoregional esophageal cancer, and a nationwide analysis on malperfusion in patients with acute Type A aortic dissection.
In addition, Joel explores a case report on a chest injury with an arrow penetrating the right lung with rent in the right atrium, an interview with Marko Turina, and an Onyx mechanical mitral valve replacement after previous mitral repair. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
4.) Malperfusion in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Nationwide Analysis
CTSNET Content Mentioned
2.) Giants in CT Surgery: An Interview With Marko Turina
3.) Redo Mitral Surgery: Onyx Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement After Previous Mitral Repair
Other Items Mentioned
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Vinay Badhwar, the current vice president of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), about his groundbreaking achievement in combining robotic aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) through a single small incision. They discuss the background and premise of this technique, the process of taking this technique from an idea to performing it on a patient, differences between this approach and other cardiac approaches, and the future of cardiac surgery. They also explore the first operation performed using this technique in immense detail with visuals of the procedure.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on multisociety endorsement of the 2024 European guideline recommendations on coronary revascularization and bioprosthetic vs mechanical aortic valve replacement in patients 40-75 years. He also reviews short- and long-term outcomes of lung transplantation from brain death vs circulatory death donors and intracavitary cisplatin-fibrin followed by irradiation improved tumor control compared to the single treatments in a mesothelioma rat model.
In addition, Joel explores a Dacron graft double inversion for ascending aorta surgery, a redo mitral valve surgery with previous aortic valve replacement, and a right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm causing right ventricular tract obstruction. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
2.) Bioprosthetic vs Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients 40-75 Years
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Dacron Graft Double Inversion for Ascending Aorta Surgery
2.) Redo Mitral Valve Surgery With Previous Aortic Valve Replacement
3.) Right Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Causing Right Ventricular Tract Obstruction
Other Items Mentioned
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
In this month’s episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Kim Thompson about cardiopulmonary bypass. They discuss cardiopulmonary bypass setup, the equipment—cannulas, reservoir container, pumps, heat exchangers, oxygenators, cardioplegia, adjuncts—preparation, priming, and heparinization. They also discuss cannulation, going on bypass, maintenance of bypass, coming off bypass, and complications.
The Atrium is a monthly podcast presenting clinical and career-focused topics for residents and early career professionals across all cardiothoracic surgery subspecialties. Watch for next month’s episode on internal mammary artery harvesting.
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning recaps The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. He discusses Dr. Jennifer Romano’s presidential address, remarks from incoming STS president, Dr. Joseph F. Sabik III, and the keynote addresses by Dr. Jennifer A. Dounda and photographer, filmmaker, and educator Ami Vitale. Joel also shares his top presentation picks from the meeting, including “Bioprosthetic vs Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients 40-75 Years” by Dr. Vinay Badhwar, “DOAC for Mechanical AVR” by Dr. Joon Bum Kim, and “Surgeon Frequency for Multiarterial Grafting and 19-Year Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Over One Million Medicare Beneficiaries” by Dr. Justin Schaffer. Additionally, he covers the STS Evidence-Based Guidelines, an AI tool for medical information called OpenEvidence, and STS TV.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients younger than 65 years in the United States, post-implant transcatheter aortic prosthesis deformation, redo surgical aortic valve replacement for bioprosthetic structural valve deterioration, and five-year outcomes in low-risk patients undergoing surgery in the PARTNER 3 trial.
In addition, Joel explores a hybrid debranching of aortic arch branches and endovascular repair of the aneurysm of the aortic arch and the thoracic aorta, handmade valved woven Dacron conduits as an alternative for repair of congenital heart defects, and how to remove a bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
2.) Post-Implant Transcatheter Aortic Prosthesis Deformation: Tricuspid Versus Bicuspid Valve
3.) Redo Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Bioprosthetic Structural Valve Deterioration
4.) Five Year Outcomes in Low-Risk Patients Undergoing Surgery in the PARTNER 3 Trial
CTSNET Content Mentioned
2.) Handmade Valved Woven Dacron Conduits as an Alternative for Repair of Congenital Heart Defects
3.) Redo Mitral Valve Surgery: How to Remove a Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Replacement
Other Items Mentioned
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning explores the balance between the risks and benefits of holding The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. He discusses Dr. Jennifer Romano’s address on the STS 2025 meeting, the ongoing fires in LA, and potential ways to support the city. Dunning also emphasizes the importance of hosting annual meetings, explores alternative options for the event, and highlights the relief fund. Additionally, he provides a preview of the pre-conference symposia and two keynote addresses that will take place at the annual meeting.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on women in cardiac surgery, the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons future view on robotic cardiac surgery in Europe, aortic valve replacement versus clinical surveillance in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis, and robotic-assisted versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thymic epithelial tumors.
In addition, Joel explores a truncus arteriosus repair with modified Barbero Marcial technique with reconstruction of neopulmonary valve with RAA, redo endoscopic left ventricular mass removal, and implantation of a modified Micra Pediatric Implantable Pulse Generator for epicardial pacing. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Women in Cardiac Surgery: A Global Workforce Analysis
2.) European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons Future View on Robotic Cardiac Surgery in Europe
CTSNET Content Mentioned
2.) Redo Endoscopic Left Ventricular Mass Removal
3.) Implantation of a Modified Micra Pediatric Implantable Pulse Generator for Epicardial Pacing
Other Items Mentioned
1.) STS 2025 Update: Dr. Jennifer Romano
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning dives into the best resources available for cardiothoracic surgery professionals. He highlights key websites, including The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), and CTSNet, offering valuable insights into each platform’s offerings. Joel also explores some lesser known yet valuable resources, such as the American Heart Association (AHA), YouTube, Vimeo, and Doximity. Additionally, he discusses the groundbreaking achievement of the world’s first robotic cardiac telesurgery, performed by Sudhir Srivastava of SS Innovations.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on the presentation and outcomes of women and men undergoing surgery for degenerative mitral regurgitation, surgical aortic annulus enlargement with a balloon catheter, lung transplant outcomes in recipients of advanced age, and the impact of three-dimensional imaging and printing on septal myectomy results.
In addition, Joel explores a mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease through an upper hemisternotomy, an inclusion Ross procedure with hemiarch repair using antegrade cerebral perfusion, and an interview with Dr. Ali Dodge-Khatami on minimal invasive repairs of congenital heart defects. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
2.) Dealing With the Aortic Annulus: Surgical Aortic Annulus Enlargement With a Balloon Catheter
3.) Lung Transplant Outcomes in Recipients of Advanced Age: Are Two Always Better Than One?
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) A Mitral Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Heart Disease Through an Upper Hemisternotomy
3.) Minimal Invasive Repairs of Congenital Heart Defects: An Interview With Ali Dodge-Khatami
Other Items Mentioned
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning had the opportunity to speak with the new Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS), Dr. Tom Varghese, Jr. They discuss the types of journals and articles JACS publishes, hints and tips for submitting to JACS, and the future of JACS. They also discuss experiment reproducibility, negative clinical trials, and what studies should be conducted in the future.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on lung transplant outcome from selected older donors (≥70 years) equals younger donors (<70 years), initial experience with the da Vinci single-port system in patients with an anterior mediastinal mass, why and when do we invasively restage after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, and harmonizing guidelines and other clinical practice documents.
In addition, Joel explores a new episode of The Atrium with Dr. Alice Copperwheat and Dr. Valerie Rusch on finding success in surgery training and a presentation by Dr. Shaf Keshavjee on “Ex Vivo and In Vivo Systems to Support, Treat, and Engineer Organs.” Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Lung Transplant Outcome From Selected Older Donors (≥70 Years) Equals Younger Donors (<70 Years)
3.) Why and When Do We Invasively Restage After Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy?
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) The Atrium: Finding Success in Surgery Training
2.) ASAIO 2024 | Ex Vivo and In Vivo Systems to Support, Treat, and Engineer Organs
Other Items Mentioned
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning reflects on the most popular content of 2024 at CTSNet. He discusses the top interview, the most popular guest editor series, and reveals the leading CTSNet contributor of the year. He also looks at the top clinical videos in cardiac, congenital, and thoracic surgery, as well as the most-read JANS articles and the editors’ top picks.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on cutibacterium acnes infective endocarditis, long-term outcomes of antegrade thoracic stent grafting during repair of acute DeBakey I dissection, comparing right- versus left-first implantation in off-pump sequential double-lung transplantation, and the impact of patient-prosthesis mismatch on long-term outcomes after aortic valve replacement. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Cutibacterium Acnes Infective Endocarditis—An Emerging Pathogen
4.) Impact of Patient-Prosthesis Mismatch on Long-Term Outcomes After Aortic Valve Replacement
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) CTSNet Summarized—Most Popular Content of 2024
2.) CTSNet Summarized—Top Cardiac Procedure Videos of 2024
3.) CTSNet Summarized—Top Congenital and Thoracic Procedure Videos of 2024
4.) CTSNet Summarized—Top JANS Articles of 2024
5.) CABG With a Long LAD Endarterectomy
Other Items Mentioned
Disclaimer
The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.