Discussions about the most relevant topics in cardiothoracic surgery from CTSNet, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network.
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
In this episode of The Cardiac Recovery Room, moderator Vicki Morton, Director of Clinical and Quality Outcomes at Providence Anesthesiology Associates in North Carolina, USA, spoke with Alexander Gregory, a cardiovascular anesthesiologist and assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada, and Dr. V. Seenu Reddy, a cardiothoracic surgeon at HCA’s TriStar Cardiovascular Surgery in Nashville, Tennesee, USA, about the 10 things they hate about Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:38 Overcomplication
05:29 Simple Barriers
08:54 Change Obstructionists
10:52 Status Quo
12:49 Messing with Protocol
14:21 Giving Up on Protocol
16:48 Need for Patient-Reported Outcomes
19:18 Struggle Into Cardiac Subspecialty
21:30 Takeaways
The goal of this discussion was to identify specific challenges and propose potential solutions. They emphasize the importance of having two leaders—a champion and a co-champion—to effectively guide ERAS initiatives. Additionally, they discuss creating standing orders and issues related to microbarriers and resistance to change. They also highlight the need for customization of protocols, acknowledging the differences between surgeons who utilize ERAS and those who do not, as well as the tendency to maintain the status quo. Patient perspectives are another key focus, with a call to implement changes that enhance tracking and monitoring of patient outcomes. Furthermore, they explore the role of technology designed for patients, as well as applying ERAS principles to surgeries that fall “outside of the box.”
The Cardiac Recovery Room is the place to hear the conversations colleagues are having after the meetings. Each month, a new episode will be released featuring a leadership panel from the ERAS Cardiac Society.
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 Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
In this episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Samer Nashef, a consultant cardiac surgeon at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, about complications in cardiothoracic surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:34 Dr. Nashef Background
04:06 Results Monitoring
08:55 Common Complications
14:40 Mentality
19:18 Identifying Room for Improvement
21:25 Pattern of Response
22:47 Long-Term Complications
26:08 Mortality/Morbidity Meetings
28:28 Perfection, Balance
30:33 Coping w Major Complications
35:06 Learning Your Psyche
35:51 Trainee-Consultant Responsibility
37:51 Resilience
39:19 Key Takeaways
41:07 Training Advice
They delve into early complications that trainees experience, approaches to managing acute complications, and nonacute and postoperative complications. They also highlight learning from complications, coping strategies, and the emotional impact involved in cardiothoracic surgery. Additionally, they discuss the concepts of growth, resilience, and strength in cardiothoracic surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Nashef provides advice to trainees currently navigating difficult cases, and general guidance for those in training.
The Atrium is a monthly podcast presenting clinical and career-focused topics for residents and early career professionals across all cardiothoracic surgery subspecialties. Be sure to watch for next month’s episode!
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 Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Laurens Ceulemans, thoracic surgeon at the University Hospitals Leuven in Belgium, about lung volume reduction.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:41 Right to Repair, Robotics Re-Use
04:53 REPEAT Trial
06:30 JANS 1, PCI After CABG Randomized Trial
08:01 JANS 2, No-Touch vs Conventional Saph Veins
11:04 JANS 3, Sir Terence English & Keyvyn Mohagissi
12:09 CTSNet Recruitment Guide
12:54 Video 1, JCOG0802 Bombshell & Webinar
16:33 Video 2, Endoscopic Cardiac Foreign Body Extraction
17:56 Video 3, First Europe Robotic AVR Perceval Valve
18:42 Video 4, Bilateral VATS Sympathectomy
20:10 Laurens Ceulemans Interview
34:15 Upcoming Events
34:48 Closing
They highlighted key takeaways from the procedure and addressed the issue of air leaks. They also discussed bilateral lung volume reduction and emphasized the importance of a team approach. Additionally, they focused on why surgeons should be selecting the healthiest patients for this operation rather than the most critically ill, as well as the future of lung volume reduction.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a multicenter, randomized trial on the PCI of native coronary artery vs saphenous vein graft after prior bypass surgery, a meta-analysis of randomized trials on the outcomes of no-touch vs conventionally harvested saphenous veins for coronary artery bypass surgery, and the death of transplant pioneer Sir Terence English at 93.
In addition, Joel explores bombshell 10-year JCOG0802 results showing lobectomy is superior to segmentectomy for lung cancer, endoscopic extraction of a cardiac foreign body, the first robotic aortic valve replacement in Europe using a Perceval valve, and bilateral VATS sympathectomy for ventricular tachycardia electrical storm. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
3.) Transplant Pioneer Sir Terence English Dies at 93
CTSNet Content Mentioned
1.) Bombshell 10-Year JCOG0802 Results Show Lobectomy Is Superior to Segmentectomy for Lung Cancer
2.) Military Heart Trauma: Endoscopic Extraction of a Cardiac Foreign Body
3.) First Robotic Aortic Valve Replacement in Europe Using a Perceval Valve
4.) Bilateral VATS Sympathectomy for Ventricular Tachycardia Electrical Storm
Other Items Mentioned
2.) 2025 Endoscopic Cardiac Surgeons Club Video Competition
3.) 2025 CTSNet Recruitment Guide
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 Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Christopher McGregor, professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, about the current state of cardiac and kidney xenotransplantation.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:10 Sir Terence English
08:00 JANS 1, Cardiac Xenotransplantation
09:13 JANS 2, Coffee Consumption on AF
11:06 JANS 3, Environmental Factors Acute AD
12:49 JANS 4, PROTHOR Trial
15:15 Video 1, Combined AV & Coronary via LAM
17:08 Video 2, ARCA w MV Prolapse
19:32 Video 3, Redo Elephant Trunk After EAR
22:06 Chris McGregor Interview
48:23 Upcoming Events
50:15 Closing
They discussed the three approved trials for xenotransplantation in 2025, the preclinical efficacy assessment, and the various challenges of xenotransplantation. Additionally, they explored the history of orthotopic transplants, heart failure, and antibody-mediated rejection. They also examined the future of xenotransplantation and the anatomy of pig hearts vs human hearts.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the status of cardiac xenotransplantation including preclinical models, the DECAF randomized clinical trial on if caffeinated coffee consumption or abstinence reduces atrial fibrillation; the impact of environmental factors on acute aortic dissection; and a multicenter, international, randomized, controlled, phase 3 trial on the effects of intraoperative higher vs lower positive end-expiratory pressure during one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery on postoperative pulmonary complications (PROTHOR).
In addition, Joel explores combined aortic valve and coronary surgery via left anterior minithoracotomy, management of anomalous right coronary artery in a patient with mitral valve prolapse, and redo frozen elephant trunk after endovascular arch repair. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) 2025: Status of Cardiac Xenotransplantation Including Preclinical Models
3.) Weathering the Aorta: The Impact of Environmental Factors on Acute Aortic Dissection
CTSNet Content Mentioned
2.) Management of Anomalous Right Coronary Artery in a Patient With Mitral Valve Prolapse
3.) Redo Frozen Elephant Trunk After Endovascular Arch Repair
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Resident Video Competition
2.) 2025 CTSNet Recruitment Guide
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.
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Evgenij Potapov, a consultant senior surgeon and co-chairman of the mechanical circulatory support program in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the German Heart Center in Berlin, about the guidelines on temporary mechanical circulatory support (tCMS) in adult cardiac surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:56 Segmentectomy vs Lobectomy News
18:51 JANS 1, CT Residents Emergency Surgery
20:56 JANS 2, Interventional vs Surgical
22:49 JANS 3, Robotic Vascular Surgery
24:32 JANS 4, Surgery vs Surveillance
26:30 Video 1, Branch-First Arch Replacement
28:19 Video 2, Manougian Technique Double Patch
30:14 Video 3, Bentall Surgery via RAM
31:23 Evgenij Potapov Interview
53:55 Upcoming Events
They discussed the key elements of the guidelines, active unloading, and current trends and outcomes in tMCS. Additionally, they addressed protected cardiac surgery for high-risk patients, cardiac arrest, and the impact of recent changes to the donor heart allocation system on tMCS. Dr. Potapov also shared valuable insights on hints and tips for tMCS, anticoagulation management, and the future of tMCS. Furthermore, Joel elaborated on recent discussions regarding lobectomy vs segmentectomy in a detailed analysis.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a 10-year propensity-matched analysis on if we can safely train cardiothoracic surgical residents to perform emergency surgery, investigating the personality of interventional and surgical cardiovascular specialists, a clinical perspective on robotic-assisted vascular surgery, and a quality-of-life analysis of patients with moderately dilated aortic root or ascending aorta.
In addition, Joel explores branch-first arch replacement, revisiting the Manougian technique with double-patch, and Bentall surgery via right anterior minithoracotomy. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
3.) Robotic-Assisted Vascular Surgery: A Clinical Perspective
CTSNet Content Mentioned
1.) Branch-First Arch Replacement: How to Do It
2.) Revisiting the Manougian Technique With Double-Patch
3.) Bentall Surgery via Right Anterior Minithoracotomy
Other Items Mentioned
1.) EACTS/STS/AATS Guidelines on Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Adult Cardiac Surgery
3.) Resident Video Competition
4.) 2025 CTSNet Recruitment Guide
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 Nov 20, 2025
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Randas Batista, cardiac surgeon and founder of Vilela Batista Heart Foundation, about the surgical treatment of Eisenmenger syndrome.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:51 JANS 1, DAMSUN-HF Study
05:41 JANS 2, TAVR vs SAVR Guidelines
07:45 JANS 3, Myocardial Infarction After CABG
10:31 JANS 4, VAD Bridge-to-Transplant
12:27 New Recruitment Guide
13:54 Video 1, Anomalous Right Coronary Artery
15:27 Video 2, Beating Heart Transplant OCS
17:51 Video 3, Aortic Dissection Podcast w Marc Moon
19:26 Randas Batista Interview
37:38 Upcoming Events
They explored what Eisenmenger syndrome is and outlined the most common causes of the condition. They also delved into the history of this syndrome, highlighting the significant contributions of Viktor Eisenmenger and Paul H. Wood. Furthermore, they discussed the impact of this syndrome on lung function and extracting oxygen within the pulmonary artery. Dr. Batista shared valuable technical tips for performing the surgical procedure as well as solutions for managing this syndrome.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the DAMSUN-HF study on AI-enabled digital auscultation for detecting heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in Sub-Saharan Africa, transcatheter or surgical aortic-valve replacement in low-risk patients at seven years, current clinical practices and future perspectives on periprocedural myocardial infarction after coronary artery bypass grafting, and an analysis of UNOS.
In addition, Joel explores anomalous right coronary artery, beating heart transplantation using the Organ Care "Heart-in-a-Box" System (OCS), and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Dr. Marc Moon about aortic dissection. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
2.) Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic-Valve Replacement in Low-Risk Patients at 7 Years
CTSNet Content Mentioned
1.) Anomalous Right Coronary Artery
2.) Beating Heart Transplantation Using the Organ Care "Heart-in-a-Box" System (OCS)
3.) The Atrium: Aortic Dissection
Other Items Mentioned
2.) Resident Video Competition
3.) 2025 CTSNet Recruitment Guide
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.
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
In this inaugural episode of CTSNet’s new podcast, The Cardiac Recovery Room, moderator Dr. Daniel Engelman, Medical Director of the Cardiac Surgical Critical Care & Inpatient Services at Baystate Health, Professor of Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School—Baystate, and President of the ERAS Cardiac Society, spoke with Drs. Rakesh Arora, Director of Perioperative and Cardiac Critical Care and Research Director in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and Michael C. Grant, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, about cardiac surgery myths.
Chapters
00:54 Are There Myths?
02:49 Applying Non-Cardiac Surgery Data
04:52 Reducing NPO, Diabetes Carb-Load
08:17 Postop, Crystalloid Volume
10:31 Bicarb Usage
12:10 Hematocrit & Hemoglobin
14:53 Bronchoscopy for Early Extubation
18:54 Routine X-Rays
22:19 Lactates
24:48 Sleeplessness & Delirium
31:14 Final Thoughts
They discuss important topics such as the rationale for reducing nothing by mouth (NPO) guidelines, NPO after midnight, and the implications of carbohydrate loading for patients with type 1 diabetes. They examine critical issues of volume resuscitation, comparing the use of albumin vs crystalloids, as well as bicarb usage. Additionally, they evaluate hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, questioning whether specific thresholds should be established. The conversation also covers bronchoscopy for early extubation, inline suctioning for a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and the necessity of daily chest x-rays following cardiac surgery. Furthermore, they address topics such as lactates, sleep aids, and delirium.
The Cardiac Recovery Room is the place to hear the conversations colleagues are having after the meetings. Each month, a new episode will be released featuring a leadership panel from the ERAS Cardiac Society.
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 Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Zara Shirazi, a congenital cardiac surgery post-fellow at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, about advancing pediatric cardiac surgery in Pakistan using what she learned from her fellowship in Austria.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:28 Vince TAVR Roundtables
03:05 Foreign Body, Case of the Month
03:49 JANS 1, Temporary MCS Guidelines
13:50 JANS 2, Parenting as a CT Surgeon
16:20 JANS 3, Utilization of Long Distance Donors
18:20 JANS 5, Multi-A Grafting in Redo CABG
20:58 Career Center
21:20 Video 1, Pulm & Tricuspid Endocarditis
22:35 Video 2, Valvular Heart Disease Guidelines
27:05 Video 3, Thoraflex Hybrid Graft Insertion
28:16 Zara Shirazi Interview
39:30 Upcoming Events
42:42 Closing
They explored the advantages of working in a hospital in Pakistan compared to Austria, as well as the different techniques and operations, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Dr. Shirazi also shared her experiences as a fellow in Austria and the valuable insights she gained from that experience. Additionally, she discussed her vision for the growth of her unit over the next five years and provided an overview of what a typical surgical week looks like in Pakistan.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the EACTS/STS/AATS guidelines on temporary mechanical circulatory support in adult cardiac surgery, the unique challenges and positive impacts on children raised by cardiothoracic surgeon mothers, evolving changes in center-level utilization of longer distance donors in heart transplantation, and multiarterial grafting in redo coronary artery bypass grafting.
In addition, Joel explores pulmonary and tricuspid valve endocarditis, an interview with Drs. Borger and Marin-Cuartas on the guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease, and Thoraflex Hybrid graft insertion in a patient with Marfan syndrome. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) EACTS/STS/AATS Guidelines on Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Adult Cardiac Surgery
3.) Evolving Changes in Centre-Level Utilization of Longer Distance Donors in Heart Transplantation
CTSNet Content Mentioned
3.) Thoraflex Hybrid Graft Insertion in a Patient With Marfan Syndrome
Other Items Mentioned
2.) Roundtable: Perfecting TAVR Removal | Skills Sharpening With Vince Gaudiani
3.) Case of the Month: The Case of a Foreign Body
4.) Resident Video Competition
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.
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
In this episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Marc Moon, Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery at Texas Heart Institute, Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, and Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery section at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, about aortic dissection.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:33 About Dr. Moon
02:51 Overview
03:33 History
05:27 Pathophysiology & Clinical Presentation
12:14 Diagnosis
15:25 Management
15:36 Step-by-Step, Type A
41:29 Step-by-Step, Type B
44:25 Postop Management
46:51 Complications
51:49 Future of Aortic Dissection
54:38 Key Takeaways
55:16 Training Advice
They begin with an overview of aortic dissection, including its history and pathophysiology. They explored imaging techniques and diagnostic approaches, as well as management options. Additionally, they provided the steps for performing aortic dissection for both Type A and Type B, addressing postoperative management and complications. The episode concludes with a look at the future of aortic dissection, and Dr. Moon provides advice to trainees.
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 extended resection with Dr. Erinoangelo Rendina.
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 Nov 06, 2025
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Liam Burns, CEO of Qaelon Medical, about turning ideas into companies.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:26 JANS 1, Ross Procedure Consensus Statement
13:59 JANS 2, Novel Anastomotic Device
16:03 JANS 3, Tracheobronchoplasty Disorders Analysis
18:32 JANS 4, Revasc Strategies Non-Acute Myocardial
20:22 JANS 5, EACTS Core Curriculum for Cardiac Surgeon
21:51 Video 1, Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm
24:01 Video 2, Bentall-de Bono Procedure
25:29 Video 3, Democratizing MI Mitral Repair
27:01 Liam Burns Interview
37:15 Upcoming Events
38:38 Closing
They explored the challenges faced by innovators and emphasized the importance of having a commercial perspective. Additionally, they discussed product design, the fundraising process, and the challenges that commercial leaders face. Burns also shared valuable advice for aspiring innovators.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the EACTS expert consensus statement on the Ross procedure in adult patients, a human cadaver study on a novel anastomotic device for the sandwich technique in type A aortic dissections, a comparative analysis of distinct airway disorders, revascularization strategies for non-acute myocardial ischemic syndromes, and core curriculum for the cardiac/cardiovascular surgeon.
In addition, Joel explores the surgical repair of a giant right coronary artery aneurysm with saphenous vein interpositional grafting, the Bentall-de Bono procedure, and democratizing minimally invasive mitral repair. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) EACTS Expert Consensus Statement on the Ross Procedure in Adult Patients
4.) Revascularisation Strategies for Non-Acute Myocardial Ischaemic Syndromes
CTSNet Content Mentioned
3.) Democratizing Minimally Invasive Mitral Repair
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Perfecting TAVR Removal | Skills Sharpening With Vince Gaudiani
2.) Case of the Month: The Case of a Foreign Body
3.) Resident Video Competition
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.