Episodes

Thursday May 22, 2025
The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 106: Integrative Oncology
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel, co-chair of the British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO) from 2021 to 2023 and current co-chair of the BSIO Clinical Practice and Education Committee, about integrative oncology.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:29 Integrative Medicine
09:13 Bar Dislocation, Pectus
10:53 Effective Circulating Volume Fraction
13:14 Repair vs Replacement, Edge-to-Edge
16:14 Relaxed TAVI Age Threshold?
18:14 Supravalvar Aortic Stenosis Transaxillary
20:09 How-To, AAE Tricuspid Repair
21:49 Modified Robotic Tracheobronchoplasty
23:34 Dr. Fuller-Shavel, Integrative Oncology
56:21 Upcoming Events
58:28 Closing
They discuss what integrative oncology entails, mistletoe therapy, oncothermia, and the innovative integrative oncology app called Oncio. They also explore guidelines relating to this topic, nutrition, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Dr. Fuller-Shavel also provides recommendations for supporting patients’ mindfulness during cancer treatment.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on bar dislocation after pectus excavatum repair, effective circulating volume fraction in Type A aortic dissection, surgical mitral valve repair vs replacement after failed mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, and if the age threshold for TAVI can be relaxed to below 65 years.
In addition, Joel explores minimally invasive transaxillary repair of supravalvar aortic stenosis, how to perform an aortic annulus enlargement with tricuspid repair, and modified robotic-assisted tracheobronchoplasty in a patient with severe calcific mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
2.) The Effective Circulating Volume Fraction in Type A Aortic Dissection: A New Risk Factor?
4.) Could the Age Threshold for TAVI be Relaxed to Below 65 Years? Pros and Cons
CTSNet Content Mentioned
1.) Minimally Invasive Transaxillary Repair of Supravalvar Aortic Stenosis
2.) How to Perform an Aortic Annulus Enlargement With Tricuspid Repair
Other Items Mentioned
1.) British Society for Integrative Oncology
2.) National Center for Integrative Oncology
4.) Aortic Valve Replacement Series
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 May 15, 2025
The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 105: Academic Group Chats
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Dr. Dibin Mohammed, a consultant at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India, about his WhatsApp group, Young CVTS Surgeons Kerala.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:22 CTSNet Updates
03:44 Dr. Mohammed Guest
05:20 Allogeneic Mitral Valve Transplant
08:45 Multiple vs Single Arterial Grafting
11:50 AI & Machine Learning in CT Surgery
17:57 3-Port vs 4-Port Robotic Lobectomy
21:28 Redo Pulm Valve Replacement w RAA
24:32 Mitral Ann Disjunction Presentation
27:09 How-To LVOTE & CABG
29:22 Dr. Mohammed, Academic Group Chat
42:30 Upcoming Events
43:43 Closing
They discuss the group’s goal and the topics its covers, such as recent academic papers and innovative surgical solutions, as well as the reasons Dr. Mohammed created it. Dr. Mohammed also shares insights into working in India and the training systems for residents in the country.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on allogeneic mitral valve transplants, survival outcomes after multiple vs single arterial grafting among patients with reduced ejection fraction, artificial intelligence and machine learning in cardiothoracic surgery, and a comparative study of three-port vs. four-port robotic-assisted lobectomy for NSCLC.
In addition, Joel explores redo pulmonary valve replacement with right atrial appendage, how to perform a left ventricular outflow tract enlargement and CABG, and reviews a presentation from the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting on mitral annular disjunction and mitral valve repair.
JANS Items Mentioned
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Redo Pulmonary Valve Replacement With Right Atrial Appendage
2.) SCTS 2025 | Mitral Annular Disjunction and Mitral Valve Repair
3.) How to Perform a Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Enlargement and CABG
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Aortic Valve Replacement Series
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 May 08, 2025
The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 104: Future of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning celebrates two years of the podcast and speaks with Dr. Joseph F. Sabik III, president of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and chair of the Department of Surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, about the future of cardiothoracic surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:16 Dr. Sabik Guest
04:13 AATS 2025
20:26 Extended Sleeve Lobectomy Study
23:55 SQUAT Trial Results
26:28 TAVR vs SAVR in Women
27:49 Transition from Training to Practice
31:39 Totally Endoscopic Triple Valve
33:33 Redo AVR via Ministernotomy
35:18 ECMO Podcast Episode
37:19 Dr. Sabik, Future of CT Surgery
56:06 Upcoming Events
57:47 Closing
They discuss the future of revascularization, advancements in valve procedures, arterial grafting, robotics training, and the importance of work-life balance. They also highlight the training of the next generation of surgeons, simulation-based education, and Dr. Sabik shares insights into the 62nd STS Annual Meeting. Additionally, Joel recaps the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Annual Meeting emphasizing notable presentations and key insights from the event.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on extended sleeve lobectomy after neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy for centrally located non-small cell lung cancer, neoadjuvant concurrent chemo-immuno-radiation therapy followed by surgery and adjuvant immunotherapy for resectable Stage III N2 NSCLC, transcatheter vs. surgical aortic valve replacement in women, and a guide for transition from cardiothoracic surgery training to practice.
In addition, Joel explores totally endoscopic triple valve surgery, redo aortic valve replacement through a ministernotomy, and a new podcast episode from Dr. Alice Copperwheat, “The Atrium: ECMO,” with expert guest Dr. Jose Fernandes. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
3.) Transcatheter vs. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Women: The RHEIA Trial
4.) A Guide for Transition from Cardiothoracic Surgery Training to Practice
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Totally Endoscopic Triple Valve Surgery: AVR, MVr, TVr
2.) Redo Aortic Valve Replacement Through a Ministernotomy
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Webinar Series: Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery—Advancement Through Collaboration
2.) Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery Series: The Swiss Army Knife Approach
3.) Aortic Valve Replacement Series
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 May 01, 2025
The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 103: Totally Tissue-Engineered Valves
Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Dr. Cristiano Spadaccio, an attending cardiac surgeon and associate professor of surgery at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, USA, about totally tissue-engineered valves for tricuspid replacement.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:48 Tissue-Engineered Valves
05:48 Compensatory Sweating After BETS
10:05 5Y Outcomes TAVR vs SAVR
13:34 ChatGPT CT Surgery Insights
17:24 Retraction Speed Pain RC Trial
21:21 Ross Procedure, All-Native Valve
25:43 Endoscopic Mechanical MVR
28:10 Double Patch Double Valve Exploration
31:42 Dr. Spadaccio, Generative Valves
50:38 Upcoming Events
51:52 Closing
They focus on the CorMatrix Cor TRICUSPID ECM Valve, including the technique for valve implantation, the functionality of the valve and its underlying concept, and the valve’s history, particularly its applications in pediatric patients. The episode features videos and photos showcasing the valve, the implantation procedure, and more. Additionally, they discuss the critical role of identifying the papillary muscle in this surgery and whether an anoplasty ring is necessary. They also explore the current status of the valve and its future prospects.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the long-term outcomes and predictors of compensatory sweating after bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, five-year outcomes after transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients with aortic stenosis, navigating the future of pediatric cardiovascular surgery using Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), and a randomized controlled trial on retraction speed and chronic poststernotomy pain.
In addition, Joel explores the Ross procedure using the right atrial appendage valve instead of a homograft, totally endoscopic mechanical mitral valve repair, and an exploration on reoperation technique for double patch double valve with Drs. Leonard Lee and Vince Gaudiani. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
4.) Retraction Speed and Chronic Poststernotomy Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
CTSNET Content Mentioned
2.) Totally Endoscopic Mechanical Mitral Valve Repair
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery Series: The Swiss Army Knife Approach
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 Apr 29, 2025
The Atrium: ECMO
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
In this month’s episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Jose Fernandes from the Department of Clinical Perfusion at Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK, about extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:47 History
04:46 Basics
09:58 Circuit
14:09 Cannulation
22:44 Indications for Use
28:14 VV ECMO
32:18 VA ECMO
36:44 Monitoring
42:31 Complications
47:03 ECMO CPR
49:17 Trainee Tips
50:57 Guest Advice
They discuss cannulation, general indications and contraindications, venovenous (VV) ECMO, venoarterial (VA) ECMO, peripheral VA ECMO, and central VA ECMO. They also explore monitoring, cardiac function monitoring in VA ECMO, complications, ECMO cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and important tips for 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 one-year anniversary episode with a very special guest.
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 Apr 24, 2025
The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 102: Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang, the Surgical Director of Mitral Valve and Heart Failure Therapies at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood, Kentucky, USA, about totally endoscopic cardiac surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:17 Minimal Access Bedside Cardiac
04:37 Lung Cancer, Histological Subtype
09:29 TAVR vs SAVR, AS & CAD
12:22 Biopros TVR Outcomes
15:48 Mitral Annular Disjunction, MVR
18:47 Ozaki Technique, AV Reconst
20:46 Redo LVOT Reconst for Endocarditis
22:33 Totally Endoscopic ASD Closure TVR
24:08 Dr. Castillo-Sang, MI Bedside Endoscopy
40:51 Closing
They explore key highlights from Dr. Castillo-Sang’s CTSNet series Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery Series: The Swiss Army Knife Approach, his journey in performing endoscopic surgeries, and how he learned the techniques. Dr. Castillo-Sang shares the advantages of endoscopic surgery, as well as tips and recommendations for those wanting to learn this approach. He emphasizes the importance of the instruments he has worked with, detailing how these have improved over time. Additionally, they explore Dr. Castillo-Sang’s involvement with the Endoscopic Cardiac Surgeons Club, discussing how he got involved and providing details about the club’s upcoming annual meeting.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the estimated worldwide variation and trends in incidence of lung cancer by histological subtype in 2022 and over time, transcatheter vs surgical aortic valve replacement in Medicare beneficiaries with aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease, long-term outcomes after bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement, and outcomes of patients with mitral annular disjunction undergoing mitral valve repair.
In addition, Joel explores aortic valve reconstruction using the Ozaki technique, redo LVOT reconstruction for endocarditis, and totally endoscopic ASD closure with tricuspid valve repair. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
3.) Long-Term Outcomes After Bioprosthetic Tricuspid Valve Replacement: A Multicenter Study
4.) Outcomes of Patients With Mitral Annular Disjunction Undergoing Mitral Valve Repair
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Aortic Valve Reconstruction—The Ozaki Technique
2.) Redo LVOT Reconstruction for Endocarditis
3.) Totally Endoscopic ASD Closure With Tricuspid Valve Repair
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery Series: The Swiss Army Knife Approach
2.) Endoscopic Cardiac Surgeons Club
4.) Aortic Valve Replacement Series
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 Apr 17, 2025
The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 101: Transcontinental Uniportal Robotic Surgery
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning examines the first-ever transcontinental uniportal thoracic surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:26 100th Episode, Future
03:01 Transcontinental Uniportal Robotics
09:52 Infective Endo in Octogenerians
12:39 Kidney Replacement Therapy, Cardiac Outcomes
15:50 Stenotic Lesions Simulation
18:59 One-Lung Ventilation, Difficult Airway
21:06 Simplified Approach to Bentall Procedure
24:25 Semi-Skeletonized Harvesting ITA
27:06 AVR and AAR in 85 YO
30:30 Swiss Army Knife Approach Series
32:21 AATS 2025
32:38 Closing
He explores the details of this significant case—location, latency, and the procedure performed—while highlighting the importance of this case, the future of robotics, and the surgeons behind this operation, Dr. Diego Gonzalez Rivas and Dr. Mugurel Bosînceanu. He also discusses Dr. Gonzalez Rivas’s new book, Healing the World, and its impact on the field of medicine.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on infective endocarditis in octogenarians, national outcomes of cardiac surgery in patients receiving kidney replacement therapy, computational fluid dynamics to simulate stenotic lesions in coronary end-to-side anastomosis, and the management of the expected difficult airway with planned one-lung ventilation.
In addition, Joel explores a simplified approach to the Bentall procedure, semi-skeletonized harvesting of internal thoracic arteries, and aortic valve replacement and ascending aortic replacement in an 85-year-old patient. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Infective Endocarditis in Octogenarians—A Multicenter Analysis
2.) National Outcomes of Cardiac Surgery in Patients Receiving Kidney Replacement Therapy
3.) Computational Fluid Dynamics to Simulate Stenotic Lesions in Coronary End-to-Side Anastomosis
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) A Simplified Approach to the Bentall Procedure
2.) Semi-Skeletonized Harvesting of Internal Thoracic Arteries
3.) Aortic Valve Replacement and Ascending Aortic Replacement in an 85-Year-Old Patient
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery Series: The Swiss Army Knife Approach
2.) Aortic Valve Replacement Series
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 Apr 10, 2025
The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 100: Aortic Dissection Awareness
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Professor Robert Sneyd, Vice Chair of Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland, about the charity’s dedication to promoting awareness of aortic dissection.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:52 RLAAO Isolated MR Study
09:07 Early Outcomes Reop Aortic Root
11:39 Fallot and Its Variants
16:55 Low-Dose Warfarin, Mech AV
22:02 AVR w LIMA-LAD & AAR
23:40 Pulm Thromboendarterectomy
25:28 Modified Birmingham Technique
27:32 Dr. Sneyd, Aortic Dissection Awareness
31:16 Upcoming Events
32:33 Closing
They discuss Professor Sneyd’s experience with an acute Type A aortic dissection and the lifesaving operation he underwent. Additionally, they explore his involvement with Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland and the charity’s new programs. They also cover the organization’s outreach efforts and the important patient guide available on their website.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on mortality and stroke after routine left atrial appendage occlusion in patients undergoing isolated mitral repair without atrial fibrillation in the United States, if early outcomes of reoperative aortic root surgery is impacted by previous root procedures and indicate reintervention, Fallot and its variants from diagnosis to pulmonary valve replacement, and low-dose warfarin with a novel mechanical aortic valve.
In addition, Joel explores aortic valve replacement with LIMA to LAD artery and an ascending aortic replacement, step-by-step pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic disease, and Norwood-Sano Stage I palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
3.) Fallot and Its Variants: From Diagnosis to Pulmonary Valve Replacement
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Aortic Valve Replacement With LIMA to LAD Artery and an Ascending Aortic Replacement
2.) Step-by-Step Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy for Chronic Thromboembolic Disease
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland Website
2.) Webinar Series: Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery—Advancement Through Collaboration
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 Apr 03, 2025
The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 99: CT Scan-Negative Type A Dissection
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Dr. Salim Aziz, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon and clinical professor at George Washington University, about computed tomography (CT) scan-negative type A dissection.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:57 Dr. Aziz Preview
02:01 Bringing International Colleagues to Centers
07:01 Ambulation Protocol ECMO
09:12 COPD Severity, Aortic Aneurysm
11:37 Robotic Mitral Repair Learning Curve
15:43 Ross Procedure in Neonates, Analysis
19:21 Tirone David Keynote
21:52 AVR 101
23:08 Robotic Beating-Heart TECAB: LIMA-LAD
25:17 Dr. Aziz, CT Scan-Negative Type A Dissection
43:52 Closing
They discuss Dr. Aziz’s experience with cases that present as CT scan-negative, discussing the details of these cases and the concerning frequency with which aortic dissections are overlooked. They also explore routine transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) in the operating room, finding tears, and aortic aneurysms.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on the ambulation protocol for adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, if the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with adverse outcomes after open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, the learning curve of robotic mitral repair, and long-term outcomes following the Ross procedure in neonates and infants.
In addition, Joel explores a 2024 London Core Review Cardiothoracic Surgery Course on “Surgical Treatments of Aortic Root Aneurysms,” aortic valve replacement 101 through an upper ministernotomy, and robotic beating-heart totally endoscopic coronary bypass. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
CTSNET Content Mentioned
2.) Aortic Valve Replacement 101 Through an Upper Ministernotomy
3.) Robotic Beating-Heart Totally Endoscopic Coronary Bypass (TECAB): LIMA to LAD
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Putative Computed Tomography Scan-Negative Type A Dissection
2.) Webinar Series: Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery—Advancement Through Collaboration
3.) President's Series With Husam Balkhy | ISMICS President
4.) London Core Review Registration
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 Mar 27, 2025
The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 98: Teamship and Virtual Surgery Education
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning recaps two presentations delivered at the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting 2025.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:57 "Teamship," Sir Woodward
09:23 Virtual Surgery Training, Dr. Ahmed
12:55 Upcoming Lung Surgery Trials
14:48 Needle Aspiration & Forceps Biopsy
17:26 Approaches to Clinical Trial Designs
22:10 Noninvasive Ventilation Cardiac Impact
24:59 Lung Volume Reduction, Severe Emphysema
29:22 How To—Upper Ministernotomy
30:45 Valve-Sparing ARR Using Reimplant Tech
32:02 ARCA Management Exploration
33:59 Upcoming Events
34:41 WTS Webinar Series
35:32 Closing
The first presentation was delivered by Sir Clive Woodward, the Rugby World Cup-winning coach, who gave an inspiring talk on "Teamship" and winning behaviors. The second presentation that Joel recaps was delivered by Professor Shafi Ahmed, a multiaward-winning surgeon and an evangelist for augmented and virtual reality, who discussed livestreaming operations, using virtual reality in surgical operations, and virtual medical school.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on the diagnostic yield and synergistic impact of needle aspiration and forceps biopsy with electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for peripheral pulmonary lesions, the challenges of conventional and novel approaches to clinical trial designs in cardiovascular medicine, the impact of noninvasive ventilation before and after cardiac surgery for preventing cardiac and pulmonary complications, and surgical and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction for severe emphysema.
In addition, Joel explores how to perform an upper ministernotomy, valve-sparing aortic root replacement using the reimplantation technique, and an exploration of anomalous right coronary artery management with Drs. Sameh Said and Vince Gaudiani. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) How to Perform an Upper Ministernotomy
2.) Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement Using the Reimplantation Technique
3.) Anomalous Right Coronary Artery Management: An Exploration With Sameh Said and Vince Gaudiani
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Webinar Series: Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery—Advancement Through Collaboration
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.