Discussions about the most relevant topics in cardiothoracic surgery from CTSNet, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network.
Episodes
Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
51 min
In this episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Husam Balkhy, Professor of Surgery and Director of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at the University of Chicago, IL, USA, about multi-spectrum robotic cardiac surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:04 Why CT Surgery?
04:08 History
08:09 Benefits
10:00 Challenges
13:56 Multispectrum Robotic Surgery
16:15 Patient Selection
24:33 Work Up, Port Placement
29:47 Valve Surgery
31:11 Coronary Surgery
32:38 Other Surgery
37:15 Complications
39:13 Training, Simulations
45:07 Future of Robotics
49:00 Key Takeaways
49:34 Surgery Training Advice
The discussion focuses on the history of robotics in cardiac surgery, emphasizing the benefits and challenges associated with robotic surgery. It explores the concept of multi-spectrum robotic cardiac surgery and provides an overview of robotic surgery as it currently stands, including the types of valves involved and the various approaches utilized. The conversation also highlights specific techniques in robotic surgery, such as totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB). Additionally, it addresses potential complications, including peripheral cannulation injuries and phrenic nerve injury. Furthermore, they discussed training in robotics and the future of robotics.
The Atrium is a monthly podcast presenting clinical and career-focused topics for residents and early career professionals across all cardiothoracic surgery subspecialties. Keep an eye out for next month’s episode. Related Resources
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.
Jun 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026
31 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Joseph Coselli, Executive Vice-Chair of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, the Cullen Foundation Endowed Chair, and a Professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA, about thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:21 JANS 1, Ethical Leadership in CTS
07:36 JANS 2, Dual Antiplatelet RCT
10:27 JANS 3, Robotic MV Program
12:00 JANS 4, Time of Day Outcomes
15:34 Video 1, MI AV Replacement via RAM
17:04 Video 2, LA & Pulm Cuff Dissection
18:34 Video 3, LVOTE Master Class
21:09 Dr. Coselli Discussion
29:35 Upcoming Events
29:59 CTSNet Profiles Update
They discussed the increasing use of endovascular techniques and the declining prevalence of open surgery. Additionally, they emphasized the necessity of maintaining open surgery skills for certain cases and provided specific examples where these skills are essential. The conversation also covered the best spinal protection treatment, preconditioning the spinal cord, and hybrid approaches that combine open and endovascular techniques. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of surgeons being involved in patient follow-up. Dr. Coselli also shared insights on future approaches and recommendations for individuals considering which subspecialty to pursue in cardiothoracic surgery.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on ethical leadership in cardiothoracic surgery in an era of consolidation, efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy for three months vs 12 months after coronary artery bypass grafting, outcomes following the first 100 cases of a new robotic mitral valve program, and time of day of cardiac surgery and postoperative outcomes in the UK.
In addition, Joel explores minimally invasive aortic valve replacement via right anterior minithoracotomy, left atrial and pulmonary cuff dissection after heart and lung en-bloc procurement, and a master class with Drs. Sameh Said and Vince Gaudiani on the Konno procedure and left ventricular outflow tract enlargement.
Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
- Ethical Leadership in Cardiothoracic Surgery in an Era of Consolidation: A Framework for Trust, Transparency, and Workforce Stability
- Efficacy of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Three Months Versus 12 months After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Multicentre, Double Blinded, Randomised Controlled Trial
- Outcomes Following the First 100 Cases of a New Robotic Mitral Valve Program
- Time of Day of Cardiac Surgery and Postoperative Outcomes in the UK: A Secondary Analysis of Linked National Datasets
CTSNet Content Mentioned
- Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement via Right Anterior Minithoracotomy
- Left Atrial and Pulmonary Cuff Dissection After Heart and Lung En-Bloc Procurement
- Master Class: The Konno Procedure and LVOT Enlargement With Sameh Said and Vince Gaudiani
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.
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
41 min
In this episode of The Cardiac Recovery Room, moderator Dr. Rawn Salenger, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, engages in a conversation with Dr. Shuba Chatterjee, Associate Professor of Surgery and Director of Thoracic Surgical ICU and ECMO Program at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, USA, and nurse practitioner Amanda Rea, Lead of Advanced Practice and Clinical Program Manager in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Townson, MD, USA. Their conversation focused on hemodynamics and atrial fibrillation.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:17 Vasoplegia/Vasodilatory Shock
06:13 Vasopressors, Cost Considerations
07:32 Vasoplegia Misconceptions
08:41 Defining Vasoplegia
10:54 Blood Pressure Target Variable
12:54 Inotropes
17:03 Approach to Atrial Fibrillation
19:08 Patient Monitoring
19:27 Surgical/Concomitant Ablation
23:13 Postop AFib, Preventive Strategies
28:37 Example Scenario, High Heart Rate
29:56 Out of AFib Into Sinus Rhythm
33:01 Anticoagulation
39:43 Key Points
Key topics include vasoplegia, vasodilatory shock, and the use of vassopressors, including norepinephrine. They address common misconceptions surrounding vasoplegia shock, the role of epinephrine, and the use of methylene blue. Their conversation further delves into approaches for atrial fibrillation, concomitant surgical ablation, and postoperative atrial fibrillation. They highlight the best preventative strategies for atrial fibrillation and the use of beta blockers for atrial fibrillation. Finally, they discuss current guidelines and the role of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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.
Jun 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
34 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Nikki Stamp, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Mount Private Hospital in Perth, Western Australia, who also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Senior Lecturer at Curtin University, Australia, about shifting healthcare policy in surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:45 ESTS 2026
02:01 Presidential Address
02:52 Keynote, Emerging Surgical Technologies
05:21 Segmentectomy vs Lobectomy
10:18 Other Key Presentations
11:34 JANS 1, Propensity Score Analysis
12:30 JANS 2, FILONEX Hemodiafiltration
13:21 JANS 3, Transplant Surgery at Night
14:29 Video 1, Aortic Dissection Presentations
15:36 Video 2, Endoscopic AV & AA Replacement
16:45 Video 3, Tetralogy Repair in an Infant
18:12 Dr. Stamp, Health Media & Policy
33:46 Career Center
34:03 Closing
They begin by discussing Dr. Stamp’s professional background, including her experiences working with the media and the lessons she learned from it. They also explore the positive effects of social media for surgeons, such as networking and learning from peers. Additionally, they identify areas for improvement in aortic surgery and transplants. Dr. Stamp then shares her vision for the future of cardiothoracic surgery, emphasizing the need to reduce fragmentation of care and encourage professionals to focus their efforts on their specific specialties.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a propensity score matching analysis on the risk of sternal wound infection in bilateral skeletonized internal thoracic artery in coronary artery bypass grafting, a prospective, randomized controlled pilot safety study evaluating the addition of hemodiafiltration to EVLP in marginal donor lungs, mechanical load inhibits cancer growth in mouse and human hearts, and outcomes of lung transplantation surgery performed at night
In addition, Joel explores totally endoscopic aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement, tetralogy repair in an infant, and a presentation from the 2026 Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting on aortic dissection.
Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
- Risk of Sternal Wound Infection in Bilateral Skeletonized Internal Thoracic Artery in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
- FILONEX—A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Pilot Safety Study Evaluating the Addition of Hemodiafiltration to EVLP in Marginal Donor Lungs
- Mechanical Load Inhibits Cancer Growth in Mouse and Human Hearts
- Outcomes of Lung Transplantation Surgery Performed at Night
CTSNet Content Mentioned
- SCTS 2026 | Aortic Dissection
- Totally Endoscopic Aortic Valve and Ascending Aorta Replacement
- Tetralogy Repair in an Infant
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.
Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
32 min
In this edition of the CTSNet podcast, The Lifeline, host and nurse educator Jill Ley, Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing, Founder of the Essentials of Cardiac Surgical Resuscitation, and former Cardiac Surgery Clinical Nurse Specialist at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, CA, USA, speaks with expert guest T. Sloane Guy, Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery at the Georgia Heart Institute. Together, they delve into crisis management after minimally invasive cardiac procedures.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:19 Min Inv Approach vs Protocol
03:06 Potential Emergencies, Bleeding
06:44 Adjusting Bleeding Parameters
09:56 Limb Ischemia
11:10 Cardiac Arrest
13:35 Pacing vs Sternotomy
15:07 Arrythmias, Defibrillation
15:51 Tamponade
16:49 Tension Pneumothorax
17:05 Stroke
17:50 Myocardial Infarction
18:27 Bleeding in Pleural Space
19:24 Nurse Response to Bleeding
21:53 Case of Persistent Bleeding
22:48 Chest X-Ray Check
24:22 LV Dysfunction in Post-Op Period
The discussion covers critical topics such as the cardiac surgical resuscitation algorithm, managing port-side and groin bleeding, and Dr. Guys’ protocols for these situations. They emphasize the importance of monitoring for bleeding in unexpected areas, such as the abdomen, checking pulses, and the significance of practicing with surgical saws before emergencies arise. Additional topics include tamponade, stroke management, the importance of pacing, chest wall bleeding, and protocols for addressing left ventricular dysfunction in the postoperative period.
Every month, The Lifeline features intensive care specialists sharing their expert insights into the rapid and effective management of critically ill cardiac surgical patients. Don’t miss 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.
Jun 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
38 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Bo Yang, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at the University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, about aortic root enlargement.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:37 JANS 1, WhatsApp for Patients
08:27 JANS 2, DCD Heart Transplant
11:07 JANS 3, TIGHT K Trial
13:18 JANS 4, RecoverHeart Calculator
15:57 Video 1, Self Constructed Valve
18:52 Video 2, MVR Sandwich Technique
20:43 Video 3, Distal Coronary Anastomosis Podcast
23:04 Dr. Yang, Annular Enlargement
36:31 Upcoming Events
37:26 Closing
They explored Dr. Yang’s participation in a debate regarding the use of aortic root enlargement for the majority of patients, addressing the opposing views against root enlargement and discussing the percentage of patients who undergo this procedure. The conversation also covered important topics such as the mean gradient dropping and the lifelong management of aortic valve disease. They emphasize the importance of maximizing the initial valve size for optimal outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Yang shared insights on his Y-incision technique, highlighting its advantages and effectiveness. They also examined whether this technique increases the length of the surgical procedure.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on exploring the use of instant messaging groups in the postoperative period for pectus excavatum patients, a multicenter retrospective study comparing DCD heart transplantation in Europe and the United States, six-month outcomes of a trial of potassium supplementation thresholds after cardiac surgery, and determining the individualized probability of myocardial recovery.
In addition, Joel explores self-constructed tubular heart valve using bovine pericardium for surgical treatment of tricuspid valve endocarditis, mitral valve repair using the sandwich technique for symmetrical bileaflet prolapse, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Dr. Elan Burton about distal coronary anastomosis. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
- Exploring the Use of Instant Messaging Groups in the Postoperative Period for Pectus Excavatum Patients
- A Comparison of DCD Heart Transplantation in Europe and the United States: A Multi-Centre, Retrospective Study
- Six-Month Outcomes of a Trial of Potassium Supplementation Thresholds After Cardiac Surgery
- Determining the Individualized Probability of Myocardial Recovery: The Multicenter RecoverHeart Calculator
CTSNet Content Mentioned
- Self-Constructed Tubular Heart Valve Using Bovine Pericardium for Surgical Treatment of Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis
- Mitral Valve Repair Using the Sandwich Technique for Symmetrical Bileaflet Prolapse
- The Atrium: Distal Coronary Anastomosis
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.
May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026
36 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Gilbert Tang, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC): Case Reports, professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, surgical director of the Structural Heart Program at Mount Sinai Health System, and the director of Structural Heart Education at the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, NY, USA.
They were joined by Drs. Mateo Marin-Cuartas, associate editor of JACC: Case Reports, CTSNet JANS Editor, and cardiac surgeon at Leipzig Heart Center, Germany, and Tsuyoshi Kaneko, Chair of American College of Cardiology (ACC) Cardiac Surgery Member Section and Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA, to discuss JACC: Case Reports.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:45 Instructional Video Competition
05:30 JANS 1, Lung Cancer Metastasis
09:08 JANS 2, Uncorrected Pectus
11:29 JANS 3, Ambulatory VV Life Support
13:38 JANS 4, EuroSCORE II
14:28 Video 1, TAVR Removal Double Patch
16:09 Video 2, ROK Procedure AF
17:46 Video 3, RATS Lobectomy
19:11 JACC Case Reports
35:28 Upcoming Events
36:03 Career Center
They discussed the mission of the journal and the types of submissions it receives. They also covered the types of cases accepted and the various categories within the journal has, such as the "How We Did It" section. Additionally, they talked about the upcoming partnership between JACC: Case Reports and the ACC, as well as past collaborations that JACC has undertaken. Dr. Marin-Cuartas shared insights about his role as an associate editor and highlighted the most interesting case he has encountered in JACC: Case Reports. Furthermore, Dr. Kaneko discussed being the Chair of the ACC Cardiac Surgery Member Section.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the evolutionary characterization of lung cancer metastasis, the impact of severe uncorrected pectus excavatum on outcomes after aortic surgery in Marfan syndrome, determining an optimal central cannulation strategy for ambulatory veno-venous extracorporeal life support, and refitting EuroSCORE II for 120-day mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting using nationwide registry data. In addition, Joel explores complex imaging TAVR removal double patch double valve, RATS extended left upper lobectomy with intrapericardial vascular control and bronchoplasty, and ROK procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
- Evolutionary Characterization of Lung Cancer Metastasis
- Impact of Severe Uncorrected Pectus Excavatum on Outcomes After Aortic Surgery in Marfan Syndrome
- Determining an Optimal Central Cannulation Strategy for Ambulatory Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Life Support
- Refitting EuroSCORE II for 120-Day Mortality After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Using Nationwide Registry Data
CTSNet Content Mentioned
- Complex Imaging TAVR Removal Double Patch Double Valve
- RATS Extended Left Upper Lobectomy With Intrapericardial Vascular Control and Bronchoplasty
- ROK Procedure for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
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.
May 26, 2026
May 26, 2026
48 min
In this episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Elan Burton, clinical associate professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Section Chief for Stanford Medicine Affiliates, about distal coronary anastomosis.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:08 Why CT Surgery?
03:01 Overview & History
05:02 Geometric Planning & Hemodynamics
10:40 Sequential & Composite Configurations
16:23 Y or T Grafts
21:21 Step-by-Step, Suturing
30:37 Endarterectomy
36:37 Intraop Quality Assurance
40:29 Failed Mechanisms & Pitfalls
43:18 Future Trends
45:54 Summary
47:03 Surgery Training Advice
They discuss the history of distal coronary anastomosis, geometric planning, and hemodynamics, as well as sequential grafting and composite configurations, including Y and T grafts. The conversation also covers arteriotomy, suturing techniques, and the continuous parachute method. Additionally, they delve into the traction technique, open direct vision, and intraoperative quality assurance, including pulsatility index. Furthermore, they examine failure mechanisms such as graft kinking and explore future trends.
The Atrium is a monthly podcast presenting clinical and career-focused topics for residents and early career professionals across all cardiothoracic surgery subspecialties. Keep an eye out 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.
May 21, 2026
May 21, 2026
34 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Enoch Akowuah, an academic consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Newcastle University and South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, UK, and Dr. Matthias Raschpichler, a cardiac surgeon at Leipzig Heart Center, Germany, about the REPEAT trial.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:21 JANS 1, NOBLE Trial
07:14 JANS 2, Ischemic Mitral Regurg MVR
08:58 JANS 3, Pregnancy Outcomes AVR
11:19 JANS 4, MCS LVAD Candidates
13:06 Video 1, Thoracoplasty
14:58 Video 2, Nuss Procedure After Ravitch
16:42 Video 3, Traumatic Right Main Bronchus
19:04 REPEAT Trial, Bioprostheses
32:22 Upcoming Events
32:46 Closing
They discussed the trial’s objectives, including what it is, why it is needed, and its overall goals. The setup of the trial was also examined, covering aspects such as funding, composite outcome, and follow-up procedures. Additionally, they addressed the target number of patients required for recruitment and the efforts involved in recruiting patients and centers to participate in the trial. They emphasized the overall significance of the trial, outlining what is necessary for its success and highlighting the importance of collaboration among heart teams.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on percutaneous coronary intervention vs coronary artery bypass grafting for unprotected left main stenosis, a two-decade experience on the outcomes of mitral valve repair in ischemic mitral regurgitation, maternal, valvular and fetal outcomes of pregnancy following aortic valve replacement, and temporary mechanical circulatory support in left ventricular assist device candidates with right ventricular dysfunction.
In addition, Joel explores if forgotten techniques of thoracoplasty with latissimus dorsi myoplasty are relevant today, the Nuss procedure after previous Ravitch operation, and uniportal VATS repair of traumatic right main bronchus transection following blunt chest injury.
Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Unprotected Left Main Stenosis: 10-Year Final Results From the Randomised, Open-Label, Non-Inferiority NOBLE Trial
- Outcomes of Mitral Valve Repair in Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: A Two-Decade Experience
- Maternal, Valvular and Foetal Outcomes of Pregnancy Following Aortic Valve Replacement
- Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Left Ventricular Assist Device Candidates With Right Ventricular Dysfunction: Acuity Without Long-Term Futility
CTSNet Content Mentioned
- Are the Forgotten Techniques of Thoracoplasty With Latissimus Dorsi Myoplasty Relevant Today?
- Nuss Procedure After Previous Ravitch Operation
- Uniportal VATS Repair of Traumatic Right Main Bronchus Transection Following Blunt Chest Injury
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.
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
35 min
In this episode of The Cardiac Recovery Room, moderator Dr. Rawn Salenger, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, spoke with Dr. Nadia Hensley, Associate Professor and Physician Advisor for Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at John Hopkins School of Medicine; Dr. Nawwar Al-Attar, consultant cardiac surgeon at NHS Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Scotland; and Dr. Serdar Gunadyin, Head of Department at the University of Health Sciences in Turkey. The focus of their conversation was on surgical bleeding.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:35 Case 1, Diffuse Coagulopathy
03:26 Bleeding Scale
08:13 Team-Wide Bleeding Language
11:07 Alternative Approaches
14:09 Standardizing Test Results Response
18:04 No Access to Visoelastic Testing
19:55 Topical Hemostatic Agents
23:08 Case 2
24:14 Coagulopathy vs Surgical Bleeding
28:08 Passive Hemostatic Agent
29:10 Visoelastic Testing
31:29 Closing Points
They discussed two different cases, including patient details and case specifics: one involving diffused coagulopathy and the other concerning focal bleeding. While examining these cases, they talked about hemostasis and the hemostasis checklist. They also discussed the validated intraoperative bleeding (VIBe) scale and its purposes, and the importance of being on the same page as your team. Additionally, they delved into viscoelastic testing and algorithms and addressed scenarios where access to viscoelastic testing may not be available. They also explored the thresholds for guided therapy, including functional fibrinogen levels. Lastly, the experts touched on passive hemostatic and how to teach residents coagulopathy and surgical bleeding.
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.