Discussions about the most relevant topics in cardiothoracic surgery from CTSNet, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network.
Episodes
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
In this month’s episode of The Atrium, Dr. Alice Copperwheat explores finding success in surgery training with expert guest Dr. Valerie Rusch. They discuss Dr. Rusch’s career background—personal highlights, career hurdles, finding her path in cardiothoracic surgery—barriers in cardiothoracic surgery, time management and responsibilities, and recognizing opportunities. They also discuss what Dr. Rusch would have done differently in her career, flexible mentoring, and advice 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 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.
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Friday Dec 27, 2024
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning pays tribute to the late-cardiac surgeon Albert Starr. He discusses Dr. Starr’s personal and professional life, his accomplishments, and the Starr-Edwards valve. He also discusses the background of CTSNet, provides a quick statistics review of CTSNet, and the CTSNet career center.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on heart surgeons performing the world’s first combined robotic AVR and CABG, the prevalence of invasive lung cancer in pure ground glass nodules less than 30 mm, external validation of EuroSCORE I and II in patients with infective endocarditis, and totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft.
In addition, Joel explores robotic-assisted tracheobronchoplasty, spontaneously closed VSD presenting as an Iatrogenic Gerbodie defect, and single leaflet neocuspidization for aortic regurgitation due to infective endocarditis in adult congenital heart disease. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Heart Surgeons Perform World’s First Combined Robotic AVR and CABG
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Robotic-Assisted Tracheobronchoplasty: A Quick Way to Fix the Airway
2.) Spontaneously Closed VSD Presenting as an Iatrogenic Gerbodie Defect
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 Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with DuyKhanh P. Ceppa about the new Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) fellowship. They discuss the goals of this program, who should apply, and how you can contribute to the funding for this program. They also discuss the advantages of leadership programs and the WTS Annual Meeting. Joel also highlights how to build an incredible and happy team across many fields, the importance of a feedback loop within the team, and how to use the holidays to show appreciation for your coworkers.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on five-year outcomes after bicuspid aortic valve replacement with a novel tissue bioprosthesis, transcatheter valve replacement in severe tricuspid regurgitation, quality of life after transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement, and multicenter validation of the RESECT-90 prediction model for 90-day mortality after lung resection.
In addition, Joel explores percutaneous femoral venous cannulation, surgical removal of percutaneously placed pulmonary flow reducers, and uniportal non-ntubated VATS thoracic sympathectomy. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Five-Year Outcomes After Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement With a Novel Tissue Bioprosthesis
2.) Transcatheter Valve Replacement in Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Percutaneous Femoral Venous Cannulation—How to Do It
2.) Surgical Removal of Percutaneously Placed Pulmonary Flow Reducers
3.) Uniportal Non-Intubated VATS Thoracic Sympathectomy
Other Items Mentioned
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Expert Consensus for the Surgical Treatment of Hyperhidrosis
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 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning discusses the robotic market. He explores the new FDA approval for the Johnson & Johnson robotic surgical system for clinical trials, the background of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, and the location for this trial. He also discusses the details of TAVR, what we currently know about TAVR, and highlights an article by Steve Bell that discusses his own views on Johnson & Johnson and the robotic market.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on The Society of Thoracic Surgeons expert consensus on the multidisciplinary management and resectability of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, a European multicenter study evaluating the prognosis of peripheral early-stage lung adenocarcinoma patients operated on by segmentectomy or lobectomy, early intervention in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis and myocardial fibrosis, and the use of hybrid stage I to stratify between single ventricle palliation and biventricular repair.
In addition, Joel explores an off-pump ASD closure with a two-layer patch attached to the right atrium, a repair of Scimitar syndrome in a two-year-old via VRAT, and robotic-assisted carinal reconstruction using cross table ventilation. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
3.) Early Intervention in Patients With Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis and Myocardial Fibrosis: The EVOLVED trial
4.) Use of Hybrid Stage I to Stratify Between Single Ventricle Palliation and Biventricular Repair
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Off-Pump ASD Closure With a Two-Layer Patch Attached to the Right Atrium
2.) Repair of Scimitar Syndrome in a Two-Year-Old Via VRAT: Pitfalls of Intra-atrial Baffle
3.) Robotic-Assisted Carinal Reconstruction Using Cross Table Ventilation—A Novel Surgical Technique
Other Items Mentioned
Why am I so tough on Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic and their surgical robotic programs?
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 Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
In this month’s episode of The Atrium, Dr. Alice Copperwheat explores bronchoscopy with expert guest Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse. They discuss indications, contraindications, types of bronchoscopies (flexible versus rigid), and the benefits of utilizing the rigid technique over the flexible technique. They also discuss the fundamentals of bronchoscopy—equipment, preprocedural checklists, and positioning—details on how to perform the procedure, complications, and the future of bronchoscopy.
Don’t forget that 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 the next episode featuring a discussion with Dr. Valerie Rusch.
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 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning discusses the latest salaries and conditions of cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States. He explores the highest versus lowest compensation areas, areas with the highest growth for compensation, and where cardiothoracic surgeons rank among other surgeons. He also highlights the highest paid specialties, burnout rates, early retirement, and noncompete clauses.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on transcatheter aortic valve replacement for asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with systolic heart failure and moderate aortic stenosis, valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus isolated redo surgical aortic valve replacement, and the seven pillars of techniques to treat and repair tricuspid endocarditis.
In addition, Joel explores surgical aortic annulus enlargement using a balloon technique, quadruple valve replacement for carcinoid heart disease, and Fontan conversion in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement for Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis—EARLY TAVR Trial
4.) The Seven Pillars of Techniques to Treat and Repair Tricuspid Endocarditis
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Surgical Aortic Annulus Enlargement Using a Balloon Technique
2.) Quadruple Valve Replacement for Carcinoid Heart Disease
3.) Fontan Conversion in a Patient With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A 38-Year-Old Norwood Saga
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.
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning discusses how to be a better trainer. He explores tips for training people, the five levels of training, and sensory overload. Later in the podcast, he further explores the topic of training trainers with Professor Mark Coleman, co-founder of Lapco, an innovative training consultancy focused on safer surgeries. They highlight details of Professor Coleman’s courses, the program’s learning curve, and how this training could be beneficial for cardiothoracic surgeons worldwide.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on clinical outcomes of mitral valve surgery in atrial functional mitral regurgitation in the REVEAL-AFMR registry, risk of transfusion in isolated coronary artery bypass graft, the efficacy of loco-regional ropivacaine analgesia via intercostal catheters after lung resection, and percutaneous transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for functional mitral regurgitation in heart failure.
In addition, Joel explores a case report of coronary stentectomy, principles of complex mitral valve repair with Leonard Lee and Vince Gaudiani, and uniportal robotic-assisted extended thymectomy. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Undressing the “Full Metal Jacket”—A Case Report of Coronary Stentectomy
2.) Principles of Complex Mitral Valve Repair: An Exploration With Leonard Lee and Vince Gaudiani
3.) Uniportal Robotic-Assisted Extended Thymectomy
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 Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning had the opportunity to speak with Professor Mark Redmond about the ROSS procedure at the 2024 Birmingham Review Course. They discuss the current status of the ROSS procedure, the evolution of this procedure, and its benefits. They also discuss the steps for a surgeon to become experienced enough to perform the ROSS procedure and how trainee techniques have changed.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on rigid sternal fixation and enhanced recovery for opioid-free analgesia after cardiac surgery, long-term health outcomes of young patients with low complexity coronary disease, evaluation of the nonstapling bullectomy by manual suturing for young men with primary spontaneous pneumothorax, and risk factors and early outcomes associated with prolonged pleural effusion/chylothorax after pediatric cardiac surgery.
In addition, Joel explores the Bedi-IMA buttress, transfer technique from femoro-jugular veno-venous ECMO to veno-pulmonary ECMO with a ProtekDuo cannula, and modified Lecompte combined with pulmonary valve replacement and reduction pulmonary arterioplasty for TOF/APV-like syndrome. He also shows a recent clip from Professor Enoch Akowuah and his colleagues about their first day in Ghana. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Rigid Sternal Fixation and Enhanced Recovery for Opioid-Free Analgesia After Cardiac Surgery
CTSNET Content Mentioned
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 Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning had the opportunity to speak with Professor Enoch Akowuah about challenges facing cardiothoracic surgery. They discuss the importance of clinical trials, the best aortic valve replacement technique, and the vision for the future of cardiothoracic surgery. They also discuss how to improve the specialty, what changes are needed in training, and the great part about being a member of a national society.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on better survival with lobectomy versus sublobar resection in patients with hypermetabolic c-stage IA lung cancer on positron emission tomography/computed tomography, right anterior minithoracotomy approach for aortic valve replacement, clinical and financial outcomes of pulmonary resection for lung cancer in safety net hospitals, and the 10 commandments for proximal anastomosis during CABG.
In addition, Joel celebrates the winners of the 2024 CTSNet Innovation Video Competition: “How to Perform MIDCAB Using BIMA,” “Mitral Valve Replacement and Coronary Revascularization Via the Left Anterior Minithoracotomy,” and “The Mitral Patch Technique for Mitral Annular Calcification (MAC).” He also discusses a recent interview with professor and surgeon Dr. Shaf Keshavjee. Before closing, he shares upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
2.) Right Anterior Minithoracotomy Approach for Aortic Valve Replacement
3.) Clinical and Financial Outcomes of Pulmonary Resection for Lung Cancer in Safety-Net Hospitals
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) How to Perform MIDCAB Using BIMA
2.) Mitral Valve Replacement and Coronary Revascularization Via the Left Anterior Minithoracotomy
3.) The Mitral Patch Technique for Mitral Annular Calcification (MAC)
4.) Keynote Speech: An Interview With Shaf Keshavjee
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 Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Hazem Fallouh about his latest invention for diagnosing cardiac tamponade at the 2024 Birmingham Review Course. They discussed the purpose of this invention, how it went from an idea to being created, and how Dr. Hazem will get this product on the market.
Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on initial experience with transcatheter aortic valve replacement before and after lung transplant, a report of salaries of academic cardiothoracic surgeons based on race and ethnicity, chest wall resection and reconstruction for primary chest wall sarcomas, and seven-year outcomes following aortic valve replacement with a novel tissue bioprosthesis.
In addition, Joel explores an introduction to redo sternotomy, emergency VATS esophagectomy for T4 esophageal cancer with massive hematemesis in an elderly patient, and pectus excavatum with hemodynamic repercussion corrected by the cross-bar technique with cryoanalgesia. Before closing, he shares upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Initial Experience With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Before and After Lung Transplant
2.) A Report of Salaries of Academic Cardiothoracic Surgeons Based on Race and Ethnicity
CTSNet Content Mentioned
1.) An Introduction to Redo Sternotomy
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.