Discussions about the most relevant topics in cardiothoracic surgery from CTSNet, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network.
Episodes
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.
May 14, 2026
May 14, 2026
34 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Brad Leshnower, Director of Aortic Surgery at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA, USA, about the first implantation of the Gore Ascending Stent Graft in the ARISE III trial for the treatment of an acute type A dissection.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:26 New CTSNet Website
03:31 JANS 1, Thromboendarterectomy Fellowship
05:28 JANS 2, Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor
07:36 JANS 3, Type A Acute Aortic Dissections
09:51 JANS 4, Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis at 10 Years
11:46 Video 1, Nuss Procedure w Chrondrotomies
13:08 Video 2, Cardiac Redo Surgery
14:52 Video 3, Uniportal Lobectomy Bronchial Reimplantation
16:13 Dr. Leshnower, Ascending Stent Grafts
32:51 Career Center
33:52 Closing
They discussed Dr. Leshnower’s experience with this groundbreaking implantation, including the case details such as the patient’s medical history, the assessment of the patient’s high-risk status, and the criteria for determining their suitability for the procedure. Imaging techniques and the contributions of the other surgeons involved in the case were also highlighted. Furthermore, they delved into the use of the stent in previous ARISE trials and what Dr. Leshnower learned from those early experiences. The conversation also covered topics such as proximal placement, the innominate artery, and the preoperative planning required for the trial. Dr. Leshnower also shared what he learned from this case and discussed the future of the stent graft and this technique.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the safety and efficacy of a dedicated pulmonary thromboendarterectomy fellowship, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use and outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement, association between surgical timing and postoperative outcomes in type A acute aortic dissection, and early surgery or conservative care for asymptomatic aortic stenosis at 10 years.
In addition, Joel explores the Nuss procedure with midline chrondrotomies in severe pectus excavatum, redo surgery for failed MVr, iatrogenic ASD, tricuspid valve regurgitation, and aorta replacement, and uniportal VATS left lower sleeve lobectomy with upper lobe bronchial reimplantation for typical carcinoid tumor.
Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
- Safety and Efficacy of a Dedicated Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy Fellowship: The UK Experience at a High-Volume Center
- Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Use and Outcomes After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
- Association Between Surgical Timing and Postoperative Outcomes in TypeAAcute Aortic Dissection
- Early Surgery or Conservative Care for Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis at 10 Years
CTSNet Content Mentioned
- The Nuss Procedure With Midline Chrondrotomies in Severe Pectus Excavatum
- Redo Surgery for Failed MVr, Iatrogenic ASD, Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation, and Aorta Replacement
- Uniportal VATS Left Lower Sleeve Lobectomy With Upper Lobe Bronchial Reimplantation for Typical Carcinoid Tumor
Other Items Mentioned
- ARISE III Trial of Gore Ascending Stent Graft Begins Enrollment
- How to Navigate the New CTSNet Website
- Career Center
- CTSNet Events
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 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
23 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 Jan Headley, Principal at Consultants in Acute and Critical Care. They explore the use of functional hemodynamics in the postoperative management of cardiothoracic surgical patients.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:26 Case Study
04:28 Fluid Responsiveness, Dynamic Parameters
07:37 Variability Within Normal Limits
09:34 Determining Responsiveness Efficiently
12:45 No PA-Catheter Patients
15:35 Reassessing Values
17:22 First Step
19:20 No-Fluid Patient
20:27 Stroke Volume Trends
21:13 Key Takeaways
The discussion includes a case study illustrating how functional hemodynamics can guide clinical decisions in this context. They delve into the concepts of fluid management and fluid responsiveness, comparing dynamic parameters and static parameters, and the importance of increasing stroke volume. Key topics also include pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation, variability, and delta stroke volume. The conversation further covers techniques such as the passive leg raise maneuver and the pulmonary occlusive maneuver.
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.
May 7, 2026
May 7, 2026
30 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Andrea Steely, an Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, about aortic surgery and long-term patient follow-up.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:43 New CTSNet Website
02:36 AATS 2026
09:15 EJCTS News
10:15 Video 1, Left Ventriculotomy
10:51 Video 2, 3-Vessel TECAB
12:24 Video 3, AV Disease in Young Patients
13:14 Andrea Steely, Aortic Surgery & Follow-Up
29:14 Upcoming Events
They discussed the critical importance of educating both patients and surgeons about aortic disease, and the most effective strategies for follow-up care after aortic surgery. The conversation also covered testing genetic factors and stabilizing the aortic arch. They also explored reintervention and the importance of a multidisciplinary follow-up approach. Additionally, they addressed topics such as lung cancer screening, the training of non-MDs to evaluate screening charts, and the development of an aortic pathology sheet for each patient.
In addition, Joel explores an underutilized approach for closing multiple apical ventricular septal defects, robotic-assisted three-vessel minimally invasive coronary artery bypass, and a presentation from Emile Bacha on the "Surgical Management of Aortic Valve Disease in Young Patients."
Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
CTSNet Content Mentioned
2. Robotic-Assisted Three-Vessel Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass
3. SCTS 2026 | Surgical Management of Aortic Valve Disease in Young Patients
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.
Apr 24, 2026
Apr 24, 2026
36 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Zhi Lin, Chief Director of Cardiovascular Surgery Division 1 at Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University in Xiamen, China, and Dr. Oscar A. Flores Flores, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico, about The Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:22 AATS, UAE Conference, King Faisal
05:28 JANS 1, LAA Closure vs Therapy AF
09:53 JANS 2, Thrombus-Free LAA Occlusion
11:49 JANS 3, Immunosuppression & Retransplantation
13:06 JANS 4, Biomarkers & Outcomes Isolated CABG
15:18 Video 1, Rheumatic MV Reconstruction
17:02 Video 2, Morgagni Hernia
18:07 Video 3, Robotic Excision Anterior Mediastinal
19:35 Lin Zhi & Oscar Flores, Chinese Fellowship & Surgery
34:25 Upcoming Events
35:13 Closing
Dr. Flores discusses what the program entails, sharing his experience as a fellow and the opportunities he gained from it. Dr. Lin then outlines the program’s goals and the various procedures that can be learned at Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, which hosts the program. They also cover how to join the program and the application process. Furthermore, they discuss minimally invasive procedures in China and how this approach is growing in popularity.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on left atrial appendage closure or medical therapy in atrial fibrillation, long-term thrombus-free left atrial appendage occlusion via magnetofluids, implications of immunosuppression and retransplantation for donor-derived cell-free DNA associated with increased risk of chronic lung allograft dysfunction and mortality, and immunosenescence biomarkers and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.
In addition, Joel explores rheumatic mitral valve reconstruction, tips for the surgical management of a Morgagni hernia, and right robotic excision of anterior mediastinal mass. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1. Left Atrial Appendage Closure or Medical Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation
2. Long-Term Thrombus-Free Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Via Magnetofluids
4. Immunosenescence Biomarkers and Outcomes in Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
CTSNet Content Mentioned
1. Rheumatic Mitral Valve Reconstruction
2. Tips for the Surgical Management of a Morgagni Hernia
3. Right Robotic Excision of Anterior Mediastinal Mass
Other Items Mentioned
1. Endoscopic Cone Repair in an Adult Patient With Ebstein Anomaly
2. CTSNet Website Redesign: Important Updates and Transition Details
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.
Apr 16, 2026
Apr 16, 2026
37 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Frank Tamru, author of Power: A Memoir and owner of Frank Tamru Consultants LLC, about aortic valve technology throughout the years.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:51 New Website Preparation
02:53 AATS 2026 Overview
11:59 Video 1, Robotic Right-Sided MIDCAB
13:08 Video 2, Extra-Anatomic IAA Repair
14:29 Video 3, Double-Decker Procedure
16:38 Video 4, Aortic Disease Awareness
19:53 Video 5, Robotic Culmen in Situs Inversus
21:30 Frank Tamru, Aortic Valve Technology
35:32 Upcoming Events
36:03 Closing
They explored Tamru’s professional background and involvement with heart surgeons and cardiovascular leaders. The conversation covered various topics, including heart valves and the evolution of open-heart centers. They also discussed the advancements in aortic valve replacement technologies and the critical role of surgeons as decision-makers in the field. Additionally, Frank shared his experience as the founding publisher of the Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals.
In addition, Joel explores a robotic-assisted right-sided minimally invasive coronary artery bypass for anomalous origin of the right coronary artery, a transdiaphragmatic aorto-supraceliac extra-anatomic bypass for interrupted aortic arch with collateralizations, double-decker procedure for partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, robotic-assisted right upper segmentectomy (culmen) in situs inversus totalis, and an interview with Gareth Owens and Dr. Ben Youdelman on Think Aorta and aortic disease awareness.
Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
CTSNet Content Mentioned
3. Double-Decker Procedure for Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection
4. Think Aorta and Aortic Disease Awareness: An Interview With Gareth Owens and Dr. Ben Youdelman
5. Robotic-Assisted Right Upper Segmentectomy (Culmen) in Situs Inversus Totalis
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.
Apr 16, 2026
Apr 16, 2026
32 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Zain Khalpey, an assistant attending surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY, USA, adjunct assistant professor of surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY, USA, and Chief Medical AI Officer, Chair of Applied Clinical AI, and Director of Applied Translational Artificial Research Institute (ATARI), AZ, USA, about utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiothoracic surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:42 Upcoming CTSNet Activities
03:01 Website Transition
03:54 JANS 1, Mech vs Bio AVR in 50–70 YO
08:16 JANS 2, Abnormal Bleeding in OR
10:26 JANS 3, Intraop Assessment RV Function
11:54 JANS 4, Laser Anastomosis System CABG
14:49 Video 1, RAMT AVR Hemiarch Replacement
16:23 Video 2, Big Cyst & Small Incisions
17:33 Video 3, Left VATS Pneumonectomy
19:55 Dr. Khalpey, AI in CT Surgery
30:28 Upcoming Events
31:48 Closing
They discuss the importance of ethical AI being and address risk scores. The conversation also covers the application of AI in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings, as well as predictive algorithms and the benefits of integrating AI within cardiothoracic surgery. Additionally, they emphasize that there will always be a need for surgeons, as AI cannot replace human expertise.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a systematic review and meta-analysis on mechanical vs biological aortic valve replacement in patients aged 50-70 years, an observational study of inter-rater reliability between anesthetists and surgeons on abnormal bleeding in the cardiac operating room, advancing intraoperative assessment of right ventricular function, and the excimer laser assisted non-occlusive anastomosis (ELANA) anastomotic system surgical technique to construct distal anastomoses using a novel device in coronary artery bypass grafting.
In addition, Joel explores a right anterior minithoractomy aortic valve replacement, ascending aorta, and hemiarch repair, thoracoscopic resection of a large mediastinal cyst, and left VATS pneumonectomy in pediatric pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
CTSNet Content Mentioned
1. Right Anterior Minithoractomy Aortic Valve Replacement, Ascending Aorta, and Hemiarch Repair
2. When Size Is Not a Limitation: Thoracoscopic Resection of a Large Mediastinal Cyst
3. Left VATS Pneumonectomy in Pediatric Pulmonary Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
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.