Discussions about the most relevant topics in cardiothoracic surgery from CTSNet, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network.
Episodes
Dec 4, 2025
Dec 4, 2025
51 min
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.
Nov 25, 2025
Nov 25, 2025
56 min
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.
Nov 20, 2025
Nov 20, 2025
40 min
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.
Nov 19, 2025
Nov 19, 2025
33 min
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.
Nov 13, 2025
Nov 13, 2025
43 min
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.
Nov 11, 2025
Nov 11, 2025
58 min
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.
Nov 6, 2025
Nov 6, 2025
39 min
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.
Oct 30, 2025
Oct 30, 2025
31 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing medical articles.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:56 Using AI in Medical Writing
09:07 JANS 1, AI-Writing Article
14:53 JANS 2, Kidney vs Lung Transplant Outcomes
17:04 JANS 3, Harvesting Tech on ITAG
18:56 JANS 4, Phase 2 NeoCOAST-2 Trial
23:01 Career Center
23:41 Video 1, TAVR Explant After CABG w MVR
25:28 Video 2, Updated Y-Incision AA Enlargement
27:05 Video 3, Carotid Artery Cann for CABG
28:16 Upcoming Events
He reviews guidelines set by the International Committee of Journal Editors Committee regarding publication ethics and emphasizes the benefits of utilizing AI in writing processes. Joel also highlights the crucial necessity of including disclosures when employing AI tools. Additionally, he delves into other ways AI can be used, such as data analysis, and discusses taking accountability when using these technologies. Furthermore, he addresses the limitations of AI, noting that it cannot be cited as a source or used as a coauthor.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on assisted artificial intelligence in medical writing, the impact of kidney transplantation on survival outcomes for lung transplantation, if the harvesting technique affects the production of nitric oxide and endothelin in the internal thoracic artery graft, and the platform phase 2 NeoCOAST-2 trial on perioperative durvalumab plus chemotherapy plus new agents for resectable non-small-cell lung cancer.
In addition, Joel explores a TAVR explant after CABG with MVR, tips and tricks for the updated Y-incision aortic annular enlargement, and carotid artery cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Assisted Artificial Intelligence in Medical Writing: A Primer for Humans
2.) The Impact of Kidney Transplantation on Survival Outcomes for Lung Transplantation
CTSNet Content Mentioned
1.) TAVR Explant After CABG With MVR
2.) Tips and Tricks for the Updated Y-Incision Aortic Annular Enlargement
3.) Carotid Artery Cannulation for Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Other Items Mentioned
2.) Perfecting TAVR Removal | Skills Sharpening With Vince Gaudiani
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.
Oct 23, 2025
Oct 23, 2025
48 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Dr. Fraser Sutherland, a consultant cardiac surgeon at Ross Hall Hospital and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Scotland, about the world’s first transcervical robotic aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedures.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:30 JANS 1, CABG After 60 Years
13:53 JANS 2, Endovascular Arch Repair
16:45 JANS 3, Impact of Age on ARR
18:47 JANS 4, Anterior Mediastinal Teratomas
20:28 Career Center
21:02 Video 1, RUL Without Dissecting SPV
22:58 Video 2, Replacement w Double Patch Repair
23:53 Video 3, TAVR & SAVR Removal w LVOR
24:47 Dr. Sutherland Interview
45:26 Closing
They discuss the history and evolution of these cases, along with the preclinical work that led to this innovative technique. Dr. Sutherland addresses initial challenges such as the uniportal incision, the transcervical retractor system, and enhancing dexterity by incorporating a robotic system. They also detail the first clinical case, including postoperative outcomes and the importance of maintaining safety for the patient. Additionally, they explore the benefits for patients undergoing this procedure and its future potential. Furthermore, Dr. Sutherland provides insights into the procedural steps and key aspects of the procedure.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on coronary artery bypass grafting 60 years after its debut, endograft design options and worldwide results for endovascular arch repair, the impact of age on aortic root replacement, and a multicenter retrospective study on if subxiphoid thoracoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for the treatment of anterior mediastinal teratomas.
In addition, Joel explores a multiportal approach for robotic right upper lobectomy without dissecting the superior pulmonary vein, aortic and mitral replacement with double patch repair, and TAVR and SAVR removal with left ventricular outflow reconstruction.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: 60 Years After Its Debut
2.) Endovascular Arch Repair: Endograft Design Options and Worldwide Results
3.) The Impact of Age on Aortic Root Replacement
CTSNet Content Mentioned
2.) Aortic and Mitral Replacement With Double Patch Repair
3.) TAVR and SAVR Removal With Left Ventricular Outflow Reconstruction
Other Items Mentioned
2.) Resident Video Competition
3.) Perfecting TAVR Removal | Skills Sharpening With Vince Gaudiani
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.
Oct 16, 2025
Oct 16, 2025
35 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Dr. Marc Pelletier, division chief of cardiac surgery for the Department of Surgery at Yale School of Medicine, about patient blood management.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:45 EACTS 2025
07:19 JANS 1, HVD Management Guidelines
16:26 JANS 2, Low-Risk AVR Evidence
19:21 JANS 3, Warden Procedure Selection
20:36 JANS 4, Primary Repair of CAT
21:48 JANS 5, NEWTON-CABG Cardiolink-5
23:20 Video 1, Acute Aortic Syndrome
24:54 Video 2, Redo TVR Under Bypass
27:13 Video 3, Giant Tension Bulla
28:47 Dr. Pelletier Interview
34:25 Outro
They delve into the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) guidelines on patient blood management, along with key tips. They also explore preoperative optimization, provide an example, and discuss cell savers and reducing dead space during surgery. Additionally, they touch on postoperative transfusion and the importance of performing meticulous surgery.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the 2025 ESC/EACTS guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease, low-risk aortic valve replacement at the crossroads of evidence, ideal age and weight for the Warden procedure in patients with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, a systematic meta-analysis of short- and long-term outcomes of the primary repair of common arterial trunk, and an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Evolocumab on saphenous vein graft patency after coronary artery bypass surgery.
In addition, Joel explores the surgical treatment of acute aortic syndrome, a redo tricuspid valve replacement technique under right heart bypass for a previously repaired tricuspid valve, and thoracoscopic resection of a giant tension bulla. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
2.) Low-Risk Aortic Valve Replacement at the Crossroads of Evidence
CTSNet Content Mentioned
1.) Surgical Treatment of Acute Aortic Syndrome
3.) Thoracoscopic Resection of a Giant Tension Bulla
Other Items Mentioned
1.) STS/SCA/AmSECT/SABM Update to the Clinical Practice Guidelines on Patient Blood Management
3.) Perfecting TAVR Removal | Skills Sharpening With Vince Gaudiani
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.