Discussions about the most relevant topics in cardiothoracic surgery from CTSNet, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network.
Episodes
Jun 18, 2025
Jun 18, 2025
46 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with CTSNet Board Member Dr. Keith Naunheim, Vallee L. and Melba Willman Professor and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, about artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiothoracic (CT) surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:31 Guest Preview, Dr. Naunheim
02:34 Clinic Notes via AI
04:41 Congenital Challenging Anatomy
06:47 Exposing Intramyocardial LAD Artery
09:28 Multiple Stent Grafts, Aorta Aneurysm
11:33 AVR w M & TVR, R-Anterior Thoracotomy
13:50 Dr. Naunheim, AI in CT Surgery
34:33 Upcoming Events
35:16 Cardiac Surgical Arrest Series
36:37 Robert Lowery Obituary
38:38 Closing
They discuss how AI will affect and impact CT surgery, where AI is already incorporated in the CT surgery world, and the importance of field-testing AI. They also explore the pros and cons of AI and being proactive about using AI.
Joel also highlights a recent JANS article on left axillary thoracotomy for closure of ventricular septal defect in an infant with situs solitus and extreme levoposition of the heart.
In addition, Joel explores a surgical technique of exposing the intramyocardial left anterior descending artery, open surgical repair of a giant abdominal aorta aneurysm filled with multiple stent grafts, and aortic valve replacement with mitral and tricuspid valve repair via a right anterior thoracotomy. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Surgical Technique of Exposing Intramyocardial Left Anterior Descending Artery
2.) Open Surgical Repair of a Giant Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm Filled With Multiple Stent Grafts
3.) Aortic Valve Replacement With Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Repair Via a Right Anterior Thoracotomy
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Cardiac Surgical Arrest—An International Conversation, Part 1
2.) Obituary for Dr. Robert Lowery
3.) Winners of the 2025 CTSNet Instructional 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.
Jun 12, 2025
Jun 12, 2025
50 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with CTSNet JANS Editor Dr. Mateo Marin-Cuartas, a cardiac surgeon in the University Department of Cardiac Surgery at the Leipzig Heart Center, Germany, about surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) vs transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:57 Dr. Marin-Cuartas Feature
02:28 SHURUI Robot Feasability
05:09 Touching as Diagnostic Test
09:06 Removal of Rib Stab Hardware
13:00 Resectable EGFR-Positive NSCLC
16:12 On-Pump Beating Heart MVR
17:56 Post-Infarction Myocardial Rupture
19:52 Head-First Graft Technique
22:18 SAVR vs TAVR, Dr. Marin-Cuartas
46:44 Upcoming Events
47:52 Closing
They discuss SAVR and TAVR guidelines, the suitability of SAVR vs TAVR for patients aged 65-75, and mechanical heart valves. They also explore surgery after TAVR, TAVR after TAVR, and the future of addressing aortic valve stenosis.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the safety and feasibility of novel single-port robotic-assisted lobectomy/segmentectomy for lung cancer, touching (proximity) as a companion diagnostic test, long-term outcomes after removal of rib stabilization hardware in patients with blunt chest trauma, and advancing the needle on the management of resectable EGFR-positive NSCLC.
In addition, Joel explores an on-pump beating heart mitral valve repair through right anterior minithoracotomy, post-infarction myocardial rupture treated with surgical repair and graded mechanical support, and a head-first graft technique in aortic arch replacement. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
2.) Touching (Proximity) as a Companion Diagnostic Test
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) On-Pump Beating Heart Mitral Valve Repair Through Right Anterior Mini Thoracotomy
3.) Head-First Graft Technique in Aortic Arch Replacement
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 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025
29 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning recaps the 33rd European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) annual meeting in Budapest.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:30 ESTS 2025 Conference
09:11 SHURUI Robot Study
10:04 Willard A. Fry
12:44 Transplant Recipient Pregnancy Outcomes
15:25 Low-Flow, Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis
17:12 Warm Ischemic Intervals Effect
19:16 Extracorp Circulation vs Conventional
23:23 Femoral Cannulation for CPB Min Invasive
24:25 Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement
25:27 Valve Surgery Podcast w Michael Mack
27:21 Upcoming Events
27:54 Closing
He discusses the key themes and takeaways from the event, the SHURUI single-port robotic system, the hands-on experience with the da Vinci Single-Port system led by Dr. Tom Routledge, and the extraordinary guest lecture from Ernő Rubik, the inventor of the Rubik’s cube. Joel also highlights various presentations from the meeting, including “Does the Fissureless Technique Really Reduce Air Leak? Results of the Prospective Randomized Study Fissureless Versus Fissurefirst (3F Trial)” by Tom Routledge, “Tour D’Horizon About Potential Newcomings in the 10th Edition” by Valerie Rusch, and much more. Additionally, he pays tribute to Willard A. Fry and his significant accomplishments.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on pregnancy outcomes in 53 female lung transplant recipients, outcomes of surgical versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis, the effect of warm ischemic intervals on primary graft dysfunction in normothermic regional perfusion for donation after circulatory death heart transplant, and minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation versus conventional cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgery.
In addition, Joel explores femoral cannulation for CPB during minimally invasive cardiac surgery, a presentation from the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland annual meeting on “Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement—Tips and Tricks,” and the one-year anniversary episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with cardiothoracic surgery pioneer Dr. Michael Mack on the future of valve surgery. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Pregnancy Outcomes in 53 Female Lung Transplant Recipients
CTSNET Content Mentioned
1.) Femoral Cannulation for CPB During Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
2.) SCTS 2025 | Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement—Tips and Tricks
3.) The Atrium: The Future of Valve Surgery
Other Items Mentioned
2.) A Eulogy for Willard A. Fry
3.) 2025 SCTS Annual Meeting Videos
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 29, 2025
May 29, 2025
45 min
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with cofounders Courtney Maxey-Jones and Connor Wasilnak about their charity, Global Outreach for Medical Equity and Development (GOMED), which exists to deliver essential medical supplies to underresourced regions.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:33 Surgical Instrument Donations
02:43 Adverse Outcomes in Surgery
10:05 Lymph Node NSCLC Study
12:45 Pleural Invasion by AI Analysis
15:54 Robotic vs Conventional MVR
18:55 Postop Atrioventricular Block
22:36 Extra-Anatomical Bypass & AVR
24:25 Redo MV w Different Strategies
27:57 Manage Aorto-Mitral Abscess Endocarditis
30:41 GOMED Interview
43:04 Closing
They discuss the reasons behind its creation, its mission, the current status of the organization, and how individuals and companies can get involved. Additionally, they explored some of the equipment GOMED has and what it needs, and the various locations it serves. Joel also shares insights about a recent patient of his with Marfan Syndrome and pectus excavatum, emphasizing the ongoing importance of the N=1 trial in clinical research.
Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on lymph node sampling and survival in non-small cell lung cancer, pleural invasion of peripheral cT1 lung cancer by deep learning analysis of thoracoscopic images, clinical outcomes and costs of robotic-assisted vs conventional mitral valve repair, and postoperative atrioventricular block after surgery for congenital heart disease.
In addition, Joel explores extra-anatomical aortic bypass and aortic valve replacement in a patient with aortic coarctation and severe aortic insufficiency, totally endoscopic redo mitral valve surgery with different myocardial protection strategies, and managing aorto-mitral abscess endocarditis after previous AVR with an LVOT enlargement procedure. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.
JANS Items Mentioned
1.) Lymph Node Sampling and Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A 10-Year Danish Cohort Study
CTSNET Content Mentioned
2.) Totally Endoscopic Redo Mitral Valve Surgery With Different Myocardial Protection Strategies
3.) Managing Aorto-Mitral Abscess Endocarditis After Previous AVR With an LVOT Enlargement Procedure
Other Items Mentioned
1.) Global Outreach for Medical Equity and Development
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.
May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025
55 min
In this special one-year anniversary episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Michael Mack, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Baylor Scott and White Health System and chairman of the Baylor Plano Research Center in Texas, about the future of valve surgery.
Chapters
00:00 Introductions
01:18 Dr. Mack Background
03:41 Becoming a CT Surgeon
07:53 Path to Academic Surgery
10:19 Unconventional Thinking
11:30 TAVR vs SAVR
21:54 Surgical Replacement Future
25:59 Minimally Invasive Preference
27:27 Long-Term Data Impact
30:58 Aortic Valve Research Status
35:35 Mitral Clip vs Repair, Tricuspid
41:40 Mitral Robotic
44:38 Artificial Intelligence
48:43 Specializing Your Career
52:53 Three Career Tips
They discuss transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), MitraClips, the mitral valve, and the tricuspid valve. They also explore future research, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and Dr. Mack provides 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 radial artery harvesting with Dr. Faisal Bakaeen of the Cleveland Clinic.
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 22, 2025
May 22, 2025
1hr 2 min
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.
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
47 min
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.
May 8, 2025
May 8, 2025
1hr 1 min
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.
May 1, 2025
May 1, 2025
55 min
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.
Apr 29, 2025
Apr 29, 2025
52 min
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.