A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS

Following the European Society of Cardiology’s (ESC) guidelines publication in collaboration with EACTS, Miia L Lehtinen and Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü host the esteemed Atrial Fibrillation experts, Manuel Castella and Niv Ad. In this month’s episode, our guests explore the nuances of how a surgical approach might be used to treat Atrial Fibrillation and why cardiac surgeons are increasingly interested in this complex electrophysiological condition. In light of the developing accepted practices, listeners can expect comparisons between the Maze procedure and non-surgical approaches, as well as an exploration of the endpoints used to determine patient outcomes.

This month’s episode is hosted by Miia L Lehtinen and Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü, who are joined by Wouter Oosterlinck, exploring his experience and expertise in the field of robotic cardiac surgery. Although already popular amongst thoracic surgeons, Wouter discusses the creation of his fast growing minimally invasive programme, which has been influential in this emerging field. Listen in for insight into the ever-developing applications of robotic cardiac surgery as well as the challenges being faced, such as nuanced medical device regulations.

In this Episode, our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen speak with Karl-Henrik Grinnemo on the provocative subject of scientific misconduct. Listeners can expect to hear a firsthand experience of his notorious high-profile case discrediting the use of dangerous artificial tracheae. Karl describes his team's journey from reporting poor patient outcomes in 2013, to being wrongfully accused of misconduct, and to finally being exonerated in 2016. Tune in to hear this unique story of courage, controversy, and vindication.

Joining our hosts this month are the esteemed ‘Ex Vivo Organ Perfusion’ experts, Edris Mahtab Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands) and Andreas Zuckermann (Medical University of Vienna, Austria). In this episode, Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen discuss how these guests have influenced the developing field of heart and lung transplantation. Listeners can gain an understanding of the evolving difficulties associated with transplantation, and how innovative techniques are improving organ preservation.  

Listeners are also encouraged to take a look at a related MMCTS article demonstrating relevant techniques.

This month, our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen explore the future of coronary surgery with renowned experts: Sigrid Sandner, Anders Jeppsson and Torsten Doenst. This discussion addresses the evolving utility of CABG following the introduction of PCI, involving evidence-based comparisons between these approaches. Listen for a detailed analysis of how patient risk versus benefit is understood, and the diverse nuances available between clinical outcomes and patient groups. 

This month’s episode features Sam Heuts, the first author of a recent Editor’s Choice article published in ICVTS entitled ‘TAVR vs. SAVR – A Bayesian interpretation’. Our hosts, Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen, find out more about the analysis of trials comparing transcatheter valve replacement and surgical aortic valve replacement. Including discussions of the fundamental statistics used and the effect upon 5-year all-cause mortality. 

Following our joint publication of the highly anticipated Aortic Disease Guidelines, our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen speak with Martin Czerny (University Clinic Freiburg, Germany) and Martin Grabenwöger (Clinic Floridsdorf, Vienna, Austria). This episode covers both the people involved in creating this influential document, as well as engaging detail regarding our current understanding of this fascinating organ. 

This month, our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen are joined by the esteemed Dr. Filip Casselman (of the OLV Clinic, Belgium) and Dr. Sabine Bleiziffer (of the Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Germany). Listen for an in-depth discussion on the often controversial, aortic valve, including key insight into current clinical practices as well as how these approaches are developing.

Join our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen for the first episode of 2024. In this episode, our hosts chat to Dr. Patrick Myers, leading cardiothoracic surgeon and EACTS Secretary General (2022 – Present). Dr Myers talks about his journey to becoming the EACTS Secretary General and his experiences within the role including the merits and challenges.