This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning had the opportunity to speak with the new Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS), Dr. Tom Varghese, Jr. They discuss the types of journals and articles JACS publishes, hints and tips for submitting to JACS, and the future of JACS. They also discuss experiment reproducibility, negative clinical trials, and what studies should be conducted in the future.  

Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on lung transplant outcome from selected older donors (≥70 years) equals younger donors (<70 years), initial experience with the da Vinci single-port system in patients with an anterior mediastinal mass, why and when do we invasively restage after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, and harmonizing guidelines and other clinical practice documents.  

In addition, Joel explores a new episode of The Atrium with Dr. Alice Copperwheat and Dr. Valerie Rusch on finding success in surgery training and a presentation by Dr. Shaf Keshavjee on “Ex Vivo and In Vivo Systems to Support, Treat, and Engineer Organs.” Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Lung Transplant Outcome From Selected Older Donors (≥70 Years) Equals Younger Donors (<70 Years) 

2.) Initial Experience With the da Vinci Single-Port System in Patients With an Anterior Mediastinal Mass 

3.) Why and When Do We Invasively Restage After Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy? 

4.) Harmonizing Guidelines and Other Clinical Practice Documents: A Joint Comprehensive Methodology Manual by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), European Society of Thoracic Surgeons 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) The Atrium: Finding Success in Surgery Training 

2.) ASAIO 2024 | Ex Vivo and In Vivo Systems to Support, Treat, and Engineer Organs 

Other Items Mentioned 

CTSNet Events Calendar 

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.

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning reflects on the most popular content of 2024 at CTSNet. He discusses the top interview, the most popular guest editor series, and reveals the leading CTSNet contributor of the year. He also looks at the top clinical videos in cardiac, congenital, and thoracic surgery, as well as the most-read JANS articles and the editors’ top picks.  

Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on cutibacterium acnes infective endocarditis, long-term outcomes of antegrade thoracic stent grafting during repair of acute DeBakey I dissection, comparing right- versus left-first implantation in off-pump sequential double-lung transplantation, and the impact of patient-prosthesis mismatch on long-term outcomes after aortic valve replacement. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Cutibacterium Acnes Infective Endocarditis—An Emerging Pathogen 

2.) Long-Term Outcomes of Antegrade Thoracic Stent Grafting During Repair of Acute DeBakey I Dissection 

3.) Comparing Right- Versus Left-First Implantation in Off-Pump Sequential Double-Lung Transplantation: An Observational Cohort Study 

4.) Impact of Patient-Prosthesis Mismatch on Long-Term Outcomes After Aortic Valve Replacement 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) CTSNet Summarized—Most Popular Content of 2024 

2.) CTSNet Summarized—Top Cardiac Procedure Videos of 2024 

3.) CTSNet Summarized—Top Congenital and Thoracic Procedure Videos of 2024   

4.) CTSNet Summarized—Top JANS Articles of 2024   

5.) CABG With a Long LAD Endarterectomy 

Other Items Mentioned 

CTSNet Events Calendar 

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.

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.

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 

2.) Prevalence of Invasive Lung Cancer in Pure Ground Glass Nodules Less Than 30 mm: A Systematic Review 

3.) External Validation of EuroSCORE I and II in Patients With Infective Endocarditis: Results From a Nationwide Prospective Registry 

4.) Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Patient-Level Data 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Robotic-Assisted Tracheobronchoplasty: A Quick Way to Fix the Airway 

2.) Spontaneously Closed VSD Presenting as an Iatrogenic Gerbodie Defect 

3.) Single Leaflet Neocuspidization for Aortic Regurgitation Due to Infective Endocarditis in Adult Congenital Heart Disease 

Other Items Mentioned 

CTSNet Events Calendar 

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.

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 

3.) Quality of Life After Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement: One-Year Results From TRISCEND II Pivotal Trial 

4.) Multicentre Validation of the RESECT-90 Prediction Model for 90-Day Mortality After Lung Resection  

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  

CTSNet Events Calendar 

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.

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 

1.) The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Expert Consensus on the Multidisciplinary Management and Resectability of Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer 

2.) European Multicentre Study Evaluating the Prognosis of Peripheral Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Operated on by Segmentectomy or Lobectomy 

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? 

CTSNet Events Calendar 

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.

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.

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 

2.) Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure and Moderate Aortic Stenosis: TAVR UNLOAD 

3.) Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Isolated Redo Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement 

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 

1.) Doximity Pay Report 2023  

2.) CTSNet Events Calendar 

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.

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 

1.) Clinical Outcomes of Mitral Valve Surgery in Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation in the REVEAL-AFMR Registry 

2.) Risk of Transfusion in Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: Models Developed From The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database 

3.) The Efficacy of Loco-Regional Ropivacaine Analgesia Via Intercostal Catheters After Lung Resection: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Superiority Study 

4.) Percutaneous Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Functional Mitral Regurgitation in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Three RCTs 

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 

CTSNet Events Calendar 

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.

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 

2.) Long-Term Health Outcomes of Young Patients With Low Complexity Coronary Disease: A Weighted Analysis According to Revascularization Strategy 

3.) Evaluation of the Nonstapling Bullectomy by Manual Suturing for Young Men With Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax 

4.) Risk Factors and Early Outcomes Associated With Prolonged Pleural Effusion/Chylothorax After Paediatric Cardiac Surgery 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) The Bedi-IMA Buttress 

2.) Transfer Technique From Femoro-Jugular Veno-Venous ECMO to Veno-Pulmonary ECMO With a ProtekDuo Cannula: Step-by-Step 

3.) Modified Lecompte Combined With Pulmonary Valve Replacement and Reduction Pulmonary Arterioplasty for TOF/APV-Like Syndrome 

Other Items Mentioned 

CTSNet Events Calendar 

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.