This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with CTSNet Senior Editor Dr. Sameh Said, Chief of the Division of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the New York Medical College, and Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center about performing the first successful ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT)-to-open atrial septectomy-to-rapid stage I Norwood palliation in a neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and intact interatrial septum.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:13 JANS 1, Cardiac Transplant

09:04 JANS 2, Lung Transplant

10:19 JANS 3, Cardiac Transplant

11:08 JANS 4, Lung Cancer

13:01 JANS 5, Thoracic

15:44 Video 1, Congenital Cardiac

17:53 Video 2, Cardiac

19:49 Video 3, Cardiac

21:50 Dr. Said Interview, EXIT Procedure

37:28 Upcoming Events

39:32 Closing

They discuss the surgical steps involved in this groundbreaking procedure, including specific details about the surgery, the preparation undertaken prior to the operation, and the key factors that contributed to its success. Additionally, they covered the challenges encountered during this first successful EXIT procedure case, as well as the standard management practices for these cases at medical centers, such as fetal balloon atrial septostomy, along with postnatal transcatheter, surgical, or hybrid interventions and their associated surgical risks. Furthermore, they address the broader challenges faced when operating on patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, including the differences between restrictive atrial septum and intact atrial septum.  

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the current state and future directions of cardiac xenotransplantation, if age is a contraindication for lung transplantation in the elderly, a summary of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus conference on emerging understanding of antibodies and antibody-mediated rejection in heart transplantation, inflammatory diseases and risk of lung cancer among individuals who have never smoked, and active chest tube clearance added to an Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery (ERAS) program improves outcomes and reduces resource utilization. 

In addition, Joel explores a single incision mitral valve repair and LIMA-to-LAD bypass via a left anterior minithoracotomy, repair of post-infarction ventricular septal defect using a double patch sandwich technique, and reconstruction of the left trigone during the Commando procedure for invasive prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Cardiac Xenotransplantation: Current State and Future Directions 

2.) Lung Transplantation in the Elderly: Is Age a Contraindication? 

3.) Summary of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Consensus Conference on Emerging Understanding of Antibodies and Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Heart Transplantation 

4.) Inflammatory Diseases and Risk of Lung Cancer Among Individuals Who Have Never Smoked 

5.) Active Chest Tube Clearance Added to an Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery (ERAS) Program Improves Outcomes and Reduces Resource Utilization 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Single Incision Mitral Valve Repair and LIMA-to-LAD Bypass via a Left Anterior Minithoracotomy 

2.) Repair of Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect Using a Double Patch Sandwich Technique 

3.) Reconstruction of the Left Trigone During the Commando Procedure for Invasive Prosthetic Aortic Valve Endocarditis 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) Guest Editor Series: Coronary Arterial Anomalies—Pediatric and Adult Congenital  

2.) Cardiac Surgical Arrest—An International Conversation Series  

3.) Career Center  

4.) 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 speaks with Dr. Daniel Goldstein, professor and vice chairman of Montefiore Health System in New York, USA, about the importance of mentorship.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:24 JANS 1, Cardiac

05:42 JANS 2, General

08:40 JANS 3, Cardiac

12:17 JANS 4, General

13:45 JANS 5, Cardiac

14:53 Video 1, Cardiac

16:48 Video 2, Thoracic

18:53 Video 3, Cardiac

20:29 Dr. Goldstein Interview

33:06 Closing

They explore how to be an effective mentor, outlining essential steps in mentoring and the process of developing great surgeons. They also discuss the significance of volunteering and contributing to advance within the field. Additionally, they cover the incentives of being a good mentor, provide advice for trainees currently seeing to join a program, and delve into how and why Dr. Goldstein was selected by the ISHLT Foundation to receive the 2025 Francis D. Pagani, MD, Endowed Mentorship Award. In a separate segment, Joel addresses minimally invasive surgery in Europe.  

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on lifetime management of heart valve disease, social media use among cardiothoracic surgeons, a surgeon’s tool kit for mitral valve-induced left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with minimal septal hypertrophy, transatlantic analysis of gender representation in general thoracic surgery, and extent of coronary artery disease and clinical outcomes with ticagrelor monotherapy vs aspirin after coronary artery bypass grafting. 

In addition, Joel explores an infarct exclusion technique for posterior ischemic ventricular septal defect in a patient with Impella 5.5 support, mastering robotic lung resection using the French lobectomy technique for standardized surgical education, and assessment, debridement, and annular support for valve replacement in a case of mitral annular calcification. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Lifetime Management of Heart Valve Disease—Treat It Early and Treat It Right, First Time 

2.) Social Media Use Among Cardiothoracic Surgeons: The Online Landscape and Comparisons Between Subgroups 

3.) A Surgeon’s Toolkit for Mitral Valve-Induced Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction With Minimal Septal Hypertrophy 

4.) Trans-Atlantic Analysis of Gender Representation in General Thoracic Surgery: Challenges Permeate the Academic Community 

5.) Extent of Coronary Artery Disease and Clinical Outcomes With Ticagrelor Monotherapy Versus Aspirin After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Insights From the TiCAB Trial 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Infarct Exclusion Technique for Posterior Ischemic Ventricular Septal Defect in a Patient With Impella 5.5 Support 

2.) Mastering Robotic Lung Resection: The French Lobectomy Technique for Standardized Surgical Education 

3.) Mitral Annular Calcification: Assessment, Debridement, and Annular Support for Valve Replacement 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) Cardiac Surgical Arrest—An International Conversation, Part 3 

2.) Career Center  

3.) 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 speaks with Dr. Jay Pal, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Washington, about AI-assisted screening for rheumatic heart disease.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:17 JANS 1, Cardiac

05:15 JANS 2, Thoracic

07:01 JANS 3, Thoracic

09:41 JANS 4, Cardiac

12:14 JANS 5, Thoracic

13:37 Subvalvular Ring Excision, AVR

15:30 SCORE Technique, Rheu M Stenosis

18:43 VATS Intraperi L Pneumonectomy

20:00 Dr. Pal Interview

30:52 Closing

They discuss how the AI-assisted stethoscope functions and its ability to identify rheumatic heart disease, highlighting the advantages of this technology in low-resource settings and the future potential of the device. Additionally, they explore the device’s capability to diagnose heart failure and the benefits of using this advanced tool over a traditional analog stethoscope. 

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on blood pressure and heart rate management in patients after repair of type A aortic dissection, long-term outcomes and prognostic factors after chest wall resection and reconstruction, a comparison between robot- and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries for anterior mediastinal lesions, and the cost-effectiveness of left ventricular assist device for transplant-ineligible patients. 

In addition, Joel explores an excision of a subvalvular ring with preservation of the aortic valve, a step-by-step VATS approach for intrapericardial left pneumonectomy for a centrally located lung tumor, and a repair of rheumatic mitral stenosis using the SCORE technique. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Management in Patients After Repair of Type A Aortic Dissection 

2.) Long-Term Outcome and Prognostic Factors After Chest Wall Resection and Reconstruction 

3.) Comparison Between Robot- and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgeries for Anterior Mediastinal Lesions 

4.) Cost-Effectiveness of Left Ventricular Assist Device for Transplant-Ineligible Patients 

5.) Three-Dimensional Tracheo-Bronchial Reconstruction to Plan Endoscopic Stent Insertion for Malignant Upper Airway Stenosis

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Excision of a Subvalvular Ring With Preservation of the Aortic Valve 

2.) VATS Intrapericardial Left Pneumonectomy for Centrally Located Lung Tumor: Step-by-Step Approach With Technical Pearls 

3.) Repair of Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Using the SCORE Technique 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) Cardiac Surgical Arrest—An International Conversation, Part 2  

2.) Career Center  

3.) 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 speaks with Dr. Ari Wes, Partner at Peninsula Plastic Surgery and CEO and Cofounder of Orchid Surgical, about clinical surgery video production.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:46 Interview Preview

02:16 No Chest-Open Heart Transplant

05:07 NSCLC Time to Surgery

07:55 Impact of Preop Invasive Nodal Staging

11:04 Air Space Spread Impacts Adenocarcinoma

14:26 Intrapericard Pneum w Broncho & Flap

16:42 Ross Procedure Unveiled

21:16 Radial Artery Harvesting Podcast

23:32 Dr. Wes Interview, Video Production

46:06 Cardiac Surgical Arrest Series

46:52 Closing

They discuss the value of starting with the right camera, the impact of field of view, head-mounted cameras vs. stationary cameras, and the importance of capturing the surgeon’s perspective. Additionally, they explore the educational benefits of recording surgeries, the criteria for selecting an ideal storage solution for recordings, and the future of clinical surgery videos.  

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on first fully robotic heart transplant in the US performed without opening the patient's chest, defining the optimal diagnosis-to-resection interval to reduce mortality in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, concurrent spread through air spaces in dominant tumors impacts prognosis in synchronous multiple primary lung adenocarcinoma, and the impact of preoperative invasive nodal staging on unexpected mediastinal upstaging in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. 

In addition, Joel explores a robot-assisted intrapericardial pneumonectomy with bronchoplasty and thymic flap post neoadjuvant chemo/IO, insights into various techniques and modifications for the Ross procedure, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Dr. Faisal Bakaeen from the Cleveland Clinic on radial artery harvesting. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) First Fully Robotic Heart Transplant in the US Performed Without Opening Patient's Chest 

2.) Time to Surgery in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Defining the Optimal Diagnosis-to-Resection Interval to Reduce Mortality 

3.) Concurrent Spread Through Air Spaces in Dominant Tumors Impacts Prognosis in Synchronous Multiple Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma  

4.) The Impact of Preoperative Invasive Nodal Staging on Unexpected Mediastinal Upstaging in Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer  

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Robot-Assisted Intrapericardial Pneumonectomy With Bronchoplasty and Thymic Flap Post Neoadjuvant Chemo/IO 

2.) The Ross Procedure Unveiled: Insights into Various Techniques and Modifications  

3.) The Atrium: Radial Artery Harvesting  

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) Cardiac Surgical Arrest—An International Conversation, Part 2 

2.) Career Center  

3.) 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 speaks with Dr. David Kalfa, the incoming Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and Co-Director of the Heart Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, about allogeneic mitral valve transplants.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:46 Interview Preview

02:54 MV Surgery After Failed Intervention

07:46 Tears Predict Outcomes After Hemi-Arch

10:32 Pain Catastrophizing Scale

14:27 ARR w Stentless Biopros, Sex Difference

16:38 Open Implant TAV via Redo Sternotomy

19:05 Repeat Sternotomy w Completion Unifocaliz

21:07 Direct Aortic Impella 5.5 in PC Shock

25:16 Dr. Kalfa Interview, AMV Transplant

39:58 Upcoming Events

41:26 Closing

They discuss methods for obtaining a mitral valve for transplantation, and topics such as immunosuppression, aortic coagulation, and the progress that has been made in this field. They also explore how to perform a living allogeneic heart valve transplant and the future of this technique.  

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on mitral valve surgery after failed transcatheter intervention for mitral regurgitation, whether distal anastomotic new entry tears predict long-term outcomes after hemiarch repair for DeBakey I aortic dissection, using a pain catastrophizing scale as a predictor for acute postoperative pain following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy, and sex difference in aortic root replacement with a stentless bioprosthesis. 

In addition, Joel explores an open implantation of a transcatheter aortic valve via redo sternotomy, mitral valve replacement, and tricuspid valve repair in a high-risk patient, repeat sternotomy with completion unifocalization and extensive pulmonary arterial reconstruction in ToF/PA/MAPCAs, and direct aortic Impella 5.5 in post-cardiotomy shock. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Mitral Valve Surgery After Failed Transcatheter Intervention for Mitral Regurgitation: Techniques, Challenges, and Outcomes 

2.) Distal Anastomotic New Entry Tears Predict Long-Term Outcomes After Hemi-Arch Repair for DeBakey I Aortic Dissection 

3.) Pain Catastrophizing Scale as a Predictor for Acute Postoperative Pain Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Lobectomy 

4.) Sex Difference in Aortic Root Replacement With a Stentless Bioprosthesis 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Open Implantation of a Transcatheter Aortic Valve via Redo Sternotomy, Mitral Valve Replacement, and Tricuspid Valve Repair in a High-Risk-Patient 

2.) Challenging Pulmonary Arterial Reconstruction: Repeat Sternotomy With Completion Unifocalization and Extensive Pulmonary Arterial Reconstruction in ToF/PA/MAPCAs  

3.) Direct Aortic Impella 5.5 in Post-Cardiotomy Shock 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) Allogeneic Mitral Valve Transplant: Historical Precedent, Current Considerations, and Future Implementation 

2.) Cardiac Surgical Arrest—An International Conversation, Part 1 

3.) Winners of the 2025 CTSNet Instructional Video Competition 

4.) Career Center  

5.) 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 episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Faisal Bakaeen, Professor of Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Director of the Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Center at the Cleveland Clinic, about radial artery harvesting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Dr. Bakaeen Background

05:26 Historical Timeline

06:40 Radial Artery Advantages

08:58 Anatomy

14:31 Patient Preparation & Selection

16:44 Harvest Technique (Open)

24:21 Closure

26:47 Graft Prep & Vasodilation

29:08 Graft Patency

29:34 Graft Use

31:22 Post-Op Management

32:10 Complications

35:22 Future of RAH

38:43 Key Takeaways

39:25 Surgery Training Advice

They discuss the benefits of utilizing radial artery harvesting, preparation, the open harvesting technique, and endoscopic harvesting. They also explore graft preparation and vasodilation, postoperative management, and complications.  

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 segmentectomy and an upcoming discussion of the future of revascularization with Professor Pieter Kappetein.  

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 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 

1.) Creating Opportunities From Challenging Anatomy: Left Axillary Thoracotomy for Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect in an Infant With Situs Solitus and Extreme Levoposition of the Heart 

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  

4.) Career Center  

5.) 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 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 

1.) Safety and Feasibility of Novel Single-Port Robotic-Assisted Lobectomy/Segmentectomy for Lung Cancer 

2.) Touching (Proximity) as a Companion Diagnostic Test  

3.)  Long-Term Outcomes After Removal of Rib Stabilization Hardware in Patients With Blunt Chest Trauma 

4.) Advancing the Needle on the Management of Resectable EGFR-Positive NSCLC: Is Neoadjuvant Osimertinib the Answer? 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) On-Pump Beating Heart Mitral Valve Repair Through Right Anterior Mini Thoracotomy 

2.) Drain, Patch, Unload: Post-Infarction Myocardial Rupture Treated With Surgical Repair and Graded Mechanical Support 

3.) Head-First Graft Technique in Aortic Arch Replacement 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) Career Center  

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 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 

2.) Outcomes of Surgical Versus Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Low-Flow, Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis 

3.) The Effect of Warm Ischemic Intervals on Primary Graft Dysfunction in Normothermic Regional Perfusion for Donation After Circulatory Death Heart Transplant 

4.) Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation Versus Conventional Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Cardiac Surgery: A Contemporary Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 

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 

1.) Safety and Feasibility of Novel Single-Port Robotic-Assisted Lobectomy/Segmentectomy for Lung Cancer 

2.) A Eulogy for Willard A. Fry 

3.) 2025 SCTS Annual Meeting Videos  

4.) The Atrium—All Episodes  

5.) Career Center  

6.) 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 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 

2.) Pleural Invasion of Peripheral cT1 Lung Cancer by Deep Learning Analysis of Thoracoscopic Images: A Retrospective Pilot Study 

3.) Clinical Outcomes and Costs of Robotic-Assisted vs Conventional Mitral Valve Repair: A National Analysis 

4.) Postoperative Atrioventricular Block After Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease: Incidence, Recovery and Risks 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Extra-Anatomical Aortic Bypass and Aortic Valve Replacement in a Patient With Aortic Coarctation and Severe Aortic Insufficiency 

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  

4.) Career Center  

5.) 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.