CTSNet Podcasts

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Jacques Kpodonu, a cardiac surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, about the use of intraoperative artificial intelligence (AI) copilots in robotic cardiac surgery.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

They discussed building data sets for future robotic autonomy, the process of training AI copilots for robotic surgery, and utilizing these systems for teaching and coaching. The conversation also covered creating operative reports with AI copilots and robotics in low-resource countries. Furthermore, they explored the costs of robotics, the role of automated tasks in assisting surgeons, the development of physical AI in humanoid robots, utilizing AI to create annotations, and how surgeons can become actively involved in the field of AI.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a systematic review and meta-analysis of cryopreserved and antibiotic-preserved saphenous vein homografts versus polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts in pediatric patients; single-stage repair of ruptured aortic arch with coarctation using dual perfusion strategy; the 2026 expert consensus document on timing, indications, and options for pulmonary valve replacement in children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot; the role of self-regulation and leadership in dealing with pressures in the operating room; and one-year outcomes of novel size-adjustable pulmonary valve US early feasibility study.

In addition, Joel explores redefining the two-patch technique for complete AV canal repair, transaortic Alfieri stitch for mitral valve repair, modified Bentall, and hemiarch repair, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Dr. Traves Crabtree about the Oral Board AI Simulator (OBAS).

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned

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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 Timur Kyashif, a cardiac resident at Jena University Hospital in Jena, Germany, about the German Society for Thoracic, Cardiac, and Vascular Surgery Quiz League.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

They provide an overview of the league, detailing its structure, frequency, and purpose. The discussion also covers the performance of last year’s inaugural competition and previews what participants can expect from this year’s sessions, including the topics to be covered and the start date. Additionally, Dr. Kyashi highlights other initiatives he is currently developing for medical students.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2026 expert consensus on the multimodal treatment of pleural mesothelioma, a retrospective study on the contemporary outcomes of en bloc stapling of the pulmonary artery, bronchus, and lymph nodes during lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer, iatrogenic atrial dysfunction after prophylactic left atrial appendage exclusion, and the first prospective safety and effectiveness trial of the excimer laser assisted nonocclusive anastomosis system in coronary artery bypass grafting.

In addition, Joel explores robot-assisted left pneumonectomy for post-chemoimmunotherapy proximal adenocarcinoma, off-pump extracardiac completion Fontan, and presentations on the advancements in robotic and complex thoracic surgery from the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting 2026.

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.

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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 Alice Copperwheat speaks with Traves Crabtree, Professor and Chair of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Medical Director of the Surgical Skills Laboratory at the Memorial Learning Center at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, USA, about the Oral Board AI Simulator (OBAS), which just launched on CTSNet.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:14 Why CT Surgery?

02:58 Simulation-Education Background

06:07 Issue of Finding Examiners

07:39 Need for Verbal Practice

08:18 OBAS Overview

09:38 Guiding the AI, Surgeon Verification

12:41 Grading, Feedback

16:17 Simulator Improvements

18:29 Engaging the Examiner

19:50 Progressive Case Difficulty

21:44 Trialing, Data Utilization

24:13 CTSNet Launch

24:56 Surgery Training Advice

They discuss the inspiration behind the project, provide an overview of its functionality, and detail its development. Dr. Crabtree explains the challenges of building the simulator, including the complexities of using AI to generate precise, intended results and the process of developing its question bank. They also explore the creation of the grading rubric, the importance of user feedback to facilitate continuous growth, and the implementation of the simulator in small group sessions. Finally, they discuss the groups that have utilized the tool thus far and the future direction of the project, including the potential incorporation of a performance dashboard.

The Atrium is a monthly podcast presenting clinical and career-focused topics for residents and early career professionals across all cardiothoracic surgery subspecialties. Keep an eye out for next month’s episode.

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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 Jeffrey Velotta, Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine in San Francisco, California, USA, and a thoracic surgeon at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, in Oakland, California, USA, about The Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2026 Expert Consensus on the Multimodal Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma.

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

01:11 JANS 1, Global Cardiac Surgery 

02:42 JANS 2, Predicting Postop AF After CABG 

05:23 JANS 3, MV Surgery in Octogenarians 

07:07 JANS 4, CABG Multiart Grafting & Survival  

10:06 Video 1, World's First Robotic Implant 

12:12 Video 2, Axillary Impella 5.5 Insertion 

13:00 Video 3, Min Inv AVR, MVR, & Rhythm Surgery 

15:37 Dr. Velotta, MMT Pleural Meso 

38:14 Upcoming Events 

They emphasize the importance of thorough patient selection, specifically highlighting the necessity of surgical biopsy and the role of mediastinal staging, such as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). The discussion also covers neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, the critical need for surgeon expertise in mesothelioma, and the key elements for successful mesothelioma procedures. Furthermore, they address subjects such as diaphragm, phrenic nerve, pericardium, and isolated recurrences. The conversation also shifts to clinical outcomes, prioritizing survival extension over quality-of-life, and explores the future of mesothelioma treatment. Additionally, throughout the discussion, they also reflect on other research from major trials such as the MARS 2 trial.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on cardiac surgery uniting for global impact, pericardial fluid cardiac troponin I predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting, whether mitral valve surgery is safe and effective in octogenarians, and an instrumental variable analysis on multiarterial grafting and survival after coronary artery bypass grafting.

In addition, Joel explores a step-by-step guide to transaxillary minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair, and rhythm surgery, insertion of the axillary Impella 5.5, and the first in human experience of robotic-assisted biventricular durable assist device implantation.

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.

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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 Cardiac Recovery Room, moderator Amanda Rea, a nurse practitioner and Lead of Advanced Practice and Clinical Program Manager in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Townson, Maryland, USA, spoke with Cheryl Crisalfi, coordinator nurse at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, about surgical site infection and prevention.

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

01:13 SSI Turnkey Order Set 

02:20 Risk Factors 

03:15 Mitigation Efforts 

06:17 Antibiotics 

08:17 Preop Patient Prep 

08:56 Intraop Measures 

10:14 Role of Culture 

10:52 Postop Priorities 

11:52 Dressings 

12:11 Patient Education 

13:29 Post-Hospital Prevention 

14:43 SSI Prevention 

They explore turnkey order sets and its goals, as well as the patient risk factors that increase susceptibility to surgical site infections. They detail essential mitigation strategies, emphasizing both surgeon-led interventions and patient-directed actions, such as smoking cessation and glycemic control. Furthermore, they discuss clinical protocols—including screening for staphylococcus nasal colonization and appropriate antibiotic administration—as well as key intraoperative measures to maintain a sterile field and minimized operating room contamination. Finally, they emphasize the importance of patient education and follow-up care.

The Cardiac Recovery Room is the place to hear the conversations colleagues are having after the meetings. Each month, a new episode featuring a leadership panel from the ERAS Cardiac Society is released.  

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 CTSNet Senior Editor—Global Emily Farkas, Associate Director of Global Health in Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, about the upcoming Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance (CSIA) conference and global cardiothoracic surgery.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

In their interview, they discuss details of the upcoming conference, including its primary goals, covered topics, the keynote address, and the featured speakers. They also explore the history of the CSIA, available courses at the conference, and opportunities for trainees and residents, as well as the first steps for those looking to support surgical care in developing countries. 

Joel also reflects on the recent passing of Professor David Taggart, sharing his personal connection to him and highlighting Dr. Taggart’s significant professional career and accomplishments.

In addition, Joel highlights recent JANS articles on humanoid robots in the operating room, the ENDOASC multicenter global study on the total endovascular repair of ascending aortic pathology, the QUACS study and benefit prediction model, and neopulmonary valve reconstruction using autologous right atrial appendage.

Furthermore, Joel explores a step-by-step procedural guide on the transaxillary direct-view double valve surgery, 3D endoscopic aortic valve replacement combined with extended septal myectomy via right lateral minithoracotomy, and aorto-mitral angle determining ease of mitral valve repair.

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.

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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 edition of the CTSNet podcast, The Lifeline, host and nurse educator Jill Ley, Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing, Founder of the Essentials of Cardiac Surgical Resuscitation, and former Cardiac Surgery Clinical Nurse Specialist at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, CA, USA, speaks with CTSNet Associate Editor—Cardiac Andrea Steely, an Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Together, they examine the management of acute aortic emergencies.

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

00:44 Emergent Conditions 

04:07 Symptoms for Diagnosis 

09:19 Left vs Right Arm Blood Pressure 

10:37 Preop Management Quality Assurance 

15:45 Intraoperative Management 

20:04 At-Risk Patients 

22:34 Summarizing Points 

The discussion covers clinical management of emergency conditions, Type A vs Type B dissection, and imaging. Key topics included diagnostic strategies to ensure early detection, clinical symptoms for conditions, and the importance of measuring both left and right arm blood pressure. The session also addressed heart rate and blood pressure control in preoperative settings, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, intraoperative management, and fluid management. Finally, they cover at-risk patients.

Every month, The Lifeline features intensive care specialists sharing their expert insights into the rapid and effective management of critically ill cardiac surgical patients. Don’t miss next month’s episode!  

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 Dr. Aamir Amin, a cardiothoracic surgery resident at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, UK, about humanoid robots and artificial intelligence (AI) in surgery.

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

01:19 Quadruple-Organ Transplant 

02:12 Sublobar Resection NSCLC Consensus 

07:25 Ventricular Papillary MI Consensus 

14:23 Weather Triggers of Acute Aortic Dissection 

15:14 Perivascular Adipose ITA 

16:20 Video 1, VATS Hyperparathyroidism 

18:22 Video 2, Left VATS Pneumonectomy 

20:27 Dr. Amin, Humanoid AI in Surgery 

36:08 Upcoming Events 

37:17 Career Center 

Dr. Amin shares his insights from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA) executive program on AI in healthcare, highlighting the program’s benefits and key takeaways. He also reviewed research on humanoid robots, including a paper titled “In Vivo Feasibility Study of Humanoid Robots in Surgery.” Additionally, they discussed the practical implementation of AI in surgery, its broader benefits, and its specific application within cardiothoracic and intraoperative settings. Finally, they explored the risks associated with humanoid robots and Dr. Amin provided guidance on the initial steps individuals can take to get involved with AI.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the STS expert consensus document (2026) on addressing definition and practices of sublobar resection in non-small cell lung cancer, ventricular free-wall rupture, ventricular pseudoaneurysm, and papillary muscle rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction, a case-crossover study of 293 patients on weather-related triggers of acute aortic dissection, and perivascular adipose on relaxation of internal thoracic artery with surgical implications.

In addition, Joel explores a VATS solution for ectopic primary hyperparathyroidism, left VATS pneumonectomy, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Dr. Filip Casselman about aortic valve replacement.

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.

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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.

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Ahmed Ghazy, Head of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany, about robotic cardiac surgery adoption and training.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:06 SRS Conference

03:57 JANS 1, Surgical Left AA Closure

05:01 JANS 2, Mainstream CTS Research

06:20 JANS 3, Socioec Deprivation Aortic Outcomes

07:55 JANS 4, Standalone & Hybrid AF Ablation

09:54 Video 1, Type A AAR & PA Banding

11:32 Video 2, Off-Pump SVC Reconstruction

13:39 Video 3, Endarterectomy & Off-Pump CABG

14:29 Dr. Ghazy, Robotic Cardiac Training

29:48 Upcoming Events

Dr. Ghazy shares his experience working with Dr. M. M. Yusuf, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, India. Their conversation covers Dr. Ghazy’s hands-on experience with various robotic systems and simulators, the professional connections he made, and insights into India’s healthcare system. He also details the logistics of organizing the visit, including the application process and the specific procedures he performed. Furthermore, they discuss the difference between robotic systems and the difference between robotic-assisted and traditional minimally invasive surgery.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on methods and criteria for evaluating the success of surgical left atrial appendage closure, evaluating the mainstream influence of cardiothoracic surgical research, insights from a 20-year single-center cohort on the impact of socioeconomic deprivation on early and long-term outcomes after major aortic surgery, and safety and efficacy of stand-alone and hybrid thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation ablation.

In addition, Joel explores Type A interrupted aortic arch repair and pulmonary artery banding through a left posterolateral thoracotomy, off-pump superior vena cava reconstruction with mediastinal mass excision for SVC syndrome, and a 30-year-old bullet injury causing carotid stenosis—simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and off-pump CABG.

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.

JANS Items Mentioned

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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.

In this episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Filip Casselman, Staff Surgeon and Co-Director of the Cardiovascular Center at OLV Clinic (AZORG), Aalst, Belgium, about aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:30 Why CT Surgery?

02:36 Anatomy

03:23 Pathology

06:15 History

09:06 Preoperative Planning

15:12 Indications

16:26 TAVR vs SAVR

20:25 Step-by-Step

41:25 Postop Management & Complications

46:32 Training Advice

The discussion explores the anatomy of the aortic valve, the pathology of aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR), and their respective echo grading, including complex cases like low-flow, low-gradient AS and bicuspid aortic valves. The conversation covers the history of AVR, preoperative planning—including prosthesis selection—and clinical indications for intervention in both symptomatic and asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis.

Furthermore, they compare transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Technical aspects of the procedure were also addressed, from preparation and positioning to median or J-sternotomy approaches, cannulation, aortotomy, prosthesis sizing, managing patient-prosthesis mismatch, weaning from bypass, and chest closure. Finally, they provide insights into sutureless devices, 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. Keep an eye out for next month’s episode.  

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.