CTSNet Podcasts

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Nikki Stamp, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Mount Private Hospital in Perth, Western Australia, who also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Senior Lecturer at Curtin University, Australia, about shifting healthcare policy in surgery.  

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

01:45 ESTS 2026 

02:01 Presidential Address 

02:52 Keynote, Emerging Surgical Technologies 

05:21 Segmentectomy vs Lobectomy 

10:18 Other Key Presentations 

11:34 JANS 1, Propensity Score Analysis 

12:30 JANS 2, FILONEX Hemodiafiltration 

13:21 JANS 3, Transplant Surgery at Night 

14:29 Video 1, Aortic Dissection Presentations 

15:36 Video 2, Endoscopic AV & AA Replacement 

16:45 Video 3, Tetralogy Repair in an Infant 

18:12 Dr. Stamp, Health Media & Policy 

33:46 Career Center 

34:03 Closing 

They begin by discussing Dr. Stamp’s professional background, including her experiences working with the media and the lessons she learned from it. They also explore the positive effects of social media for surgeons, such as networking and learning from peers. Additionally, they identify areas for improvement in aortic surgery and transplants. Dr. Stamp then shares her vision for the future of cardiothoracic surgery, emphasizing the need to reduce fragmentation of care and encourage professionals to focus their efforts on their specific specialties.  

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a propensity score matching analysis on the risk of sternal wound infection in bilateral skeletonized internal thoracic artery in coronary artery bypass grafting, a prospective, randomized controlled pilot safety study evaluating the addition of hemodiafiltration to EVLP in marginal donor lungs, mechanical load inhibits cancer growth in mouse and human hearts, and outcomes of lung transplantation surgery performed at night 

In addition, Joel explores totally endoscopic aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement, tetralogy repair in an infant, and a presentation from the 2026 Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting on aortic dissection. 

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

CTSNet Content Mentioned 

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 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 expert guest T. Sloane Guy, Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery at the Georgia Heart Institute. Together, they delve into crisis management after minimally invasive cardiac procedures.  

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

01:19 Min Inv Approach vs Protocol 

03:06 Potential Emergencies, Bleeding 

06:44 Adjusting Bleeding Parameters 

09:56 Limb Ischemia 

11:10 Cardiac Arrest 

13:35 Pacing vs Sternotomy 

15:07 Arrythmias, Defibrillation 

15:51 Tamponade 

16:49 Tension Pneumothorax 

17:05 Stroke 

17:50 Myocardial Infarction 

18:27 Bleeding in Pleural Space 

19:24 Nurse Response to Bleeding 

21:53 Case of Persistent Bleeding 

22:48 Chest X-Ray Check 

24:22 LV Dysfunction in Post-Op Period 

The discussion covers critical topics such as the cardiac surgical resuscitation algorithm, managing port-side and groin bleeding, and Dr. Guys’ protocols for these situations. They emphasize the importance of monitoring for bleeding in unexpected areas, such as the abdomen, checking pulses, and the significance of practicing with surgical saws before emergencies arise. Additional topics include tamponade, stroke management, the importance of pacing, chest wall bleeding, and protocols for addressing left ventricular dysfunction in the postoperative period.  

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. Bo Yang, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at the University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, about aortic root enlargement.  

Chapters

00:00 Intro

They explored Dr. Yang’s participation in a debate regarding the use of aortic root enlargement for the majority of patients, addressing the opposing views against root enlargement and discussing the percentage of patients who undergo this procedure. The conversation also covered important topics such as the mean gradient dropping and the lifelong management of aortic valve disease. They emphasize the importance of maximizing the initial valve size for optimal outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Yang shared insights on his Y-incision technique, highlighting its advantages and effectiveness. They also examined whether this technique increases the length of the surgical procedure.  

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on exploring the use of instant messaging groups in the postoperative period for pectus excavatum patients, a multicenter retrospective study comparing DCD heart transplantation in Europe and the United States, six-month outcomes of a trial of potassium supplementation thresholds after cardiac surgery, and determining the individualized probability of myocardial recovery. 

In addition, Joel explores self-constructed tubular heart valve using bovine pericardium for surgical treatment of tricuspid valve endocarditis, mitral valve repair using the sandwich technique for symmetrical bileaflet prolapse, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Dr. Elan Burton about distal coronary anastomosis.    Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

CTSNet Content Mentioned 

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. Gilbert Tang, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC): Case Reports, professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, surgical director of the Structural Heart Program at Mount Sinai Health System, and the director of Structural Heart Education at the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, NY, USA.

They were joined by Drs. Mateo Marin-Cuartas, associate editor of JACC: Case Reports, CTSNet JANS Editor, and cardiac surgeon at Leipzig Heart Center, Germany, and Tsuyoshi Kaneko, Chair of American College of Cardiology (ACC) Cardiac Surgery Member Section and Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA, to discuss JACC: Case Reports.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

They discussed the mission of the journal and the types of submissions it receives. They also covered the types of cases accepted and the various categories within the journal has, such as the "How We Did It" section. Additionally, they talked about the upcoming partnership between JACC: Case Reports and the ACC, as well as past collaborations that JACC has undertaken. Dr. Marin-Cuartas shared insights about his role as an associate editor and highlighted the most interesting case he has encountered in JACC: Case Reports. Furthermore, Dr. Kaneko discussed being the Chair of the ACC Cardiac Surgery Member Section.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the evolutionary characterization of lung cancer metastasis, the impact of severe uncorrected pectus excavatum on outcomes after aortic surgery in Marfan syndrome, determining an optimal central cannulation strategy for ambulatory veno-venous extracorporeal life support, and refitting EuroSCORE II for 120-day mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting using nationwide registry data. In addition, Joel explores complex imaging TAVR removal double patch double valve, RATS extended left upper lobectomy with intrapericardial vascular control and bronchoplasty, and ROK procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned

CTSNet Content Mentioned

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. Elan Burton, clinical associate professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Section Chief for Stanford Medicine Affiliates, about distal coronary anastomosis.

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

01:08 Why CT Surgery? 

03:01 Overview & History 

05:02 Geometric Planning & Hemodynamics 

10:40 Sequential & Composite Configurations 

16:23 Y or T Grafts 

21:21 Step-by-Step, Suturing 

30:37 Endarterectomy 

36:37 Intraop Quality Assurance 

40:29 Failed Mechanisms & Pitfalls 

43:18 Future Trends 

45:54 Summary 

47:03 Surgery Training Advice 

They discuss the history of distal coronary anastomosis, geometric planning, and hemodynamics, as well as sequential grafting and composite configurations, including Y and T grafts. The conversation also covers arteriotomy, suturing techniques, and the continuous parachute method. Additionally, they delve into the traction technique, open direct vision, and intraoperative quality assurance, including pulsatility index. Furthermore, they examine failure mechanisms such as graft kinking and explore future trends.

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.

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Enoch Akowuah, an academic consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Newcastle University and South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, UK, and Dr. Matthias Raschpichler, a cardiac surgeon at Leipzig Heart Center, Germany, about the REPEAT trial.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:21 JANS 1, NOBLE Trial

07:14 JANS 2, Ischemic Mitral Regurg MVR

08:58 JANS 3, Pregnancy Outcomes AVR

11:19 JANS 4, MCS LVAD Candidates

13:06 Video 1, Thoracoplasty

14:58 Video 2, Nuss Procedure After Ravitch

16:42 Video 3, Traumatic Right Main Bronchus

19:04 REPEAT Trial, Bioprostheses

32:22 Upcoming Events

32:46 Closing

They discussed the trial’s objectives, including what it is, why it is needed, and its overall goals. The setup of the trial was also examined, covering aspects such as funding, composite outcome, and follow-up procedures. Additionally, they addressed the target number of patients required for recruitment and the efforts involved in recruiting patients and centers to participate in the trial. They emphasized the overall significance of the trial, outlining what is necessary for its success and highlighting the importance of collaboration among heart teams.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on percutaneous coronary intervention vs coronary artery bypass grafting for unprotected left main stenosis, a two-decade experience on the outcomes of mitral valve repair in ischemic mitral regurgitation, maternal, valvular and fetal outcomes of pregnancy following aortic valve replacement, and temporary mechanical circulatory support in left ventricular assist device candidates with right ventricular dysfunction.

In addition, Joel explores if forgotten techniques of thoracoplasty with latissimus dorsi myoplasty are relevant today, the Nuss procedure after previous Ravitch operation, and uniportal VATS repair of traumatic right main bronchus transection following blunt chest injury.

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned

CTSNet Content Mentioned

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 Cardiac Recovery Room, moderator Dr. Rawn Salenger, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, spoke with Dr. Nadia Hensley, Associate Professor and Physician Advisor for Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at John Hopkins School of Medicine; Dr. Nawwar Al-Attar, consultant cardiac surgeon at NHS Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Scotland; and Dr. Serdar Gunadyin, Head of Department at the University of Health Sciences in Turkey. The focus of their conversation was on surgical bleeding.

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

02:35 Case 1, Diffuse Coagulopathy 

03:26 Bleeding Scale 

08:13 Team-Wide Bleeding Language 

11:07 Alternative Approaches 

14:09 Standardizing Test Results Response 

18:04 No Access to Visoelastic Testing 

19:55 Topical Hemostatic Agents 

23:08 Case 2 

24:14 Coagulopathy vs Surgical Bleeding 

28:08 Passive Hemostatic Agent 

29:10 Visoelastic Testing 

31:29 Closing Points

They discussed two different cases, including patient details and case specifics: one involving diffused coagulopathy and the other concerning focal bleeding. While examining these cases, they talked about hemostasis and the hemostasis checklist. They also discussed the validated intraoperative bleeding (VIBe) scale and its purposes, and the importance of being on the same page as your team. Additionally, they delved into viscoelastic testing and algorithms and addressed scenarios where access to viscoelastic testing may not be available. They also explored the thresholds for guided therapy, including functional fibrinogen levels. Lastly, the experts touched on passive hemostatic and how to teach residents coagulopathy and surgical bleeding.

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

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. Brad Leshnower, Director of Aortic Surgery at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA, USA, about the first implantation of the Gore Ascending Stent Graft in the ARISE III trial for the treatment of an acute type A dissection.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:26 New CTSNet Website

03:31 JANS 1, Thromboendarterectomy Fellowship

05:28 JANS 2, Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor

07:36 JANS 3, Type A Acute Aortic Dissections

09:51 JANS 4, Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis at 10 Years

11:46 Video 1, Nuss Procedure w Chrondrotomies

13:08 Video 2, Cardiac Redo Surgery

14:52 Video 3, Uniportal Lobectomy Bronchial Reimplantation

16:13 Dr. Leshnower, Ascending Stent Grafts

32:51 Career Center

33:52 Closing

They discussed Dr. Leshnower’s experience with this groundbreaking implantation, including the case details such as the patient’s medical history, the assessment of the patient’s high-risk status, and the criteria for determining their suitability for the procedure. Imaging techniques and the contributions of the other surgeons involved in the case were also highlighted. Furthermore, they delved into the use of the stent in previous ARISE trials and what Dr. Leshnower learned from those early experiences. The conversation also covered topics such as proximal placement, the innominate artery, and the preoperative planning required for the trial. Dr. Leshnower also shared what he learned from this case and discussed the future of the stent graft and this technique.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the safety and efficacy of a dedicated pulmonary thromboendarterectomy fellowship, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use and outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement, association between surgical timing and postoperative outcomes in type A acute aortic dissection, and early surgery or conservative care for asymptomatic aortic stenosis at 10 years.

In addition, Joel explores the Nuss procedure with midline chrondrotomies in severe pectus excavatum, redo surgery for failed MVr, iatrogenic ASD, tricuspid valve regurgitation, and aorta replacement, and uniportal VATS left lower sleeve lobectomy with upper lobe bronchial reimplantation for typical carcinoid tumor.

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned

CTSNet Content Mentioned

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 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 expert guest Jan Headley, Principal at Consultants in Acute and Critical Care. They explore the use of functional hemodynamics in the postoperative management of cardiothoracic surgical patients.

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

01:26 Case Study 

04:28 Fluid Responsiveness, Dynamic Parameters 

07:37 Variability Within Normal Limits 

09:34 Determining Responsiveness Efficiently 

12:45 No PA-Catheter Patients 

15:35 Reassessing Values 

17:22 First Step 

19:20 No-Fluid Patient 

20:27 Stroke Volume Trends 

21:13 Key Takeaways 

The discussion includes a case study illustrating how functional hemodynamics can guide clinical decisions in this context. They delve into the concepts of fluid management and fluid responsiveness, comparing dynamic parameters and static parameters, and the importance of increasing stroke volume. Key topics also include pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation, variability, and delta stroke volume. The conversation further covers techniques such as the passive leg raise maneuver and the pulmonary occlusive maneuver.

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. Andrea Steely, an Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, about aortic surgery and long-term patient follow-up.

Chapters

00:00 Intro 

01:43 New CTSNet Website 

02:36 AATS 2026 

09:15 EJCTS News 

10:15 Video 1, Left Ventriculotomy 

10:51 Video 2, 3-Vessel TECAB 

12:24 Video 3, AV Disease in Young Patients 

13:14 Andrea Steely, Aortic Surgery & Follow-Up 

29:14 Upcoming Events 

They discussed the critical importance of educating both patients and surgeons about aortic disease, and the most effective strategies for follow-up care after aortic surgery. The conversation also covered testing genetic factors and stabilizing the aortic arch. They also explored reintervention and the importance of a multidisciplinary follow-up approach. Additionally, they addressed topics such as lung cancer screening, the training of non-MDs to evaluate screening charts, and the development of an aortic pathology sheet for each patient.  

In addition, Joel explores an underutilized approach for closing multiple apical ventricular septal defects, robotic-assisted three-vessel minimally invasive coronary artery bypass, and a presentation from Emile Bacha on the "Surgical Management of Aortic Valve Disease in Young Patients." 

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

CTSNet Content Mentioned 

1. Left Ventriculotomy: An Underutilized Approach for Closing Multiple Apical Ventricular Septal Defects 

2. Robotic-Assisted Three-Vessel Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass 

3. SCTS 2026 | Surgical Management of Aortic Valve Disease in Young Patients 

Other Items Mentioned 

1. How to Navigate the New CTSNet Website 

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.