This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning examines how to prevent adverse publicity by patients on social media.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:01 Patient-Social Media Interaction

11:56 Lung Cancer Screening Recommendations

15:29 Perc vs Surg Revasc, SWEDEHEART Registry

18:06 Down Syndrome Patient Outcomes

19:20 Nighttime Cardiovascular Staffing Impact

23:42 Samurai Cannulation

28:30 Off-Pump AAD Via Upper Ministernotomy

30:35 Robotic Thoracic Truncal Vagotomy

31:59 Upcoming Events

33:02 Closing

He explores the benefits and drawbacks of patient groups on social media, explains how social media impacted the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, and provides examples of online patient groups. He also discusses whether surgeons should encourage patients to post on social media, what roles surgeons should have in online patient groups, and discusses his own experience with online patient groups.  

Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on lung cancer screening and USPSTF recommendations, percutaneous vs. surgical revascularization of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel disease, outcomes in adult congenital heart disease patients with Down syndrome undergoing a cardiac surgical procedure, and the impact of nighttime cardiovascular intensive care unit staffing on failure to rescue and revenue.  

In addition, Joel explores Samurai (the Direct True Lumen Technique) cannulation in acute type I aortic dissection, off-pump aortic arch debranching via upper ministernotomy, and robotic thoracic truncal vagotomy. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Lung Cancer Screening and USPSTF Recommendations  

2.) Percutaneous vs. Surgical Revascularization of Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction With Multivessel Disease: The SWEDEHEART Registry 

3.) Outcomes in Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients With Down Syndrome Undergoing a Cardiac Surgical Procedure 

4.) Impact of Nighttime Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit Staffing on Failure to Rescue and Revenue 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Samurai (the Direct True Lumen Technique) Cannulation in Acute Type I Aortic Dissection 

2.) Off-Pump Aortic Arch Debranching Via Upper Ministernotomy 

3.) Robotic Thoracic Truncal Vagotomy 

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 examines surgical staplers. He explores the history of surgical staplers, the evolution of surgical staplers, and discusses the company that created the first automated minimally invasive surgical stapler—United States Surgical Corporation (USSC). He also discusses details about the AutoSuture Premium Poly stapler and why it is still being created. Joel also shares details about when he visited a production line that is responsible for creating surgical staplers. He discusses his experience and his highlights from this event, which includes meeting Dr. Rene Petersen and Dr. Laurens Ceulemans. 

Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on heart transplantation and donation after circulatory death in children, priorities for medical device regulatory approval, transplantation of a genetically modified porcine heart into a live human, and mechanisms of repair failure after mitral valve repair using chordal replacement.  

In addition, Joel explores treating intractable hiccups by clipping the phrenic nerve using VATS, robotic totally endoscopic CryoMaze ablation under ventricular fibrillatory arrest, and a new podcast episode from Dr. Alice Copperwheat, “The Atrium: Internal Mammary Artery Harvesting,” with expert guest Dr. David Taggart. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Heart Transplantation and Donation After Circulatory Death in Children. A Review of the Technological, Logistical and Ethical Framework 

2.) Priorities for Medical Device Regulatory Approval: A Report From the European Society of Cardiology Cardiovascular Round Table 

3.) Transplantation of a Genetically Modified Porcine Heart Into a Live Human 

4.) Mechanisms of Repair Failure After Mitral Valve Repair Using Chordal Replacement 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Treating Intractable Hiccups by Clipping the Phrenic Nerve Using VATS 

2.) The Atrium: Internal Mammary Artery Harvesting 

3.) Robotic Totally Endoscopic Cryo-Maze Ablation Under Ventricular Fibrillatory Arrest 

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 speaks with Dr. Mujtaba Mubashir, CTSNet JANS editor and surgical resident at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, about being a JANS editor. They discuss what JANS is, their favorite part about JANS, and their favorite articles. They also explore highlights from the 61st Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting, including how to manage chest tubes after surgery and their favorite part of the meeting. Joel also shares details about his recent trip to Accra, Ghana, for the first Pan-African Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery (PASCaTS) and Global Heart Forum summit. He discusses different organizations, including Emergency NGO Sudan and Every Heartbeat Matters, examines various mission models, and discusses patients and surgeons he met at the summit.  

Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on moving toward standardization in robotic lung transplants, how single lung transplantation is safe when the other lung is declined, perioperative outcomes and survival of modified subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy for T2-3 thymic malignancies, and robotic thoracic surgery using the single-port robotic system. 

In addition, Joel explores how to replace a severely calcified mitral valve, preoperative management of patients at high risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during esophagectomy, and a presentation from the 10th Annual International Coronary Congress, “Maintaining CABG as a Gold Standard in 2024.” Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Towards Standardization in Robotic Lung Transplant: A Novel Approach in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery 

2.) Single Lung Transplantation Is Safe When the Other Lung Is Declined 

3.) Perioperative Outcomes and Survival of Modified Subxiphoid Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Thymectomy for T2-3 Thymic Malignancies: A Retrospective Comparison Study  

4.) Robotic Thoracic Surgery Using the Single-Port Robotic System: Initial Experience With More Than 100 Cases 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) How to Replace a Severely Calcified Mitral Valve 

2.) ICC 2024 | Maintaining CABG as a Gold Standard In 2024 

3.) Preoperative Management of Patients at High Risk for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury During Esophagectomy 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) Utter Shock as Unreel Robotics Stuns the World of Surgery With the World’s First Fully Autonomous Soft Tissue Surgical Robot  

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.

In this month’s episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. David Taggart about internal mammary artery harvesting. They discuss indications, patient preparation, internal thoracic artery anatomy, and key steps—sternotomy, free parietal pleura, incised endothoracic fascia, cutting of IMA, and more. They also discuss the pedicled technique, the skeletonized technique, 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 VATS lobectomy.  

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. Husam Balkhy, Professor of Surgery and the Director of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at University of Chicago Medicine and President of The International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS), about robotic totally endoscopic cardiac surgery procedures. They discuss potential ways to get the world to perform more robot-assisted surgeries, the building blocks to learning robotics, the future of learning robotics, and what to expect this year at the ISMICS 2025 Annual Meeting. They also explore Dr. Balkhy’s new President’s Series on CTSNet and provide insights into the first video of this series. Joel also highlights some of the videos in the CTSNet Resident Video Competition and the robotics vs VATS debate in Britain.  

Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on the impact of restricted chests on long-term lung function parameters following lung transplantation in patients with interstitial lung disease, determinants of inadequate cardioprotection in adult patients with left ventricular dysfunction, engineered heart muscle allografts for heart repair in primates and humans, and risk factor analysis for 30-day mortality after surgery for infective endocarditis. 

In addition, Joel explores open repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, totally 3D endoscopic third tricuspid valve replacement, and how to use the Impella for on-pump CABG in patients with low EF. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) The Impact of Restricted Chests on Long-Term Lung Function Parameters Following Lung Transplantation in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease   

2.) Determinants of Inadequate Cardioprotection in Adult Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction 

3.) Engineered Heart Muscle Allografts for Heart Repair in Primates and Humans 

4.) Risk Factor Analysis for 30-Day Mortality After Surgery for Infective Endocarditis  

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Open Repair of Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms 

2.) Totally 3D Endoscopic Third Tricuspid Valve Replacement 

3.) ICC 2024 | How I Use the Impella for On-Pump CABG in Patients With Low EF: Insertion, Intraoperative Management, and Weaning/Removal 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) President's Series With Husam Balkhy | ISMICS President  

2.) ISMICS 2025 Annual Meeting  

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 Tom D’Amico, professor and vice chairman of surgery and chief medical officer of the Duke Cancer Institute, about oligometastatic disease. They discuss the current updates of oligometastatic disease, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) guidelines on the surgical management of oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and the importance of choosing the right patient. They also explore where the new boundaries of this procedure are, radiation therapy, and shared decision-making. Joel also highlights a surgical robot (spaceMIRA) at the International Space Station that completed its first surgery demo in zero gravity, the state of lung transplants in the United Kingdom, and the Priority Setting Partnership (PSP).  

Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on perioperative extra corporeal membrane oxygenation in neonates with transposition of the great arteries, a randomized controlled trial on the effects of postoperative glucocorticoids on mitigation of organ dysfunction in patients with Type A aortic dissection, if socioeconomic factors impair uptake of neoadjuvant therapy for patients with locoregional esophageal cancer, and a nationwide analysis on malperfusion in patients with acute Type A aortic dissection. 

In addition, Joel explores a case report on a chest injury with an arrow penetrating the right lung with rent in the right atrium, an interview with Marko Turina, and an Onyx mechanical mitral valve replacement after previous mitral repair. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Perioperative Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Neonates With Transposition of the Great Arteries: 15 Years of Experience 

2.) Effects of Postoperative Glucocorticoids on Mitigation of Organ Dysfunction in Patients With Type A Aortic Dissection: A Randomized Controlled Trial 

3.) Do Socioeconomic Factors Impair Uptake of Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients With Locoregional Oesophageal Cancer? 

4.) Malperfusion in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Nationwide Analysis 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Injury to the Chest With an Arrow Penetrating the Right Lung With Rent in the Right Atrium: A Case Report 

2.) Giants in CT Surgery: An Interview With Marko Turina 

3.) Redo Mitral Surgery: Onyx Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement After Previous Mitral Repair  

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Clinical Practice Guideline on Surgical Management of Oligometastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer 

2.) Surgery in Space: Tiny Remotely Operated Robot Completes First Simulated Procedure at the Space Station 

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 spoke with Dr. Vinay Badhwar, the current vice president of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), about his groundbreaking achievement in combining robotic aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) through a single small incision. They discuss the background and premise of this technique, the process of taking this technique from an idea to performing it on a patient, differences between this approach and other cardiac approaches, and the future of cardiac surgery. They also explore the first operation performed using this technique in immense detail with visuals of the procedure.  

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on multisociety endorsement of the 2024 European guideline recommendations on coronary revascularization and bioprosthetic vs mechanical aortic valve replacement in patients 40-75 years. He also reviews short- and long-term outcomes of lung transplantation from brain death vs circulatory death donors and intracavitary cisplatin-fibrin followed by irradiation improved tumor control compared to the single treatments in a mesothelioma rat model. 

In addition, Joel explores a Dacron graft double inversion for ascending aorta surgery, a redo mitral valve surgery with previous aortic valve replacement, and a right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm causing right ventricular tract obstruction. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Multisociety Endorsement of the 2024 European Guideline Recommendations on Coronary Revascularization 

2.) Bioprosthetic vs Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients 40-75 Years 

3.) Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Lung Transplantation From Brain Death vs. Circulatory Death Donors: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies 

4.) Intracavitary Cisplatin-Fibrin Followed by Irradiation Improved Tumor Control Compared to the Single Treatments in a Mesothelioma Rat Model 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Dacron Graft Double Inversion for Ascending Aorta Surgery 

2.) Redo Mitral Valve Surgery With Previous Aortic Valve Replacement 

3.) Right Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Causing Right Ventricular Tract Obstruction 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) CTSNet 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.

In this month’s episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Kim Thompson about cardiopulmonary bypass. They discuss cardiopulmonary bypass setup, the equipment—cannulas, reservoir container, pumps, heat exchangers, oxygenators, cardioplegia, adjuncts—preparation, priming, and heparinization. They also discuss cannulation, going on bypass, maintenance of bypass, coming off bypass, 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 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 recaps The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. He discusses Dr. Jennifer Romano’s presidential address, remarks from incoming STS president, Dr. Joseph F. Sabik III, and the keynote addresses by Dr. Jennifer A. Dounda and photographer, filmmaker, and educator Ami Vitale. Joel also shares his top presentation picks from the meeting, including “Bioprosthetic vs Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients 40-75 Years” by Dr. Vinay Badhwar, “DOAC for Mechanical AVR” by Dr. Joon Bum Kim, and “Surgeon Frequency for Multiarterial Grafting and 19-Year Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Over One Million Medicare Beneficiaries” by Dr. Justin Schaffer. Additionally, he covers the STS Evidence-Based Guidelines, an AI tool for medical information called OpenEvidence, and STS TV. 

Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients younger than 65 years in the United States, post-implant transcatheter aortic prosthesis deformation, redo surgical aortic valve replacement for bioprosthetic structural valve deterioration, and five-year outcomes in low-risk patients undergoing surgery in the PARTNER 3 trial. 

In addition, Joel explores a hybrid debranching of aortic arch branches and endovascular repair of the aneurysm of the aortic arch and the thoracic aorta, handmade valved woven Dacron conduits as an alternative for repair of congenital heart defects, and how to remove a bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients Younger Than 65 Years in the US 

2.) Post-Implant Transcatheter Aortic Prosthesis Deformation: Tricuspid Versus Bicuspid Valve 

3.) Redo Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Bioprosthetic Structural Valve Deterioration 

4.) Five Year Outcomes in Low-Risk Patients Undergoing Surgery in the PARTNER 3 Trial 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Hybrid Debranching of Aortic Arch Branches and Endovascular Repair of the Aneurysm of the Aortic Arch and the Thoracic Aorta 

2.) Handmade Valved Woven Dacron Conduits as an Alternative for Repair of Congenital Heart Defects 

3.) Redo Mitral Valve Surgery: How to Remove a Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Replacement  

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) STS TV 

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 explores the balance between the risks and benefits of holding The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. He discusses Dr. Jennifer Romano’s address on the STS 2025 meeting, the ongoing fires in LA, and potential ways to support the city. Dunning also emphasizes the importance of hosting annual meetings, explores alternative options for the event, and highlights the relief fund. Additionally, he provides a preview of the pre-conference symposia and two keynote addresses that will take place at the annual meeting.  

Joel also reviews recent JANS articles on women in cardiac surgery, the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons future view on robotic cardiac surgery in Europe, aortic valve replacement versus clinical surveillance in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis, and robotic-assisted versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thymic epithelial tumors.  

In addition, Joel explores a truncus arteriosus repair with modified Barbero Marcial technique with reconstruction of neopulmonary valve with RAA, redo endoscopic left ventricular mass removal, and implantation of a modified Micra Pediatric Implantable Pulse Generator for epicardial pacing. Before closing, he highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.  

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Women in Cardiac Surgery: A Global Workforce Analysis 

2.) European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons Future View on Robotic Cardiac Surgery in Europe 

3.) Aortic Valve Replacement vs Clinical Surveillance in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 

4.) Robotic-Assisted Versus Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Thymic Epithelial Tumours, From the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database 

CTSNET Content Mentioned 

1.) Truncus Arteriosus Repair With Modified Barbero Marcial Technique With Reconstruction of Neo-Pulmonary Valve With RAA 

2.) Redo Endoscopic Left Ventricular Mass Removal 

3.) Implantation of a Modified Micra Pediatric Implantable Pulse Generator for Epicardial Pacing 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) STS 2025 Update: Dr. Jennifer Romano 

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.