CTSNet Podcasts

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Hani Shennib, a Clinical Professor of Vascular and Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, USA, about catheters as a language.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:48 UK Thoracic Forum

06:11 JANS 1, Detecting AF Using Watch

07:44 JANS 2, End-to-End Anastomotic Stapler

09:24 JANS 3, Improving Patient Selection NSCLC

12:05 JANS 4, 5-Year Women Outcomes TAVR vs SAVR

13:30 Video 1, MVR Tips & Tricks

14:43 Video 2, Ruptured SVA w Hemi-Yacoub Remodeling

16:32 Video 3, Modified Inclusion, Autograft in a Vest

18:04 Dr. Shennib, Catheters as a Language

48:25 Upcoming Events

48:52 Career Center

They explore the importance of making catheters a language by learning, speaking, and practicing it daily. They also discuss how cardiac surgeons have lost the role of “gatekeepers,” with cardiologists now controlling more of the decision-making process. Dr. Shennib emphasizes the need for surgeons to be involved in decision-making from diagnosis to treatment and highlights the significance of patient-centered decision-making and the human aspect of these choices. They also compare coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), examining which procedure is more appropriate in different circumstances. Furthermore, they explore the reasons behind the shrinking cardiac specialty and discuss how to save it. Finally, they discuss the future of cardiac surgery.  

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a randomized controlled trial on the enhanced detection and prompt diagnosis of atrial fibrillation using an Apple watch, the results of a human cadaver study on a novel aortic end-to-end anastomotic stapler device, improving patient selection for minimally invasive lobectomy or stereotactic ablative radiotherapy based on clinical characteristics, and a systematic review and meta-analysis on the five-year outcomes of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in women. 

In addition, Joel explores tips and tricks for mitral valve repair from a Brussels experience, treatment of ruptured sinus valsalva aneurysm with hemi-Yacoub remodeling technique, and a Ross procedure with modified inclusion technique. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Enhanced Detection and Prompt Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation Using Apple Watch: A Randomized Controlled Trial 

2.) A Novel Aortic End-to-End Anastomotic Stapler Device—Results of a Human Cadaver Study 

3.) Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Improving Patient Selection for Minimally Invasive Lobectomy or Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Based on Clinical Characteristics 

4.) Five-Year Outcomes of Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis  

CTSNet Content Mentioned 

1.) Mitral Valve Repair—Tips and Tricks From Brussels Experience: 2025 London Core Review Cardiothoracic Surgery Course  

2.) Treatment of Ruptured Sinus Valsalva Aneurysm With Hemi-Yacoub Remodeling Technique  

3.) Ross Procedure With Modified Inclusion Technique: An Autograft in a Vest 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) Instructional Video Competition  

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 spoke with Dr. Louise Kenny, a consultant pediatric and adult congenital cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, about congenital heart transplants.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:24 JANS 1, VECTOR Procedure

07:38 JANS 2, Combined Inflation & Cooling

08:26 JANS 3, Caring for VIP Patients

11:43 JANS 4, Country Wealth & Min Inv Correlation

12:57 Career Center

13:37 Video 1, Debranching AAV Step-by-Step

15:14 Video 2, Abramson Technique

16:59 Video 3, Min Inv Cardiac w Dr. Chitwood

18:54 Dr. Kenny, DCD-HOPE Congenital Transplant

31:58 CKD & CSA-AKI Podcast Episode

34:12 Upcoming Events

35:13 Closing

They discussed the complexities surrounding congenital heart transplants, donation after brain death (DBD), and donation after circulatory death (DCD). They also explored the benefits of hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) for children, particularly in DCD pediatrics patients, and highlighted the first case where this model was used. Additionally, they examined the future of HOPE and its potential for more complex procedures. Moreover, they discussed implanting ventricular assist devices (VAD) in children, along with what other countries are doing regarding congenital heart transplants, including ongoing studies in this field.   

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the first human VECTOR procedure for percutaneous aorto-coronary bypass graft to prevent coronary obstruction following TAVR, combined inflation and cooling method improves lung function in uncontrolled donation after circulatory death, caring for VIP patients in cardiothoracic surgery, and the national wealth and the global spread of minimally invasive thoracic surgery. 

In addition, Joel explores a step-by-step guide for debranching of aortic arch vessels through a cervical approach for aortic arch aneurysm, a master class with Horacio Abramson on the Abramson technique, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Dr. Randolph Chitwood about the future of minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Percutaneous Aorto-Coronary Bypass Graft to Prevent Coronary Obstruction Following TAVR: First Human VECTOR Procedure 

2.) Combined Inflation and Cooling Method Improves Lung Function in Uncontrolled Donation After Circulatory Death 

3.) Caring for VIP Patients in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Navigating Bias, Pressure, and Protocol 

4.) National Wealth and the Global Spread of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery: Insights From the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database 

CTSNet Content Mentioned 

1.) Debranching of Aortic Arch Vessels Through a Cervical Approach for Aortic Arch Aneurysm: A Step-by-Step Guide 

2.) Master Class: The Abramson Technique With Horacio Abramson and Joel Dunning 

3.) The Atrium: The Future of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) HOPE for Children: Successful Pediatric DCD Heart Transplantation Using Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion 

2.) Instructional Video Competition  

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 Drs. Daniel Engelman, Medical Director of the Cardiac Surgical Critical Care & Inpatient Services at Baystate Health, Professor of Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School—Baystate, and President of the ERAS Cardiac Society, and Marlies Ostermann, consultant in critical care and nephrology at Guy's and St. Thomas Foundation Trust and a Director of Research for the Intensive Care Society, about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI).

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:11 Definition & Background

10:55 Burden of CSA-AKI

12:58 Unmet Medical Need

19:47 Identification & Collaboration

26:07 KDIGO, O2 Delivery

32:15 CKD CSA-AKI Final Remarks

35:10 JANS, Success in African CT Surgery

38:49 Video, Modified Root Inclusion Technique

40:53 Closing

They delve into the complexities of CSA-AKI, exploring the percentage of patients affected, defining the condition, and highlighting the overall significance of this issue. They also address creatinine as a late marker for AKI, the long-term scarring that can occur from AKI, and the critical need for thorough preoperative assessments to identify high-risk patients. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of a complete health assessment before surgery. Furthermore, they discuss the dangers of reaching stage 3 AKI, the increased costs of care once that point is reached, and what actions to take if a patient has a positive marker but appears stable. They also highlight the premature use of diuretics contributing to AKI and hyperbilirubinemia. Moreover, they consider how CKD along elevates mortality risk and the importance of developing targeted therapies in the future. Finally, they discuss approaches to reduce ischemia-reperfusion (IR) AKI and the optimization of hemodynamics, as well as potential drugs for treating AKI effectively.  

Joel also highlights a recent JANS article on aligning training, patient profiles, and outcomes to redefine success in cardiac surgery in Africa. In addition, he explores the modified root inclusion technique for a fourth sternotomy with Ross/Konno after previous mechanical aortic valve replacement.  

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) Redefining Success in Cardiac Surgery in Africa: Aligning Training, Patient Profiles, and Outcomes 

CTSNet Content Mentioned 

1.) Fourth Sternotomy With Ross/Konno After Previous Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement: The Modified Root Inclusion Technique 

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) Career Center  

2.) CTSNet Events Calendar 

3.) Instructional Video Competition  

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. Randolph Chitwood, retired cardiac surgeon and Founding Director of the East Carolina Heart Institute at East Carolina University, about the future of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS).

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:58 Dr. Chitwood Background

04:20 Inspiration for MI

07:12 Reason for Mitral Valve Robotics

07:38 Strong Resistance from Specialty

08:35 Beginning Training

10:24 Origins of MI

13:37 Developmental Research

16:19 Steps in MI Mitral Valve Surgery

17:00 Bypass

17:57 Aortic Valve Surgery

19:10 Root Replacement & Dissection

19:27 Extracurricular Hobbies

20:23 Surgery Training Advice

They delve into Dr. Chitwood’s professional background and why he chose to study cardiothoracic surgery. They also discuss the evolution of minimally invasive surgery, including incisions and instruments. Additionally, they highlight robotics, minimally invasive techniques for the mitral valve, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). They also cover aortic valve replacement (AVR) and minimally invasive techniques for the aortic valve. Furthermore, Dr. Chitwood provides advice for trainees, including how they can get involved in using minimally invasive techniques.  

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 extended resection with Dr. Maninder Kalkat.    

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 Drs. Jan Vojacek, a cardiac surgeon in the department of cardiac surgery at University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, and president of the Czech Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, and Maral Ouzounian, cardiac surgeon and head of the division of cardiac surgery at the Peter Munk Cardiac Center, Toronto, Canada, and president of the Canadian Society of Cardiac Surgeons, about the EACTS expert consensus statement on the Ross procedure in adult patients.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:21 JANS 1, ARISE III Stent Graft Enrollment

04:25 JANS 2, Mech vs Biopros Valves in Hemodialysis

07:37 JANS 3, Surgical Sealants After Pulm Resection

09:54 JANS 4, Constrictive Pericarditis Procedures

12:45 Video 1, VATS CO2 Insufflation Technique

14:03 Third Place, Ascending Aortic Stenting Repair-Bridge

15:05 Second Place, Mustard & En Bloc Rotation of Tracts

16:49 First Place, Supracardiac Anomalous Pulm Ven Return

19:43 Drs. Vojacek & Ouzounian, Ross Procedure

42:02 Upcoming Events

42:21 Instructional Video Competition

42:49 Career Center

They discussed the task force and process of getting this statement published, as well as important elements of the guidelines. Additionally, they addressed the significance of shared decision-making with patients, survival rates following the Ross procedure, and overall quality of life. They also compared the Ross procedure to mechanical and biological aortic valve replacements. They explored various surgical techniques related to the Ross procedure, including the native inclusion technique and the prosthetic inclusion technique, emphasizing the importance of technical details, patient selection, and intraoperative management. Furthermore, they discussed the Ross centers of excellence and how to start them.  

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the ARISE III trial of gore ascending stent graft begins enrollment, mechanical vs bioprosthetic heart valves in hemodialysis patients, an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the clinical efficacy of surgical sealants after pulmonary resection, and radical pericardiectomy and use of cardiopulmonary bypass for constrictive pericarditis. 

In addition, Joel explores a new approach for thymic pathologies, robotic-assisted repair of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return, and combined Mustard and en bloc rotation of the outflow tracts. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.   

JANS Items Mentioned 

1.) ARISE III Trial of Gore Ascending Stent Graft Begins Enrollment 

2.) Mechanical Versus Bioprosthetic Heart Valves in Hemodialysis Patients 

3.) Clinical Efficacy of Surgical Sealants After Pulmonary Resection: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials 

4.) Radical Pericardiectomy and Use of Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Constrictive Pericarditis 

CTSNet Content Mentioned 

1.) A New Approach for Thymic Pathologies: VATS CO₂ Insufflation Technique 

2.) Robotic-Assisted Repair of Supracardiac Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return  

3.) Combined Mustard and En Bloc Rotation of the Outflow Tracts  

Other Items Mentioned 

1.) EACTS Expert Consensus Statement on the Ross Procedure in Adult Patients  

2.) Winners of the 2025 CTSNet Resident Video Competition 

3.) 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.