CTSNet Podcasts

CTSNet

Discussions about the most relevant topics in cardiothoracic surgery from CTSNet, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Atrium: Extended Resections

    In this episode of The Atrium, host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaks with Dr. Maninder Kalkat, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon in the Regional Department of Thoracic Surgery at University Hospital Birmingham, about extended resections.   Chapters 00:00 Intro  01:07 Inspiration & Areas of Interest  03:23 Definition & Classification  09:28 History  10:16 Preop Considerations  19:07 Operating Team Plan  22:23 Fitness for Surgery  23:55 Airway Resections  31:33 Chest Wall Resections  36:17 Reconstructive Material  38:43 Vascular Resections  43:53 Postoperative Care  47:59 Future of Extended Resections  50:15 Summary  50:48 Surgery Training Tips They provided an overview of extended resections, including the definition, indications, and examples, as well as the history of extended resections. They also discussed preoperative considerations and examined airway resections, detailing what it is, indications, and the technical principles of the operation. Additionally, they explored chest wall resections, including the definition, indications, and technical principles. Drs. Copperwheat and Kalkat also examined vascular resections, highlighting what they are, indications, and the technical aspects involved. They also reviewed postoperative considerations, complications, and outcomes. Finally, they shared training tips, future directions, and key principles in extended resections.   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.

    53 min
  2. The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 145: Thoracic Surgery in the UAE

    6D AGO

    The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 145: Thoracic Surgery in the UAE

    This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Puja Khaitan, thoracic consultant at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Founder and Congress Chair of the Emirates International Thoracic Surgery Congress, about thoracic surgery in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:35 JANS 1, Therapy & Risk in Idiopathic Pulm Fibrosis 04:18 JANS 2, Sex-Related Treatment Effects 06:03 JANS 3, Endoscopic vs Open RAH in CABG 08:14 JANS 4, Textbook Outcome in MV Surgery 11:16 Career Center 12:08 Video 1, AMDS to FET Conversion 13:13 Video 2, Constrictive Pericarditis & Pericardiectomy 14:42 Video 3, Right Axillary Thoracotomy 16:17 Dr. Khaitan, Thoracic Surgery in the UAE 23:46 Upcoming Events 24:46 Instructional Video Competition They discussed her professional background and training, as well as the differences in cases between the UAE and United States. They also delved into research in the UAE, the state of thoracic hospitals, general surgical residency programs, and the future of fellowships in the country.   Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a large retrospective propensity-weighted cohort study on antifibrotic therapy and lung cancer risk in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sample size considerations to assess sex-related treatment effects, endoscopic or open radial artery harvest in coronary artery bypass surgery, and results from the Netherlands Heart Registration on mitral valve surgery.  In addition, Joel explores a safe and reproducible redo aortic surgery approach on AMDS to frozen elephant trunk conversion, an approach to constrictive pericarditis and pericardiectomy from diagnosis to definitive surgical, and right axillary thoracotomy. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.    JANS Items Mentioned  1.) Antifibrotic Therapy and Lung Cancer Risk in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Large Retrospective Propensity-Weighted Cohort Study  2.) Sample Size Considerations to Assess Sex-Related Treatment Effects  3.) Endoscopic or Open Radial Artery Harvest in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery  4.) Textbook Outcome in Mitral Valve Surgery—Results from the Netherlands Heart Registration  CTSNet Content Mentioned  1.) AMDS to Frozen Elephant Trunk Conversion: A Safe and Reproducible Redo Aortic Surgery Approach    2.) From Diagnosis to Definitive Surgical Therapy: An Approach to Constrictive Pericarditis and Pericardiectomy  3.) Right Axillary Thoracotomy: A Minimally Invasive Gateway to Multiple Defects  Other Items Mentioned  1.) Emirates International Thoracic Surgery Congress  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.

    26 min
  3. The Cardiac Recovery Room: Patient Blood Management

    FEB 18

    The Cardiac Recovery Room: Patient Blood Management

    In this episode of The Cardiac Recovery Room, moderator Dr. 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 co-moderator Dr. Kevin Lobdell, Professor and Director of Regional Cardiovascular and Thoracic Quality, Education, and Research at Atrium Health spoke with Dr. Rawn Salenger, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center and Dr. Serdar Gunaydin, Head of Department at the University of Health Sciences in Turkey, about patient blood management.   Chapters  00:00 Intro  01:14 Transfusion as a Risk Factor  07:08 Hemoglobin Drugs  08:24 Pillars of Blood Management  09:56 Anesthesia  12:30 Transfusion Triggers  17:33 O2 Delivery, Hemoglobin Number  22:20 Non-Transfusion Patients  23:22 Anemic Level Bottom Number  25:06 Bleeding Checklist  29:41 Anemia Tolerance  They discussed independent risk factors for blood transfusion, the role of hemoglobin as a predictor for blood transfusion, and considerations related to anemic patients and hemoglobin levels. Additionally, they explored the key pillars of blood management, treating preoperative anemia, and anesthesia. They examined transfusion triggers, oxygen delivery, and the care of non-transfusion patients. Finally, they emphasized the importance of a bleeding checklist and anemia tolerance.   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.

    31 min
  4. The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 144: Catheters as a Language—Status of Cardiovascular Treatment

    FEB 12

    The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 144: Catheters as a Language—Status of Cardiovascular Treatment

    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.

    49 min
  5. The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 143: DCD-HOPE Model for Congenital Heart Transplants

    FEB 5

    The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 143: DCD-HOPE Model for Congenital Heart Transplants

    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.

    36 min
  6. The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 142: CKD and CSA-AKI–Addressing the Unmet Need in Cardiac Surgery

    JAN 29

    The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 142: CKD and CSA-AKI–Addressing the Unmet Need in Cardiac Surgery

    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.

    42 min
  7. JAN 27

    The Atrium: The Future of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

    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.

    22 min
  8. The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 141: The Ross Procedure in Adult Patients

    JAN 22

    The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 141: The Ross Procedure in Adult Patients

    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.

    44 min
4.6
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Discussions about the most relevant topics in cardiothoracic surgery from CTSNet, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network.

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