Cardiac Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery includes coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement, heart transplant, assisting in minimally invasive transcatheter valve structural heart procedures such as TAVR, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion, septal myectomy, surgical ablation for arrhythmias, and reconstruction of the heart in congenial heart disease cases. 

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Joint Commission partners with STS, ACC on new cardiac care certification

The new certification is focused on the importance of high-quality care and real-world patient outcomes. It will be based on the same data care teams already submit if they participate in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, ACC CathPCI Registry or STS/ACC TVT Registry.

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Heavy cannabis use may not impact heart surgery outcomes

Cannabis use has been linked to multiple cardiovascular risks, but less is known about how it may affect patients who undergo major cardiac surgery.

Robotic aortic valve replacement (RAVR) is a new minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) that uses advanced robotic surgical systems. It has already started gaining momentum as an alternative to both surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Robotic cardiac surgery building momentum thanks to RAVR, other breakthroughs

The sky may be the limit for robotic cardiac surgery in 2026 and beyond.

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Medical societies, medtech companies and clinicians weigh in as CMS considers sweeping TAVR changes

CMS is considering substantial updates to its TAVR policies, including coverage for asymptomatic patients. Some stakeholders are excited, embracing the possibility of expanded indications and fewer restrictions. Others are concerned that the changes would be too much, too soon.

Cardiac surgeon and innovator Thomas Fogerty, MD, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Technology.

Cardiology pioneer Thomas Fogarty dies as 91

Fogarty created many inventions that fundamentally changed cardiac surgical practice. He also received the Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Barack Obama in 2014.

Cook Medical endovascular grafts recalled due to risk of coating breaking off, entering patient’s bloodstream.

Endovascular grafts recalled due to risk of coating breaking off, entering bloodstream

Customers are urged to examine their inventory, quarantine any unused products and return them to the manufacturer. 

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FDA finalizes Class I recall for Medtronic catheters

There is a risk that these catheters will fail to retain their shape during use, causing procedure delays and creating the risk of an adverse outcome. The FDA first warned users about the issue back in August.

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FDA confirms new recall for Johnson & Johnson heart device over safety concerns

Three patient deaths have been linked to connectivity issues with these devices. The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall.