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. 

heart surgery cardiac surgeons

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.

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TAVR or SAVR? Market competition may be influencing these decisions

Hospitals located in more competitive markets may be more likely to perform TAVR instead of SAVR, according to a new analysis of more than 130,000 patients. Is this a reason for concern?

elephant trunk (FET) technique to treat a middle-aged heart patient, sharing their experience in JACC: Case Reports.[1] This is believed to be the first time surgeons have ever employed this particular approach.

Surgeons use modified ‘frozen elephant trunk’ technique for first heart surgery of its kind

When the devices needed for a specific procedure were not available, a group of surgeons got creative. Their one-of-a-kind approach was a success, and the patient has experienced no complications.

New recalls announced for troubled heart devices—FDA previously urged customers to seek alternatives

These most recent recalls focus on a series of maintenance issues. In 2024, the FDA advised customers to transition away from the two devices and find alternative treatment options.

Choon-Sik Jhun, MS, PhD, from Penn State

Researchers receive $3.2M in federal funding to test new heart pump for children

The device, currently just a prototype, could be the first of its kind to gain FDA approval.

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FDA announces Class I recall of patches used for heart surgery

There is a risk of certain pericardial patches not being as strong or durable as needed. Customers are urged to identify, quarantine and replace these devices.

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Washington hospital open since 1887 pauses heart transplant program due to vacancies

No other heart or transplant services at the nonprofit hospital should be impacted by this temporary shift in care.