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.

Early SAVR in asymptomatic heart patients linked to long-term benefits
New 10-year data explored the impact of performing SAVR on asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Mount Sinai announces new global center focused on heart valve disease
The Adams Valve Institute—named after David H. Adams, MD—plans on uniting specialists to provide high-quality care, promote innovation and advocate for policy reform.
New off-the-shelf conduit for CABG shows promise in first-in-human study
A new acellular tissue-engineered vessel developed by Vascudyne could provide surgeons with a safe, effective alternative to saphenous vein grafts.
FDA-approved surgical aortic valve implanted for first time in US
The next-generation valve from Corcym features a sutureless frame as well as laser-cut leaflets and thread holes.
Trump’s EPA wants to roll back Biden-era pollution limits for medical device sterilization
Ethylene oxide is an odorless gas used to sterilize pacemakers, leads, stents and many other medical devices. Long-term exposure, however, can cause cancer. The Biden administration made it a priority to reduce ethylene oxide emissions, but many critics thought those cuts were too extreme.

Elutia, a Maryland-based healthcare technology company, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for EluPro, its new biologic envelope specifically designed for patients with implantable pacemakers and defibrillators. It was also cleared for use when implanting other types of devices, including neurostimulators and neuromodulators.

FDA clears new drug-eluting envelope for implantable cardiac devices—CEO sees it as ‘tip of the iceberg’

Elutia, formerly known as Aziyo Biologics, is already targeting additional uses for the newly approved device.

Three patient deaths, 31 injuries and 322 complains led to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Class 1 recall of Teleflex/Arrow International FiberOptix and UltraFlex intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) catheter kits in April 2024.

Patient deaths and injuries prompt Teleflex to recall intra-aortic balloon catheters

Three patient deaths, 31 injuries and 322 complaints led to an FDA Class 1 recall of Teleflex/Arrow International intra-aortic balloon pump catheter kits.

doctor patient discharge after heart surgery

TAVR vs. SAVR for low-risk patients: Cardiologist explores the decision-making process

While multiple studies have confirmed that TAVR and surgery are associated with comparable outcomes, it is important to take an individualized approach to all treatment decisions.

The Tria surgical mitral valve is built using LifePolymer, a proprietary material that does not include animal tissue. Both the frame of the valve and its leaflets are generated by computer to match each patient’s native mitral valve. According to Foldax, this new-look polymer reduces the long-term risk of valve calcification, and patients should be able to bounce back after surgery without requiring the long-time use of anticoagulants.

New-look polymer mitral valve linked to positive outcomes 30 days after surgery

The new surgical valve from Foldax was designed to limit calcification and make it so patients do not require long-term anticoagulant therapy following treatment.

Medtronic TAVR valves at heart of multiple sessions during New York cardiology conference

Medtronic’s TAVR technology received a significant amount of attention during the very first New York Valves conference in New York City. Research focused on patients with small annuli as well as how five-year outcomes compare to surgery.

Cardiologists ID signs of widespread heart disease in ancient mummies

Researchers evaluated vascular samples from more than 200 mummies, presenting their findings in European Heart Journal.

Transcatheter mitral valve interventions linked to lower stroke risk than surgery

Researchers performed a new meta-analysis of data from more than 51,000 patients. They examined a wide range of outcomes that also included AFib and all-cause mortality.

Cardiology salaries are No. 7 among all specialties—thoracic and vascular surgery also make top 10

Physician compensation in the United States is up 6% compared to the previous year, according to a new report. It only increased by 3.9% in cardiology, however, suggesting the specialty is slightly behind the curve.

Cardiac Surgery

Early SAVR in asymptomatic heart patients linked to long-term benefits

Mount Sinai announces new global center focused on heart valve disease

New off-the-shelf conduit for CABG shows promise in first-in-human study

FDA-approved surgical aortic valve implanted for first time in US

Trump’s EPA wants to roll back Biden-era pollution limits for medical device sterilization