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.

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?
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.
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.
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.

older patient with a doctor at their house

Valve-in-valve TAVR with Medtronic’s CoreValve devices still safe and effective after 5 years

Researchers tracked five-year data from more than 200 patients, sharing their findings in the American Journal of Cardiology.

Oregon health system, cardiothoracic surgeon agree to pay $430K to settle fraud allegations

According to the U.S. government, Asante Health System and one of its surgeons knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for more than six years.

Valve-in-valve TAVR an effective tool for treating structural valve degeneration after SAVR

With heart teams performing valve-in-valve TAVR more and more, researchers wanted to take a fresh look at patient outcomes. Overall, they found, the procedure was linked to a low mortality rate and fewer permanent pacemakers than native-valve TAVR.

Heart transplant recipients face increased risk of maternal complications when giving birth

Today's cardiologists are fielding more questions than ever about the safety of giving birth following a heart transplant.

Nirav Patel, MD, and award-winning chef Fredrik Berselius

Cardiac surgeon, award-winning chef bring surgical techniques to the kitchen in new cookbook

Each of the book's nine recipes requires at least one advanced surgical technique, highlighting how precision in the operating room can carry over into the kitchen.

Stephanie Golab, MD, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains statistics on heart transplant outcomes in older adults

It may be time to revisit patient selection protocols for heart transplants

In a new video interview, Stephanie Golab, MD, examines the latest data on heart transplant outcomes in older adults.

Endocarditis after SAVR more likely with bovine valves

Researchers examined data from more than 21,000 patients treated from 1997 to 2018, publishing their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Transplant recipients may face risk of aging-related complications if receiving a much older heart

Early research suggests initiating therapy with senescence-inhibiting drugs could limit the risk of these side effects.

Cardiac Surgery

TAVR or SAVR? Market competition may be influencing these decisions

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

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

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

FDA announces Class I recall of patches used for heart surgery