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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Prior malignancy can affect heart transplant outcomes

Many more transplant centers are now treating patients with a prior malignancy, researchers found. 

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Left main PCI still safe at hospitals without onsite cardiac surgery

The new analysis focused on in-hospital, 30-day and long-term outcomes. 

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VTE-related readmissions still ocurring months after cancer surgery

To better understand this issue, clinicians should track patient outcomes for more than just 30 days after surgery. 

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A fresh look at managing patients with type B aortic dissection

The new guideline calls for a “stepwise approach," followed by close clinical surveillance, when treating uncomplicated TBAD. In some cases, however, earlier endovascular treatments may be necessary. 

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TPVR with the Melody valve associated with strong 10-year outcomes, helping patients avoid surgery

All patients originally presented with a dysfunctional RVOT conduit or stented bioprosthetic pulmonary valve.

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‘A historic, monumental step forward’: Surgeon transplants modified pig heart into a human patient for first time

"I want to live," the 57-year-old patient said before the procedure. "I know it's a shot in the dark, but it's my last choice.”

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Survival, reintervention rates for TPVR comparable to surgery

These findings, the authors wrote, should help inform the decision-making process when different treatment options are being considered. 

Many cardiac surgery patients do not need opioids when they leave the hospital

The study's authors hope that “just in case” prescriptions can become a thing of the past.