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.

FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns
The agency warned that any unused devices should be removed from the market and returned to the manufacturer.
Cardiologists make case against routine interventions for asymptomatic severe AS
Aortic valve replacement is likely inevitable for patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Immediately performing TAVR or SAVR, however, may not always be the answer.
So far, so good: TAVR comparable to open heart surgery after 5 years in low-risk patients
Michael J. Reardon, MD, shared the highly anticipated data with a large audience at ACC.25 in Chicago. Overall, he said, these five-year findings suggest TAVR with a supra-annular, self-expanding valve is a safe and effective alternative to SAVR.
Strokes more likely for U.S. heart transplant recipients following policy change
A nationwide policy shift implemented in 2018 was designed to, among other things, improve the waiting list mortality rate. One unintended consequence, however, is that patients are now more likely to experience a stroke after receiving a new heart.
AHA still working to find more patients with severe aortic stenosis who may require care
The initiative is designed to help identify more patients who may require aortic valve replacement. Brian Lindman, MD, provided an update on the project's efforts.

How modified bioprosthetic heart valves could limit calcification, reduce need for TAVR

Bioprosthetic heart valves often express foreign sugars that trigger a response from the body's immune system. This immune response appears to be associated with calcification.

A study that analyzed patient outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in veterans showed outcomes for on-pump and off-pump procedures over 10 years to be similar. Photo by Jim Lennon

Debate over? On-pump CABG, off-pump CABG lead to similar 10-year outcomes

10-year data from the ROOBY study found that there was little difference in outcomes between the two forms of heart bypass surgery.

Heart Team consultations lead to better patient outcomes, fewer unexpected hospitalizations

When a heart team's recommendations were followed, for example, the authors noted a “significant reduction” in cardiac mortality.

TEE improves 30-day outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac valve or proximal aortic surgery

Intraoperative TEE, researchers wrote, can provide value during any open cardiac valve or proximal aortic surgery.

Tricuspid valve annuloplasty during mitral valve surgery offers key benefits

The new analysis focused on 98 patients who presented with primary mitral regurgitation.

Prior malignancy can affect heart transplant outcomes

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

Left main PCI still safe at hospitals without onsite cardiac surgery

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

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

Cardiac Surgery

FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns

Cardiologists make case against routine interventions for asymptomatic severe AS

So far, so good: TAVR comparable to open heart surgery after 5 years in low-risk patients

Strokes more likely for U.S. heart transplant recipients following policy change

AHA still working to find more patients with severe aortic stenosis who may require care