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.

Women less likely to receive DCD heart transplants
Donation after circulatory death heart transplants are gaining popularity in the United States, but men are much more likely to be selected for one.
At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving
Has the success of TAVR and other interventional techniques had a negative impact on surgical valve innovation? Two surgeons shared their concerns in a new commentary.
Polymer heart valve, the first of its kind to gain commercial approval, linked to positive 1-year data
The new-look mitral valve is built using LifePolymer, a proprietary material that does not include any animal tissue. Both the frame and its leaflets are robotically generated to match each patient’s anatomy.
Female heart surgeons take home much lower salaries
Both base salaries and total compensation are consistently lower for women than men, according to new survey data. The disparities in cardiac surgery are often worse than those found in other healthcare specialties.
Society of Thoracic Surgeons provides on-the-go risk evaluations with new mobile app
The STS Risk Calculator App, available on both iOS and Android devices, gives users improved access to real-time risk assessments.

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.

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.

‘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.”

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.

TAVR and surgery tied to similar 5-year outcomes

Researchers examined data from four different randomized control trials.

Weight loss surgery associated with better COVID-19 outcomes

The findings suggest that obesity may be a modifiable risk factor for the severity of COVID-19 infection, experts detailed in JAMA Surgery.

Surgery journal appoints first female editor-in-chief

The move is effective Jan. 1.

Cardiac Surgery

Women less likely to receive DCD heart transplants

At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving

Polymer heart valve, the first of its kind to gain commercial approval, linked to positive 1-year data

Female heart surgeons take home much lower salaries

Society of Thoracic Surgeons provides on-the-go risk evaluations with new mobile app