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.

Pig heart transplant patient dies 2 months after historic procedure

The 57-year-old patient was able to communicate with his family in his final hours.

Ross procedure outperforms bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement among younger patients

Researchers highlighted the low risk of reintervention after the Ross procedure, though they did say additional studies were still needed.

Life after heart surgery: Tracking the long-term performance of several bioprosthetic aortic valves

The study's authors examined data from multiple bioprosthetic aortic valves — and one popular solution consistently came out on top.

David Bennett with two of his physical therapists at the University of Maryland Medical Center

Pig heart transplant patient doing well weeks after procedure—he even watched the Super Bowl

The 57-year-old patient is working with physical therapists on a daily basis, according to a recent update from the University of Maryland Medical Center.

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.

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