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.

Fewer biopsies, happier patients: Why molecular blood testing is a game-changer for managing heart transplant recipients
Follow-up care after a successful heart transplant can be challenging—both for providers and their patients. Consider, for example, the fact that so many patients who develop complications never actually present with symptoms.
Is TAVR too common among younger patients? New data prompt a ‘call to action’
Experts agree that most patients younger than 65 should be treated with surgery instead of TAVR. According to a new real-world analysis, however, more and more of these patients are undergoing TAVR.
AATS helps heart surgeons diagnose and manage heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after heart surgery is a major concern, but prior guidelines were developed without much feedback from actual cardiac surgeons.
How expert guidelines have influenced TAVR vs. SAVR decisions
As popular as TAVR is today, SAVR continues to play a significant role in the management of patients with valvular disease.
Upfront costs of robotic heart surgery are high—but it may be a smart investment
Makoto Hashimoto, MD, PhD, said robotic procedures are associated with a faster recovery time and many other potential benefits.

Fewer biopsies, happier patients: Why molecular blood testing is a game-changer for managing heart transplant recipients

In cooperation with CareDx

Follow-up care after a successful heart transplant can be challenging—both for providers and their patients. Consider, for example, the fact that so many patients who develop complications never actually present with symptoms.

Is TAVR too common among younger patients? New data prompt a ‘call to action’

Experts agree that most patients younger than 65 should be treated with surgery instead of TAVR. According to a new real-world analysis, however, more and more of these patients are undergoing TAVR.

Subhasis Chatterjee, MD. FACS, FACC, FCCP, Associate Professor of Surgery, Director Thoracic Surgical ICU and ECMO Program, Texas Heart Institute at CHI Baylor St. Lukes, explains the new 2026 expert consensus on heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) released at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 2026 annual meeting. #AATS #AATS2026 #AATS26

AATS helps heart surgeons diagnose and manage heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after heart surgery is a major concern, but prior guidelines were developed without much feedback from actual cardiac surgeons.

How expert guidelines have influenced TAVR vs. SAVR decisions

As popular as TAVR is today, SAVR continues to play a significant role in the management of patients with valvular disease.

Video of Makoto Hashimoto, MD, PhD, professor and director of robotic cardiac surgery at Florida International University, Baptist Health, who presented a study on robotic surgery outcomes and costs at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 2026 annual meeting this week. While the costs of these minimally invasive robotic procedures is higher that traditional surgical procedures, he said costs overall can be reduced in terms of faster patient recovery, shorter length of stays.

Upfront costs of robotic heart surgery are high—but it may be a smart investment

Makoto Hashimoto, MD, PhD, said robotic procedures are associated with a faster recovery time and many other potential benefits.

PHOTO GALLERY: Cardiac surgery technologies at the AATS 106th Annual Meeting

A wide variety of technologies, including robotic systems, heart valves, stent grafts, retractors and annuloplasty rings, were on display in Chicago.

Kevin Accola, MD, a cardiac surgeon at Advent Health in Orlando, Florida, explains the 10-year results from the COMMENCE aortic trial that shows long-term durability and sustained performance of its Resilia surgical aortic valve. The data were presented at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 2026 annual meeting this week. #AATS #AATS26 #AATS2026

Resilia tissue developed by Edwards Lifesciences associated with long-term durability

Kevin Accola, MD, spoke to Cardiovascular Business about new 10-year data on the performance of surgical valves featuring Resilia tissue. The findings are good news for Edwards Lifesciences, which also includes the tissue on many of its TAVR devices.

Model in the Abiomed booth showing placement of the Impella 5.5 liters per minute catheter heart pump. This is used for patients who need more support than a conventional Impella CP can offer, but does not require level of supported from ECMO.

Impella 5.5 shows promise in certain non-shock, high-risk cardiac surgery patients

New data out of the AATS Annual Meeting identified significant potential for a new treatment strategy.