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.

New hypertrophic cardiomyopathy guidelines highlight importance of exercise, new drug class
HCM is widely underdiagnosed, but the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association hope their new guidelines can help cardiologists learn more about the potentially fatal condition and improve patient care.
FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls
The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.
Moderate aortic stenosis linked to heightened risk of death—should TAVR, surgery be considered?
Researchers tracked data from more than 400,000 patients for a new meta-analysis, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
TAVR linked to lower stroke risk than SAVR in patients with AS and cardiogenic shock
TAVR is also associated with a lower risk of acute kidney injury in this patient population. In-hospital mortality rates, however, are similar between the two treatment options.
Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER
A 62-year-old women presented with severe MR and recurrent heart failure episodes. Initial data suggest the procedure was a success.

Tiny fragments of plastic are commonly found deep inside the human body. Heart surgery, it seems, is one of many ways these microplastics are reaching their destination. Surgeons Operating On Patient

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.

February 10, 2022

Tricuspid valve annuloplasty during mitral valve surgery offers key benefits

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

February 7, 2022

TAVR has attracted many more patients to seek treatment for aortic valve disease, which has also helped feed more patients into surgical programs, despite TAVR now making up 84% of aortic valve replacement procedures.

Prior malignancy can affect heart transplant outcomes

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

February 4, 2022

Left main PCI still safe at hospitals without onsite cardiac surgery

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

February 2, 2022

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

January 27, 2022

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.

January 25, 2022

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.

January 17, 2022

While a vast majority of heart transplants in the United States are successful, unplanned hospitalizations after the procedures are still incredibly common. Top 10 reasons for readmission after heart transplant.

‘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.”

January 12, 2022

Cardiac Surgery

New hypertrophic cardiomyopathy guidelines highlight importance of exercise, new drug class

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls

Moderate aortic stenosis linked to heightened risk of death—should TAVR, surgery be considered?

TAVR linked to lower stroke risk than SAVR in patients with AS and cardiogenic shock

Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER