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. 

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) biventricular assist device

Surgeons perform world’s first robotic-assisted implant of biventricular assist device

The patient, 61, had been bedridden for months due to end-stage heart failure and was not eligible for a heart transplant.

FDA details multiple Class I recalls for Edwards Lifesciences surgical devices

Edwards Lifesciences has recalled more than 61,000 medical devices due to the risk of a small piece of wire becoming exposed. No patient injuries have been reported at this time.

CorWave LVAD

World’s first patient receives new-look heart pump—cardiologist ‘impressed’ by device’s performance

The CorWave technology is unlike other left ventricular assist devices, working in harmony with the patient's heartbeat and making adjustments as needed. 

old woman or doctor shaking hands with patient

Early occlusion after CABG much more likely for female patients

Care teams should be aware of this difference, even using CT images when possible to look for signs of any potential issues.

blood test research laboratory

No biopsy required: Blood test could spot signs of rejection in heart transplant recipients

It may not always be necessary to subject heart transplant patients to one biopsy after another. 

Medtronic ECMO VitalFlow

Medtronic’s new ECMO system receives a key approval

According to Medtronic, its VitalFlow ECMO system was designed and developed with the user experience in mind. 

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

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. 

man making a decision

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. 

Around the web

One of the most formidable societies of medical professionals in the U.S. is going toe-to-toe with Robert F. Kennedy’s HHS over changing vaccination recommendations. 

Tom Price, MD, former secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), said one way to address the growing shortage of physicians is to expand medical resident positions, but these are tied to Medicare spending so alternative means may be needed.