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.

AFib ablation during CABG improves survival
Clinical guidelines already recommend that these procedures be performed together when applicable. However, researchers noted, it is still not terribly common among today’s surgeons.
‘A compelling alternative’: Polymer heart valve receives first commercial approval of its kind
A new surgical mitral valve from Foldax will now be commercially available in India. The valve is built using LifePolymer, a proprietary material that does not include animal tissue.
Heart surgeons perform world’s first robotic TAVR explant and aortic valve replacement
The patient, 67, presented with a failing TAVR valve and a leaky mitral valve. She had undergone TAVR four years prior, but premature structural valve degeneration made a full replacement necessary. Surgeons ultimately removed the TAVR valve in addition to replacing her aortic and mitral valves—all with the help of advanced robotics.
Congenital heart surgeon named president of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery
Emile Bacha, MD, is an internationally recognized leader in both pediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery.
Real-world data favor SAVR over TAVR when younger patients need aortic valve replacement
Researchers in Italy tracked data from more than 7,000 patients who underwent AVR between the ages of 65 and 80. TAVR was associated with a significantly higher long-term risk of mortality.

CABG coronary artery bypass grafting heart surgery

AFib ablation during CABG improves survival

Clinical guidelines already recommend that these procedures be performed together when applicable. However, researchers noted, it is still not terribly common among today’s surgeons.

‘A compelling alternative’: Polymer heart valve receives first commercial approval of its kind

A new surgical mitral valve from Foldax will now be commercially available in India. The valve is built using LifePolymer, a proprietary material that does not include animal tissue.

Vinay Badhwar, MD, and his team perform a robotic TAVR explant and aortic valve replacement. Image courtesy of WVU Medicine.

Heart surgeons perform world’s first robotic TAVR explant and aortic valve replacement

The patient, 67, presented with a failing TAVR valve and a leaky mitral valve. She had undergone TAVR four years prior, but premature structural valve degeneration made a full replacement necessary. Surgeons ultimately removed the TAVR valve in addition to replacing her aortic and mitral valves—all with the help of advanced robotics.

Emile A. Bacha, MD, became the 106th President of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS). He officially succeeded David R. Jones, MD, in a presentation during the AATS 105th Annual Meeting in May. He is an internationally recognized leader in both pediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery.

Congenital heart surgeon named president of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery

Emile Bacha, MD, is an internationally recognized leader in both pediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery.

Real-world data favor SAVR over TAVR when younger patients need aortic valve replacement

Researchers in Italy tracked data from more than 7,000 patients who underwent AVR between the ages of 65 and 80. TAVR was associated with a significantly higher long-term risk of mortality.

Black medical students have little interest in cardiothoracic surgery

Medical students pointed to a lack of experience with cardiothoracic surgery as a primary reason for their lack of interest. In addition, many believe they may encounter a bias against Black trainees if they got involved in the specialty.

Surgeons in Houston have performed the world’s first successful human implant of BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart (TAH) technology. The procedure was completed July 9, 2024, at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. It was part of an early feasibility study (EFS) first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in December 2023.

FDA sees promise in new total artificial heart technology, granting it ‘breakthrough’ status

The device was built as a bridge to transplant for patients with end-stage heart failure. It is made of titanium and approximately the size of an adult’s fist.

Mario Gaudino, MD, explains why cardiac surgery trials need more diversity to better inform treatment decisions for women and minorities.

The lack of diversity in cardiac surgery trials may be harmful to patients

Mario Gaudino, MD, PhD, told Cardiovascular Business there is a major need for more women and minorities in today's clinical trials.

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