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. 

cardiologist viewing heart data

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.

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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.

Video interview with Mario Gaudino on trends in cardiac surgery.

Veteran surgeon unpacks major changes in the world of cardiac surgery

Mario Gaudino, MD, PhD, spoke to Cardiovascular Business about minimally invasive procedures, the growing interest in clinical trials and other key trends in the world of cardiac surgery.

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Permanent pacemaker implantation after mitral valve surgery: Exploring the impact on long-term survival

PPMI after aortic valve surgery is known to increase certain risks for patients, but its impact after mitral valve procedures is unclear. A team of researchers aimed to learn more, tracking data from more than 4,500 patients.

cardiologists heart doctors

Early TAVR or SAVR in asymptomatic patients linked to improved survival, reduced costs

Researchers explored data from more than 24,000 AVR patients, presenting their findings at EuroPCR in Paris.

robotic heart surgery cardiac surgeon

LVOT modification during robotic mitral valve repair limits complications

While LVOT modification does make these procedures longer, it can help high-risk patients avoid systolic anterior motion.

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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.

"Domestic radiopharmaceutical suppliers, who receive isotopes from abroad, would be impacted by price changes and uncertainty caused by additional tariffs,” SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, wrote in a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce this week.