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.

FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns
The agency warned that any unused devices should be removed from the market and returned to the manufacturer.
Cardiologists make case against routine interventions for asymptomatic severe AS
Aortic valve replacement is likely inevitable for patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Immediately performing TAVR or SAVR, however, may not always be the answer.
So far, so good: TAVR comparable to open heart surgery after 5 years in low-risk patients
Michael J. Reardon, MD, shared the highly anticipated data with a large audience at ACC.25 in Chicago. Overall, he said, these five-year findings suggest TAVR with a supra-annular, self-expanding valve is a safe and effective alternative to SAVR.
Strokes more likely for U.S. heart transplant recipients following policy change
A nationwide policy shift implemented in 2018 was designed to, among other things, improve the waiting list mortality rate. One unintended consequence, however, is that patients are now more likely to experience a stroke after receiving a new heart.
AHA still working to find more patients with severe aortic stenosis who may require care
The initiative is designed to help identify more patients who may require aortic valve replacement. Brian Lindman, MD, provided an update on the project's efforts.

Impella Heart Pump Abiomed RECOVER IV RCT cardiogenic shock

Crisis averted: Recalled heart pumps found after being sent to customers by mistake

The FDA warned that the devices failed a safety inspection, but were still distributed for patient use. They have now all been located.

Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian speaking at the endorsement ceremony for Iranian president this week, with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photo courtesy off the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran

World spotlight shines on cardiac surgeon elected president of Iran

Cardiac researcher Masoud Pezeshkian, MBBS, became one of the world's most widely known cardiac surgeons in the world when he officially became Iran's president.

doctor with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

Bariatric surgery improves heart health, survival in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea

A team of Cleveland Clinic specialists tracked data from more than 13,000 patients, focusing on all-cause mortality and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Researchers have developed artificial blood vessels that could be as strong and durable as the real things, publishing their work in Advanced Materials Technologies.[1] The group hopes its work could go on to make a significant impact in care for heart bypass patients.

Artificial blood vessels could limit risks during heart bypass procedures

Even grafts that represent the current gold standard for bypass surgeries are associated with high failure rates, researchers noted. They think these 3D-printed blood vessels could provide considerable value.

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.

Texas surgeons first in world to perform ‘groundbreaking’ total artificial heart procedure

The BiVACOR technology was designed to serve as a bridge to heart transplant in patients with end-stage heart failure. Based on rotary blood pump technology, it is made of titanium and approximately the size of an adult’s fist.

Surgeons perform first heart procedure of its kind on young patient with scimitar syndrome

The young patient was discharged 10 days later, and no postoperative complications have been reported.

heart doctors and surgeons working together. top cardiology hospitals in the United States.

The 25 best heart hospitals in the United States

U.S. News & World Report is back with its latest rankings. Did your facility make the cut?

Compensation keeps climbing in cardiology, electrophysiology, heart surgery

Among general cardiologists, compensation increased nearly 8% from 2023 to 2024. Interventional cardiology and electrophysiology saw even larger jumps.

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Cardiac Surgery

FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns

Cardiologists make case against routine interventions for asymptomatic severe AS

So far, so good: TAVR comparable to open heart surgery after 5 years in low-risk patients

Strokes more likely for U.S. heart transplant recipients following policy change

AHA still working to find more patients with severe aortic stenosis who may require care

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