The new resource was built to help care teams plan for ascending aorta and aortic root surgeries.

Robotic and traditional mitral valve repair surgeries are mostly associated with similar outcomes when treating elderly patients. In some ways, however, robotic procedures may be preferred. 

Patient outcomes after tricuspid valve replacement have improved significantly over the years, according to new data published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

TAVR is being used in more patients to treat severe aortic stenosis. However, according to a new commentary piece, SAVR is still the smartest treatment option for certain populations, including younger patients with bicuspid aortic valves.

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.

Researchers focused on a relatively young patient population, hoping to learn as much as possible about the surgical valve's safety and effectiveness over an extended period of time. 

A new spending proposal that would extend government funding for another seven months does not address the Medicare payment cut that went into effect on Jan. 1. More than 100 healthcare groups, including the ACC, STS, SCCT and SCAI, are now voicing their disappointment. 

The biggest differences, researchers noted, were found in the long-term outcomes of low- and intermediate-risk patients.