The Atrium: Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Bart P. van Putte, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the St. Antonius Hospital in Nieuwegein, Netherlands, and the Amsterdam University Medical Center about the excimer laser assisted non-occlusive anastomosis (ELANA) system in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:48 CMS NCD Webinar 02:20 Oral Board AI Simulator 02:57 Podcast Frequency Update 04:09 CTSNet at EACTS 2026 04:44 Bi vs Single IMA Grafting in CABG 06:40 Radial Artery vs Saph Vein Third Conduit 08:37 Right-Sided Min Inv OPCAB 10:17 Right Basilar Transplant w Carinal Reconstr 12:12 Lymph Node Dissection & Chylothorax Analysis 14:11 Type A AD Causing Hematoma & Compression 16:13 Robotic Extended Sympathectomy 17:27 Ross Procedure Child w Bicuspid AV 19:56 Dr. van Putte, ELANA System CABG 34:45 Career Center They discussed the purpose of the ELANA system, what it is, and how it works. They also reviewed the system’s critical procedural step and explored its potential application in jump grafts. Additionally, they analyzed the clinical cases in which the system was utilized, including the findings. They also outlined the next steps and evaluated the feasibility of implementing this system at other clinical centers. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on midterm outcomes after bilateral vs single internal mammary artery grafting in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass, a comparison of radial artery and saphenous vein as the third conduit with bilateral internal mammary arteries in coronary bypass surgery, a case report on right basilar segmental autologous lung transplantation with carinal reconstruction in a patient with central lung squamous cell carcinoma, Type A aortic dissection causing pulmonary artery intramural hematoma and compression, and a Society of Thoracic Surgeons general thoracic surgery database analysis of the association between lymph node dissection and chylothorax. In addition, Joel explores a robotic extended sympathectomy for severe compensatory hyperhidrosis, right-sided minimally invasive off-pump coronary artery bypass, and the Ross procedure for infective endocarditis with extensive aortic root destruction in a child with a bicuspid aortic valve. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned Mid-Term Outcomes After Bilateral Versus Single Internal Mammary Artery Grafting in MIDCAB Comparison of RA and Saphenous Vein as the Third Conduit With BIMA in Coronary Bypass Surgery Right Basilar Segmental Autologous Lung Transplantation With Carinal Reconstruction for Central Lung SCC Type A Aortic Dissection Causing Pulmonary Artery Intramural Hematoma and Compression An STS General Thoracic Surgery Database Analysis of the Association Between LN Dissection and Chylothorax CTSNet Content Mentioned Robotic Extended Sympathectomy for Severe Compensatory Hyperhidrosis Right-Sided Minimally Invasive Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Ross Procedure for Infective Endocarditis With Extensive Aortic Root Destruction in a Child With a Bicuspid Aortic Valve Other Items Mentioned The First Prospective Safety and Effectiveness Trial of the Excimer Laser Assisted Nonocclusive Anastomosis System in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Oral Board AI Simulator The TAVR Heart Team in 2026: Navigating the CMS Decision | A CTSNet Webinar Career Center CTSNet Events   Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.

In this episode of The Atrium, host Alice Copperwheat speaks with Jessica Donington, Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Section of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Chicago, Illinois, USA, about neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:20 Why CT Surgery? 04:16 History 06:55 Patient Perception 08:42 Function, Why? 12:40 Patient Selection, Who? 18:20 Resectability 25:31 Types of Neoadj Therapy, What? 30:06 Evidence 33:01 Surgeon Responsibility 39:02 Robotics 39:54 Post Op Considerations 41:29 Key Points 43:12 Surgical Training Advice The discussion emphasizes the importance of being upfront and honest during patient conversations. It explores the benefits of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, how patients are selected for these treatments, and the various clinical trials on this topic. The conversation also addresses the chemo-radiation route and the clinical assessment of resectability. They also examine how to determine if a tumor is resectable and what factors are assessed during this process. It also highlights the need to consider whether a planned lobectomy might necessitate a pneumonectomy following neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. The conversation also covers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, outlining what trainees should remember about each. Finally, they address the complexities of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, key takeaways for trainees, and the importance of working closely with the entire multidisciplinary team throughout the process. The Atrium is a monthly podcast presenting clinical and career-focused topics for residents and early career professionals across all cardiothoracic surgery subspecialties. Keep an eye out for next month’s episode.     Disclosure Dr. Donington serves as an advisor, consultant, and speaker for AstraZeneca, BMS, Genentech/Roche, and Merck. Additionally, she acts as a consultant for Biodesix and an advisor for Lilly.     Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Traves Crabtree, Professor and Chair of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Medical Director of the Surgical Skills Laboratory at the Memorial Learning Center at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, USA, about the Oral Board AI Simulator (OBAS) and the benefits it offers for board preparation. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:01 CMS NCD on TAVR Heart Team 06:15 JANS 1, Ross Procedure Determinants 08:20 JANS 2, Supra-Annular Perceval Bentall 10:44 JANS 3, Simplified MV Edge-to-Edge 12:35 JANS 4, CT Findings Addition Donors 14:19 JANS 5, Auto Robotic Phlebotomy Device 16:32 Video 1, MVR After MitraClip 18:53 Video 2, VATS Resection 10-cm Mediast Mass 20:04 Video 3, Modified Trapdoor Technique ALCAPA 21:36 Dr. Crabtree, Oral Board AI Simulator 32:28 Upcoming Events They discussed the origin of the OBAS, its progress on CTSNet, and the feedback received thus far. The conversation also covered the current number of scenarios within OBAS, the importance of user feedback for the program’s expansion, and the future development of the simulator, which includes the integration of imaging and positive feedback mechanisms for participants. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on determinants of long-term durability for the Ross procedure, supra-annular perceval Bentall, real-world outcomes after simplified mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair under sole transesophageal echocardiographic guidance, if the addition of computed tomography findings maintains the predictive performance of an existing radiograph-based donor lung acceptability score, and a multicenter trial on the performance, safety, and patient experience of an autonomous robotic phlebotomy device. In addition, Joel explores mitral valve repair after MitraClip, VATS resection of a 10-centimeter mediastinal mass with subxiphoid removal, and the modified trapdoor technique for direct reimplantation of ALCAPA. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned The Ross Procedure: Determinants of Long-Term Durability Supra-Annular Perceval Bentall: From Concept to Patient Real-World Outcomes After Simplified Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair Under Sole Transesophageal Echocardiographic Guidance The Addition of Computed Tomography (CT) Findings Maintains the Predictive Performance of an Existing Radiograph-Based Donor Lung Acceptability Score Performance, Safety, and Patient Experience of an Autonomous Robotic Phlebotomy Device: A Multicenter Trial CTSNet Content Mentioned Mitral Valve Repair After MitraClip VATS Resection of a 10-Centimeter Mediastinal Mass With Subxiphoid Removal Modified Trapdoor Technique for Direct Reimplantation of ALCAPA Other Items Mentioned Oral Board AI Simulator The TAVR Heart Team in 2026: Navigating the CMS Decision | A CTSNet Webinar CTSNet Innovation Video Competition Career Center CTSNet Events   Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.

In this episode of The Cardiac Recovery Room, moderator Subhasis Chatterjee, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas, USA, spoke with J. W. Awori Hayanga, Professor of Surgery at West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA, and Nicholas Teman, an Associate Professor of Surgery from the University of Colorado Anschutz, Boulder, Colorado, USA, about extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Chapters  00:00 Intro  01:18 ECMO Broad Picture  04:28 Deciding ECMO  07:32 Deciding Cannulation Configuration  10:13 Sedation De-Escalation  11:41 Patient Mobilization  15:34 Other ERAS Steps  18:00 VA ECMO  19:44 Closing Remarks  They explore the evolution of ECMO and its application for bridge-to-transplant and acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. The discussion examines criteria for ECMO candidacy and predicting which patients may need ECMO, cannulation, and body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, they detail strategies for sedation de-escalation, safe patient mobilization protocols, and best practices for center implementing ECMO mobilization. The conversation also addresses veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and preserving mobilization for VA-ECMO patients. The Cardiac Recovery Room is the place to hear the conversations colleagues are having after the meetings. Each month, a new episode featuring a leadership panel from the ERAS Cardiac Society is released.   Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with James Cox, Professor of Cardiac Surgery at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and Patrick McCarthy, Executive Director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Heller-Sacks Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Professor of Cardiac Surgery at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, USA, about the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Chapters  00:00 Intro  01:32 CMS NCD on TAVR Heart Team  04:22 JANS 1, Tarlatamab Clinical Responses   05:23 JANS 2, No Stent Hybrid Revasc Robotic TECAB  06:45 JANS 3, STS Risk Model for SAVR After TAVR  08:43 JANS 4, Surgical Exposure Bilat Lung Transplant  10:12 JANS 5, Heart Drug Failure Challenges Theory  12:53 Video 1, Off-Pump TECAB da Vinci 5  14:00 Video 2, Aortic Uncrossing, Circumflex Aorta  14:50 Video 3, Ross Face-Off, Twin Root Replacement  15:57 Dr. Cox & McCarthy, Atrial Fib Surgery  27:00 Upcoming Events  They discussed the vital importance of surgical treatment for AF, the current underutilization of these procedures, the rationale for why AF should be treated, and abating AF. Furthermore, they explored the role of AF as a quality marker, the necessity for surgeons to develop proficiency in these techniques, and the importance of resident training on this procedure. Additionally, they reviewed the benefits of devices for AF, examined arrythmias in general, and their newly published textbook on the subject. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk model for surgical aortic valve replacement after transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a promising heart drug failing which challenged a long-held theory of disease, clinical responses to tarlatamab among patients with pulmonary carcinoid, hybrid revascularization with robotic totally endoscopic coronary bypass and stents, and the effect of surgical exposure on outcomes in bilateral lung transplantation. In addition, Joel explores off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass using the da Vinci 5, aortic uncrossing procedure for circumflex aorta, and a twin root replacement combined with coronary artery bypass after a previous Ross procedure. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Risk Model for Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement A Promising Heart Drug Fails, Challenging a Long-Held Theory of Disease Clinical Responses to Tarlatamab Among Patients With Pulmonary Carcinoid Hybrid Revascularization With Robotic Totally Endoscopic Coronary Bypass and Stents: What Are the Outcomes When The Stent Does Not Happen? Effect of Surgical Exposure on Outcomes in Bilateral Lung Transplantation: Insight From the International Multicenter Extracorporeal Life Support in Lung Transplantation Registry CTSNet Content Mentioned Off-Pump Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass Using the da Vinci 5: Closed-Chest Stabilizer Technique Aortic Uncrossing Procedure for Circumflex Aorta Ross “Face-Off”: Twin Root Replacement Other Items Mentioned Oral Board AI Simulator CTSNet Innovation Video Competition Career Center CTSNet Events   Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Taj Mohammed Fiyaz Chowdhry, a consultant thoracic surgeon at Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah, UAE, about uniportal robotics in the UAE. Chapters  00:00 Intro  01:02 TAVR Heart Team Decision Webinar  02:00 Oral Board AI Simulator  02:22 JANS 1, CABG MIST Randomized Trial  04:26 JANS 2, Tumor Mutational Burden Predictor  06:01 JANS 3, Dapagliflozin & Acute Kidney Injury  07:44 JANS 4, ECMO vs Mech Vent Lung Transplant  09:20 JANS 5, Right Pleuro-Pericardial Window  11:19 Video 1, MV De-Repair  12:41 Video 2, Upper Mini Pulm Art Banding  14:00 Dr. Chowdhry, UAE Uniportal Robotics  22:48 Upcoming Events  They discussed the advantages of uniportal approaches and uniportal robotics, advice for surgeons transitioning to uniportal robotics, and the differences in surgical practice between the UK and the UAE, such as insurance approval protocols. They also explored Dr. Chowdry’s experience introducing a new procedure to the UAE. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting via small thoracotomy versus sternotomy, a brief report on tumor mutational burden as a predictor of immune-related adverse events in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors, a randomized clinical trial on dapagliflozin and acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation versus mechanical ventilation as bridge to lung transplant, and right pleuro-pericardial window during cardiac surgery. In addition, Joel explores mitral valve de-repair, upper ministernotomy for pulmonary artery banding, and endoscopic septal tumor resection with biatrial reconstruction. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting via Small Thoracotomy Versus Sternotomy (MIST): An Investigator-Initiated, International, Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial Tumor Mutational Burden as a Predictor of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Brief Report Dapagliflozin and Acute Kidney Injury Following, Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial Building Bridges: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Versus Mechanical Ventilation as Bridge to Lung Transplant—A Nationwide Analysis Right Pleuro-Pericardial Window During Cardiac Surgery: A Safe and Simple Technique That Decreases Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation CTSNet Content Mentioned Thinking Outside the Box: Mitral Valve De-Repair Upper Ministernotomy for Pulmonary Artery Banding: Facilitating Future Reentry Endoscopic Septal Tumor Resection With Biatrial Reconstruction Other Items Mentioned The TAVR Heart Team in 2026: Navigating the CMS Decision | CTSNet Webinar Oral Board AI Simulator CTSNet Innovation Video Competition Career Center CTSNet Events   Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.

In this episode of the CTSNet podcast, The Lifeline, host and nurse educator Jill Ley, Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing, Founder of the Essentials of Cardiac Surgical Resuscitation, and former Cardiac Surgery Clinical Nurse Specialist at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, California, USA, speaks with Sameh Said, Chief of the Division of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, New York, USA. Together, they discuss the science behind new therapies for vasoplegia and potential treatment algorithms to rapidly restore vascular tone and hemodynamic stability. Chapters 00:00 Growing Patient Population 03:06 Diverse, Complex Anatomy 04:53 Adult Cardiac Problems 08:13 Case Study 1, Assessment 14:11 Reaching One Diagnosis 18:03 Blood Gas Management 21:51 Ventilator Management 25:18 Case Study 2, Assessment 30:39 Assessing Shunt, Defect 32:28 Pulmonary Circulation Concerns 37:13 Fundamentals & Takeaways The discussion explores the challenges of managing adults with congenital heart disease and its unique clinical considerations. It features two detailed case studies. The first examines a patient with tetralogy of Fallot, focusing on Dr. Said’s approach to managing a patient with a complex surgical history. Key topics include right ventricular function, the selection of appropriate inotropes, strategies for ventilator and blood gas management. The second case involves a 56-year-old patient with a history ventricular septal defect (VSD) patch repair and a moderate left-to-right shunt. This analysis covers methods for quantifying the magnitude and determining the direction of the shunt. Dr. Said concludes with clinical advice, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, establishing a thorough understanding of the patient’s baseline, and maintaining composure in complex clinical scenarios. Every month, The Lifeline features intensive care specialists sharing their expert insights into the rapid and effective management of critically ill cardiac surgical patients. Don’t miss next month’s episode and stay tuned for part 2!   Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Jacques Kpodonu, a cardiac surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, about the use of intraoperative artificial intelligence (AI) copilots in robotic cardiac surgery. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:29 JANS 1, Pediatric Shunts 02:34 JANS 2, Ruptured Aortic Arch Repair 03:43 JANS 3, Pulm Valve Replacement Guidelines 04:43 JANS 4, Stress in the OR 05:48 JANS 5, Adjustable Pulm Valve Feasability 07:21 Video 1, OBAS Simulator 08:11 Video 2, Routine LAVV Augmentation 08:41 Video 3, Transaortic Alfieri Stitch 09:51 Dr. Kpodonu, Robotics AI Copilot 26:41 TAVR Heart Team Webinar They discussed building data sets for future robotic autonomy, the process of training AI copilots for robotic surgery, and utilizing these systems for teaching and coaching. The conversation also covered creating operative reports with AI copilots and robotics in low-resource countries. Furthermore, they explored the costs of robotics, the role of automated tasks in assisting surgeons, the development of physical AI in humanoid robots, utilizing AI to create annotations, and how surgeons can become actively involved in the field of AI. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a systematic review and meta-analysis of cryopreserved and antibiotic-preserved saphenous vein homografts versus polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts in pediatric patients; single-stage repair of ruptured aortic arch with coarctation using dual perfusion strategy; the 2026 expert consensus document on timing, indications, and options for pulmonary valve replacement in children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot; the role of self-regulation and leadership in dealing with pressures in the operating room; and one-year outcomes of novel size-adjustable pulmonary valve US early feasibility study. In addition, Joel explores redefining the two-patch technique for complete AV canal repair, transaortic Alfieri stitch for mitral valve repair, modified Bentall, and hemiarch repair, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Dr. Traves Crabtree about the Oral Board AI Simulator (OBAS). Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned The Battle of the Shunts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cryopreserved and Antibiotic-Preserved Saphenous Vein Homografts Versus Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts for Systemic-to-Pulmonary Artery Shunts in Pediatric Patients Single-Stage Repair of Ruptured Aortic Arch With Coarctation Using Dual Perfusion Strategy The Society of Thoracic Surgeons / World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery / European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association 2026 Expert Consensus Document on Timing, Indications, and Options for Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Children With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot Performance Under Pressure: The Role of Self-Regulation and Leadership in Dealing With Pressures in the OR Novel Size-Adjustable Pulmonary Valve US Early Feasibility Study: One-Year Outcomes CTSNet Content Mentioned The Atrium: Oral Board AI Simulator Redefining the Two-Patch Technique for Complete AV Canal Repair: Routine LAVV Augmentation Alfieri Stitch for Mitral Valve Repair, Modified Bentall, and Hemiarch Repair Other Items Mentioned The TAVR Heart Team in 2026: Navigating the CMS Decision | CTSNet Webinar Oral Board AI Simulator CTSNet Innovation Video Competition Career Center CTSNet Events   Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Timur Kyashif, a cardiac resident at Jena University Hospital in Jena, Germany, about the German Society for Thoracic, Cardiac, and Vascular Surgery Quiz League. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:17 Oral Board Simulator 01:51 Debate, Talc in Recurrent Pneumothorax 06:08 JANS 1, Multimodal Treatment of PM Guidelines 07:53 JANS 2, En Bloc Stapling Outcomes 10:31 JANS 3, Iatrogenic Atrial Dysfunction 12:57 JANS 4, Excimer Laser Assisted CABG System 14:57 JANS 5, Third Gen Stented Bovine PB 16:48 Video 1, Advances in Thoracic Surgery 17:49 Video 2, Simplified Bentall 18:48 Video 3, Extracardiac Completion Fontan 20:49 Dr. Kyashif, Residents Quiz League 30:49 Competition, Career Center They provide an overview of the league, detailing its structure, frequency, and purpose. The discussion also covers the performance of last year’s inaugural competition and previews what participants can expect from this year’s sessions, including the topics to be covered and the start date. Additionally, Dr. Kyashi highlights other initiatives he is currently developing for medical students. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2026 expert consensus on the multimodal treatment of pleural mesothelioma, a retrospective study on the contemporary outcomes of en bloc stapling of the pulmonary artery, bronchus, and lymph nodes during lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer, iatrogenic atrial dysfunction after prophylactic left atrial appendage exclusion, and the first prospective safety and effectiveness trial of the excimer laser assisted nonocclusive anastomosis system in coronary artery bypass grafting. In addition, Joel explores robot-assisted left pneumonectomy for post-chemoimmunotherapy proximal adenocarcinoma, off-pump extracardiac completion Fontan, and presentations on the advancements in robotic and complex thoracic surgery from the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting 2026. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned The Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2026 Expert Consensus on the Multimodal Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma Contemporary Outcomes of En Bloc Stapling of the Pulmonary Artery, Bronchus, and Lymph Nodes During Lobectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Study Iatrogenic Atrial Dysfunction After Prophylactic Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion: A Proposed Post-Procedural Atrial Phenotype The First Prospective Safety and Effectiveness Trial of the Excimer Laser Assisted Nonocclusive Anastomosis System in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting CTSNet Content Mentioned ISMICS 2026 | Advancements in Robotic and Complex Thoracic Surgery Robot-Assisted Left Pneumonectomy for Post-Chemoimmunotherapy Proximal Adenocarcinoma Off-Pump Extracardiac Completion Fontan Other Items Mentioned German Society for Thoracic, Cardiac, and Vascular Surgery Quiz League Oral Board AI Simulator CTSNet Innovation Video Competition Career Center CTSNet Events   Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.

In this episode of The Atrium, host Alice Copperwheat speaks with Traves Crabtree, Professor and Chair of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Medical Director of the Surgical Skills Laboratory at the Memorial Learning Center at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, USA, about the Oral Board AI Simulator (OBAS), which just launched on CTSNet. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:14 Why CT Surgery? 02:58 Simulation-Education Background 06:07 Issue of Finding Examiners 07:39 Need for Verbal Practice 08:18 OBAS Overview 09:38 Guiding the AI, Surgeon Verification 12:41 Grading, Feedback 16:17 Simulator Improvements 18:29 Engaging the Examiner 19:50 Progressive Case Difficulty 21:44 Trialing, Data Utilization 24:13 CTSNet Launch 24:56 Surgery Training Advice They discuss the inspiration behind the project, provide an overview of its functionality, and detail its development. Dr. Crabtree explains the challenges of building the simulator, including the complexities of using AI to generate precise, intended results and the process of developing its question bank. They also explore the creation of the grading rubric, the importance of user feedback to facilitate continuous growth, and the implementation of the simulator in small group sessions. Finally, they discuss the groups that have utilized the tool thus far and the future direction of the project, including the potential incorporation of a performance dashboard. The Atrium is a monthly podcast presenting clinical and career-focused topics for residents and early career professionals across all cardiothoracic surgery subspecialties. Keep an eye out for next month’s episode. Related Resources Oral Board AI Simulator   Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.