CTSNet Podcasts

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Michael Zervos, Chief of Clinical Thoracic Surgery and Director of Robotic Thoracic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, New York, USA, about an article he authored titled “A 10-Step Approach to Robotic Pulmonary Artery Sleeve Resection.” They discussed the article’s objectives and the inspiration behind its creation, as well as the tips and techniques it presents, including the highlighted videos. Additional topics included robotic surgical clamps and their sizes, uniportal and single-port robotic surgery, the double-loop techniques, and interlobar pulmonary artery sleeve resection. They also reviewed other papers on similar topics and discussed their findings. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the effect of donor oxygenation trajectory on lung procurement for transplantation, Jehovah Witnesses deciding whether to accept or donate main blood components, mitral annular constraint shapes aortic prosthesis size and early hemodynamics in combined aortic and mitral valve surgery, outcomes of total arch replacement after prior aortic surgery, and a Society of Thoracic Surgeons database analysis on concomitant atrial fibrillation procedures during septal myectomy In addition, Joel explores an interview with Sameh Said and Joachim Photiadis on transfusion-free cardiac surgery in neonates, how to create a y-anastomosis between the left and right internal thoracic arteries, how to perform a hemi-commando procedure, robot-arm stabilizer technique for off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass, a measurement-guided approach for degenerative mitral valve repair with folding plasty technique, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Bernard Park about robotic thoracic surgery. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned Effect of Donor Oxygenation Trajectory on Lung Procurement for Transplantation Jehovah’s Witnesses: Each Witness Now Decides Whether to Accept or Donate Main Blood Components Mitral Annular Constraint Shapes Aortic Prosthesis Size and Early Hemodynamics in Combined Aortic and Mitral Valve Surgery Outcomes of Total Arch Replacement After Prior Aortic Surgery Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation Procedures During Septal Myectomy: A Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database Analysis CTSNet Content Mentioned Transfusion-Free Cardiac Surgery in Neonates: An Interview With Joachim Photiadis The Atrium: Robotic Thoracic Surgery How to Create a Y-Anastomosis Between the Left and Right Internal Thoracic Arteries How to Perform a Hemi-Commando Procedure Robot-Arm Stabilizer Technique for Off-Pump Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass A Measurement-Guided Approach for Degenerative Mitral Valve Repair With Folding Plasty Technique Other Items Mentioned A 10-Step Approach to Robotic Pulmonary Artery Sleeve Resection 2026 Innovation Video Competition Winners Resident Video Competition A Closer Look at Robotic CABG | CTSNet Roundtable In Africa for Africa Cardio-Thoracic Conference Presentations Oral Board AI Simulator 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 Aaron Weiss from the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York, USA. They discuss Dr. Weiss' recent expert review on “Ten Guiding Principles for the Management of Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock,” focusing on Principle 5: simplifying the clinical problem by addressing "noise," such as pulmonary or electrical abnormalities that contribute to instability. Chapters  00:00 Principles Overview  03:21 Addressing "Noise"  06:47 Case Study Start  10:53 Arterial Blood Gas  13:21 Electrolyte Abnormalities  15:49 Rhythm, Pacing Wires  20:48 Vasoplegia  25:35 Hemorrhage  29:12 Corrections Causing Delays  31:13 Proactive Approach  The conversation examines the background and utility of these principles in the timely management of postcardiotomy shock. The key steps are defined as inflection points that guide decision-making rather than as a rigid algorithm. Using a clinical case study, they explore a methodological approach to confounding pathophysiologies that prevent recovery, including metabolic abnormalities and dysrhythmias causing ventricular dyssynchrony. Additionally, they review proactive assessment and management strategies, including temporary atrioventricular (AV) pacing, to eliminate confounders that can mask causation and the need for urgent intervention. Careful assessment during critical phases of the operation are highlighted to alter the downward spiral of shock and "salvaging the unsalvageable." 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!     Related Resources Ten Guiding Principles for the Management of Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock   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 Luca Di Marco, a cardiac surgeon in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at the Bologna University Hospital, Italy, about managing the left subclavian artery during aortic arch repair. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:29 STS 2026 03:24 Pope Thoracic Case 04:38 Age on Acute Type A AD 06:16 Regurgitation Risk Factors 08:01 Late Results of Ross Procedure 10:25 Effects of Wildfire Smoke 12:15 Two-Surgeon Review System Transplants 13:58 Retrosternal False Aneurysm 17:25 Immunotherapy Lung Resections Robotic 18:16 Min Inv VSD Repair  20:13 Dr. Di Marco, Left Subclavian Artery Guidelines 29:22 Upcoming Events 29:46 Resident Video Competition 30:37 Career Center They discussed the soon-to-be released guidelines for managing the left subclavian artery, chaired by Dr. Di Marco, including their importance and current development status. They also reviewed Dr. Di Marco’s institutional approach to left subclavian artery management and the institution’s policies. Additionally, they explored surgical techniques, including side-to-side anastomosis involving the left carotid artery and anastomosis in Zone 2. Finally, they addressed alternative strategies when standard anastomosis is not feasible and endovascular solutions. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the impact of age on acute type A aortic dissection, risk factors for recurrent tricuspid regurgitation after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, late results of the Ross procedure, the far-reaching effects of wildfire smoke, and the effect of a two-surgeon review system on donor offers in lung transplantation at a high-volume center. In addition, Joel explores the repair of a retrosternal false aneurysm after previous aortic valve replacement, robotic approach as the gold standard for immunotherapy lung resections, and minimally invasive VSD repair via right lateral minithoracotomy. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned  The Impact of Age on Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: Results From The Nordic Consortium Risk Factors for Recurrent TR After Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy for CTEPH Late Results of the Ross Procedure The Far-Reaching Effects of Wildfire Smoke The Effect of a Two-Surgeon Review System on Donor Offers in Lung Transplantation at a High-Volume Center CTSNet Content Mentioned  Repair of a Retrosternal False Aneurysm After Previous Aortic Valve Replacement Robotic Approach as the Gold Standard for Immunotherapy Lung Resections Minimally Invasive VSD Repair Via Right Lateral Minithoracotomy Other Items Mentioned  Resident Video Competition Oral Board AI Simulator   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 Bernard Park, Deputy Chief of Clinical Affairs of the Thoracic Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA, about robotic thoracic surgery. Chapters 00:00 Overview & History 10:56 Benefits 12:19 Negatives 18:15 Patient Selection 20:52 Preparation & Positioning 25:40 Port Placement 32:46 Bedside Assisting 35:37 Instrument Use 41:00 The Operation 42:01 Post-Op Management 45:41 Learning to Operate 52:51 Key Points 53:39 Surgery Training Advice They discussed the history of robotic thoracic surgery, its advantages and limitations, patient selection, preoperative preparation and positioning, port placement, and instrumentation, including the fenestrated grasper. They reviewed postoperative management, potential complications, and future directions in robotic thoracic surgery. 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.   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 Rawn Salenger, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, USA, spoke with T. Sloane Guy, a cardiovascular surgeon at Georgia Heart Institute at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, and Chase Brown, Director of Robotic Coronary Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, about robotics and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Chapters  00:00 New Cardiac Surgery Indication  04:59 Training, Mentorship  08:54 Robotics & ERAS Synergy  12:47 Need for Less Invasiveness  17:26 Accessible Training Pathway  19:16 Surgeon Commitment  19:56 Technique Innovation  23:04 Perioperative Phase  They explore the growth of robotic systems, the increasing number of robotic systems gaining FDA approval, and resistance to the adoption of robotics. They also discussed training and learning robotics, the importance of mentorship, and what robotics adds to ERAS programs—and vice versa. Additionally, they examine nonrobotic endoscopic surgery, the challenges of establishing a robotic program, the importance of committing to robotics, and the advantages of robotic mitral valve surgery over minithoractomy. 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 David Waller, Chair of the EACTS Emphysema Taskforce and Director of the EACTS Fundamentals Course in Thoracic Surgery, about the EACTS expert consensus document on lung volume reduction for emphysema. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:10 EACTS Technocollege 03:23 Robotic Cardiac Focus 07:34 EACTS Highlights 13:17 Influence of Stenosis on Patency 14:58 Repair vs Replace Degen MR 16:08 Drain Strategy & Outcomes 17:20 Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock 19:11 Bilateral Lung Transplant 20:11 Bicuspid Valve-Sparing ARR 21:08 Neoadjuv Chemoimmunotherapy Podcast 22:04 Post-Intubation Tracheal Injury 22:32 Value of the Heart Team Interview 23:50 Dr. Waller, LVRS Guidelines 35:37 Virtual Career Fair 36:22 Oral Board AI Simulator 36:36 Resident Video Competition They discussed the task force responsible for developing the document, the potential benefits of the guidelines, and key topics addressed in the document, including patient selection and complications. They also explored the benefits of lung volume reduction for emphysema, screening programs, controversial areas of emphysema, and the importance of team decision-making. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on influence of LAD-diagonal stenosis on long-term patency and ischemic events after CABG, mitral valve repair vs replacement for degenerative mitral regurgitation in patients with poor ejection fraction, contemporary chest drain practice after pulmonary resection, and ten guiding principles for the management of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. In addition, Joel explores a sequential bilateral lung transplant in situs inversus totalis and Kartagener syndrome, bicuspid valve-sparing aortic root replacement, surgical repair of a post-intubation tracheal injury, perspectives from Vincent Gaudiani and Chad Rammohan on the value of the heart team, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Alice Copperwheat speaking with Jessica Donington about neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned Influence of LAD-Diagonal Stenosis on Long-Term Patency and Ischemic Events After CABG MVr vs Replacement for Degenerative MR in Patients With Poor Ejection Fraction Contemporary Chest Drain Practice After Pulmonary Resection Ten Guiding Principles for the Management of Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock CTSNet Content Mentioned Sequential Bilateral Lung Transplant in Situs Inversus Totalis and Kartagener Syndrome Bicuspid Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement The Atrium: Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy Surgical Repair of a Post-Intubation Tracheal Injury The Value of the Heart Team: Perspectives From Vincent Gaudiani and Chad Rammohan Other Items Mentioned EACTS Expert Consensus Document on Lung Volume Reduction for Emphysema Oral Board AI Simulator 2026 Virtual Career Fair Resident 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 Lakhmir Chawla, Assistant Clinical Professor (Voluntary) of Medicine at the University of California San Diego, USA, and Chief Medical Officer of ExThera Medical. 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 Intro  00:43 Clinical Challenge & Angiotensin II  15:41 Issue of Vasoplegia, Patient Example  22:15 Angiotensin II Protocol  25:56 Potential Concerns  27:52 Multi-Mode, Low Dose Approach  29:50 Patient Population  32:39 Key Takeaways  The discussion explores the history of angiotensin II, including how it emerged as a treatment for vasoplegia, the oxygen transport hypothesis, vasopressin dosing, dopamine and renal blood flow, and the benefits of angiotensin II. They also discuss a patient who underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) explantation followed by heart transplantation and how they would approach the patient to achieve positive outcomes. Additional topics include angiotensin II protocols, thromboembolic events, and potential studies involving this patient population. 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!   Related Resources Management Algorithm for Vasoplegic Shock After Cardiac Surgery: An Interdisciplinary Collaboration   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 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.