A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS

Can a surgeon build a new aortic valve from a patient's own tissue—and make it last? The Ozaki procedure has attracted passionate advocates and sceptics in equal measure, emerging as one of the most debated innovations in aortic valve surgery. In this episode, Dr. Pedro del Nido and Dr. Markus Krane discuss the technique's origins, technical challenges, durability, and role in both congenital and...

A pioneer of modern cardiac surgery, Tirone David, joins A Cut Above for a deep dive into one of the specialty's most feared and technically demanding operations: the Commando procedure. Also featuring Eduard Quintana, listen for discussions from radical reconstruction for infective endocarditis and massive annular calcification to the mindset required when "there is no other option". This episode...

In this episode, our hosts are joined by Michael Borger and Nikolaos Bonaros to break down the new valvular heart disease guidelines—what's changed, why it matters, and how the decisions were really made. They cut through the headlines to explain the thinking behind key recommendations, from TAVI thresholds and bicuspid valves to atrial functional MR, concomitant ablation, and the push for heart v...

How did a simple stitch transform mitral valve repair? In this episode, we spotlight the pioneers of cardiothoracic surgery, Ottavio Alfieri and Francesco Maisano - the minds behind the edge-to-edge repair. They revisit the early 1990s, when mitral repair was complex and inconsistent, and share how the now-famous Alfieri stitch—inspired by a congenital double-orifice valve—offered a simple, reliab...

This episode focuses on long-term mechanical circulatory support and how durable LVAD therapy is shaping contemporary heart failure management. Joined by Gloria Färber and Daniel Zimpfer, we discuss key advances in device technology, the ongoing challenge of driveline complications, and the critical question of patient selection and timing. The conversation explores LVADs as destination therapy or...

In this episode, our hosts turn their focus to robotic thoracic surgery, exploring how robotics is reshaping everyday clinical practice. Joined by Virginia Litle (host of the  Thoracic Surgery Clinics Podcast ) and Vasileios Kouritas, the discussion examines where robotic approaches add clear value, where other techniques still have a role, and how surgeons decide which cases truly benefit from th...

This episode examines the foundations of cardiopulmonary bypass, focusing on the 2024 EACTS/EACTAIC/EBCP Guidelines on cardiopulmonary bypass in adult cardiac surgery & the EBCP Expert consensus statement on basic qualifications and competencies for clinical perfusionists in Europe developed in collaboration with EACTS and EACTAIC . Joined by Alexander Wahba and Adrian Bauer, our hosts discuss wha...

Recorded live at the EACTS Annual Meeting, this special episode explores the theme "Nightmares in CABG." Our hosts are joined by Faisal Bakaeen, Thomas Gudbjartsson, and Miguel Sousa Uva for an open and practical discussion on the challenges of coronary surgery. The panel shares their approaches to complex scenarios—from fragile conduits and calcified aortas to dissected mammaries and "full metal...

Our hosts are joined by Joseph Bavaria for a practical discussion on surgical innovation and industry collaboration. The conversation covers pathways from idea to device - patents, partnering with companies, and when a startup makes sense - along with funding from angel backing to venture rounds and the realities of regulatory approval. Bavaria reflects on advisory board work, managing conflicts o...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Emile Bacha to discuss the emerging field of partial heart transplantation. The conversation explores the history of the concept, its reintroduction in recent years, and how techniques such as domino procedures are being developed to expand donor availability. Dr. Bacha explains the practical challenges of regulation, organ procurement, and immunosuppression,...

In this episode, our hosts are joined by Sabine Bleiziffer and Augusto D'Onofrio to discuss SAVR after TAVR - exploring key decision-making factors, including valve selection, explantation techniques, and patient-specific risk profiles. The guests share experiences with challenging cases, technical tips, and thoughts on how procedural volume, planning, and shared decision-making can impact outcome...

This month's episode focuses on the complex management of acute aortic dissection. Our hosts are joined by Florian Schoenhoff and Chris Malaisrie to discuss current strategies in surgical planning and intraoperative decision-making. Topics include CT-based assessment, cannulation techniques, malperfusion management, and valve preservation. The conversation also considers how to optimise outcomes,...

Recorded at the AATS annual meeting in Seattle, our hosts are joined by Dr. El-Hamamsy & Dr. Ouzounian to explore the resurgence of the Ross procedure. The discussion covers the evolving evidence base, training requirements, and technical considerations surrounding this increasingly prevalent operation. Dr. El-Hamamsy and Dr. Ouzounian share their own learning curves, views on centralising care, a...

In this thought-provoking discussion, our hosts explore the multifaceted world of leadership in cardiac surgery. Joined by Shirin Bemelmans-Lalezari and Volkmar Falk, we delve into how leadership styles evolve, the balance between authority and empathy, and the importance of team dynamics. Learn of the real-life challenges in managing surgical teams and navigating hierarchy. With insights from bot...

We are pleased to announce the first of a new series of upcoming episodes, titled ' Pulse Check – Key Papers at a Glance' . Our host Can discuss two recent and impactful   EJCTS articles on infective endocarditis. Joined by the renowned, Michael Borger and Torsten Doenst, we explore firstly the implications of preoperative septic cerebral embolism for patients undergoing valve surgery. Then follow...

Are you curious about the origins and future of aortic root enlargement surgery? In this episode, our hosts discuss the surgical horizons of this underutilised technique. Featuring the well-respected Bo Yang, Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen explore the creation of this innovative technique, as well as its reputation and utility in the surgical community. Listeners can expect to hear fir...

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of perioperative medication? Join us for the first episode of 2025, where we offer listeners an author insight into the recently published '2024 EACTS Guidelines on perioperative medication in adult cardiac surgery' . With working group members Anders Jeppsson and Emma Hansson, our host Miia L Lehtinen explores the fundamental intricacies considered to...

In our final episode of the year, our hosts discuss the notorious complexities of the tricuspid valve, joined by specialists Nikos Bonaros and Victoria Delgado. Join Miia L Lehtinen and Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü in their exploration of the increasing relevance of tricuspid valve interventions, analysing the dynamic considerations of diagnostics, imaging, anatomy, cardiology and surgical interventions...

Join our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen for their late-breaking trials highlights presented at the 38th EACTS Annual Meeting in Lisbon, including: (0:39 - 4:31)   Long-term mortality after PCI or CABG in patients with diabetes and multivessel coronary artery disease: A SWEDEHEART study  by Dr Emma C Hansson (4:32 - 8:33)  Long-term (>10 years) results of transcatheter Mitral valv...

Following the European Society of Cardiology's (ESC) guidelines publication in collaboration with EACTS, Miia L Lehtinen and Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü host the esteemed Atrial Fibrillation experts, Manuel Castella and Niv Ad. In this month's episode, our guests explore the nuances of how a surgical approach might be used to treat Atrial Fibrillation and why cardiac surgeons are increasingly intereste...

This month's episode is hosted by Miia L Lehtinen and Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü, who are joined by Wouter Oosterlinck, exploring his experience and expertise in the field of robotic cardiac surgery. Although already popular amongst thoracic surgeons, Wouter discusses the creation of his fast growing minimally invasive programme, which has been influential in this emerging field. Listen in for insight...

In this Episode, our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen speak with Karl-Henrik Grinnemo on the provocative subject of scientific misconduct. Listeners can expect to hear a firsthand experience of his notorious high-profile case discrediting the use of dangerous artificial tracheae. Karl describes his team's journey from reporting poor patient outcomes in 2013, to being wrongfully acc...

Joining our hosts this month are the esteemed   'Ex Vivo Organ   Perfusion'   experts, Edris Mahtab Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands) and Andreas Zuckermann (Medical University of Vienna, Austria). In this episode, Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen discuss how these guests have influenced the developing field of heart and lung transplantation. Listeners can gain an unders...

This month, our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen explore the future of coronary surgery with renowned experts : Sigrid Sandner , Anders Jeppsson and Torsten Doe ns t . Th is discussion addresses the evolving utility of CABG following the introduction of PCI , involving evidence-based comparisons between these approaches. Listen for a detailed analysis of how patient risk versus ben...