Surgical Hot Topics

Beyond the Abstract: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Thoracic Surgery Practice and Access Task Force—2019 Workforce Report

Hosted by Thomas K. Varghese Jr., MD, MS, the “Beyond the Abstract” program explores the “whys” behind articles in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and discusses next steps with authors and thought leaders. In the latest episode, John S. Ikonomidis, MD, PHD, joins Dr. Varghese to discuss the findings of the 2019 STS Practice Survey. Mandatory cognitive testing, increasing the number of women in the workforce, and job satisfaction are a few of the topics that are addressed. Read the related Annals article online: https://bit.ly/2Y0uiqe

Beyond the Abstract: Does tumor FDG-PET Avidity Represent Enhanced Glycolytic Metabolism in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

The death rate from cancer has steadily declined over the past 25 years; however, worldwide there were 9.6 million deaths in 2018, with lung cancer still number one among all cancer types. In the latest episode of “Beyond the Abstract,” a program that explores the “whys” behind an article in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Kemp H. Kernstine joins host Dr. Tom Varghese to discuss whether tumor FDG-PET avidity represents enhanced glycolytic metabolism in non-small cell lung cancer. Read the related Annals article online: https://bit.ly/3c9sXm5.

Beyond the Abstract: Pain and Opioid Use After Thoracic Surgery

Hosted by Thomas K. Varghese Jr., MD, MS, the “Beyond the Abstract” program explores the “whys” behind articles in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and discusses next steps with authors and thought leaders. In the latest episode, Lisa M. Brown, MD, MAS, joins Dr. Varghese to discuss a widespread unresolved healthcare problem—pain. Dr. Brown explains why it is important to learn more about predictors of chronic pain and the impact on health-related quality of life, known as pain interference.

The Future of Mitral Valve Repair

Managing and treating mitral valve disease have both changed radically over the past few years and now include transcatheter as well as surgical approaches. What does the future hold for mitral valve repair and replacement? During the most recent STS Annual Meeting, Vinod Thourani, MD, asked that question of Steven F. Bolling, MD, Gorav Ailawadi, MD, and Wilson Y. Szeto, MD. They also discussed new tools and technologies, making sure that cardiothoracic surgeons are involved on the care team, and training with transcatheter techniques.

Appropriate Use of Robotics in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Robotics is being called the “fourth industrial revolution." For some cardiothoracic surgeons, robotics means smaller, faster, and easier, resulting in patients getting out of the hospital sooner, having less pain, and returning to function faster. For others, the jury is still out on whether or not robotics will add long-term value, especially if surgeons face potential carpal tunnel injuries, back pain, and cervical stenosis. David T. Cooke, MD, moderates a panel discussion with Robert E. Merritt, MD, Lana Y. Schumacher, MD, Melanie A. Edwards, MD, and Inderpal S. Sarkaria, MD. They discuss the learning curve for robotic surgery, the complexity of procedures that can be performed robotically, a team approach to robotic surgery, getting hands-on experience, and future improvements to robotic technology.

Beyond the Abstract: COVID-19 Guidance for Triage of Operations for Thoracic Malignancies

Among the proactive steps that the Society is taking to help its members and other health care professionals deal with the evolving COVID-19 pandemic it is developing guidance documents—one for each discipline. In the latest episode of "Beyond the Abstract," Dr. Daniel Boffa joins Dr. Tom Varghese to talk about the guidance provided by representatives from multiple cancer, surgical, and research organizations for triaging patients with thoracic malignancies.

 

STS Responds to the COVID 19 Crisis

STS President Joseph A. Dearani, MD, updates members on the COVID-19 pandemic and explains how the Society is supporting cardiothoracic surgeons and patients.

Young Professors: Insights and Tips for Early and Mid-Career Faculty

For cardiothoracic surgeons who are hoping to advance in their careers, it’s often difficult to balance clinical work with the scholarly activities that are necessary for promotion in a modern academic medicine environment. Ourania A. Preventza, MD, and colleagues including Himanshu J. Patel, MD, Elaine E. Tsang, MD, and Sunil Singhal, MD, provide insight on the processes required and tips to help young surgeons successfully get to the next step.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgeons are studying the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to improve risk prediction in the hopes that patient outcomes also will improve. Arman Kilic, MD, and Ara A. Vaporciyan, MD, along with medical student Brian Ayers, discuss what AI and ML mean, how it can uncover previously unknown relationships in medical data, and how it can be used to assist the surgeon in the operating room.

Expanding the Pool of Heart and Lungs for Organ Donors

More than 100,000 people in the United States currently are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, including 5,000 people on the transplant list for a heart and/or lungs, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Although some will die before they receive a transplant, surgeons and research teams are making great strides in expanding the pool of viable organs. Zachary N. Kon, MD, moderates a discussion with Ashish S. Shah, MD, Matthew G. Hartwig, MD, and Varun Puri, MD, MSCI, about new ways to assess organ quality, technologies to increase their viability, and ways to better match donors and recipients.