Surgical Hot Topics

The STS National Database Expands

The STS National Database recently expanded to include a registry for clinical outcomes of patients who receive a mechanical circulatory support device to treat advanced heart failure. The STS Intermacs Database adds important longitudinal data to an already comprehensive, highly respected clinical outcomes database. David Shahian, Frank Pagani, and Robert Kormos discuss how Intermacs will complement the STS National Database and how the data can be used for research and performance improvement.

Emerging Game-Changing Technologies in the Management of Lung Cancer

New technologies and innovative treatments are making it easier to successfully diagnose and treat patients with lung cancer. Douglas E. Wood, MD (University of Washington) moderates a discussion with Leah Backhus, MD, MPH (Stanford University), Elizabeth David, MD (UC Davis), and Moishe Liberman, MD, PhD (University of Montreal) about how low-dose computed tomography, wearable devices, energy sealing devices, and robots are changing patient outcomes and experiences.

Transcatheter-Based Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement

The latest advances in mitral valve repair and replacement include a shift toward the transseptal platform. Gorav Ailawadi, Vinay Badhwar, Steven F. Bolling, and T. Sloan Guy discuss how catheter-based techniques will re-emulate the gold standard for mitral valve surgery, the important role of 3D Echo technology, the need for transseptal puncture skills, and navigating the local politics.

Addressing the Impending Shortage of Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Numerous studies predict growing shortages in the physician workforce in the United States, especially among cardiothoracic surgeons. Five cardiothoracic surgeons and a fourth-year medical student discuss ways to address this impending shortage, including increasing the cap on residency slots, reducing the burden of training costs, and improving work-life balance.

Anticoagulation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

In January, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, and the American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology released a clinical practice guideline on the use of blood thinning medication (anticoagulants) during heart surgery. In this episode, guideline coauthor John Hammon, MD speaks with two cardiothoracic surgeons (Gaetano Paone, MD and Richard Engelman, MD) and a perfusionist (Theron Paugh, CCP) about how the guideline will change clinical practice.

Diversity in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Recognizing the growing diversity of the population and patients in the US, STS created a special Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion to help cultivate an environment of inclusion and diversity within the Society, as well as the cardiothoracic surgery specialty. Task Force Chair David T. Cooke, MD hosted a roundtable discussion about diversity and inclusion in cardiothoracic surgery. His guests were Africa Wallace, MD, Luis Godoy, MD, and Jackie Olive.

How the Opioid Crisis Is Affecting Cardiothoracic Surgery

Opioid addiction is a national epidemic. Moderator Keith S. Naunheim, MD and panelists Alexander A. Brescia, MD, David T. Cooke, MD, and James D. Luketich, MD discuss how the crisis is affecting cardiothoracic surgeons and their patients.