CTSNet Podcasts

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 analyze the postoperative pearls in adults with congenital heart disease.

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.

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Jeffrey Velotta, Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine in San Francisco, California, USA, and a thoracic surgeon at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, in Oakland, California, USA, about The Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2026 Expert Consensus on the Multimodal Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma.

Chapters 

00:00 Intro 

01:11 JANS 1, Global Cardiac Surgery 

02:42 JANS 2, Predicting Postop AF After CABG 

05:23 JANS 3, MV Surgery in Octogenarians 

07:07 JANS 4, CABG Multiart Grafting & Survival  

10:06 Video 1, World's First Robotic Implant 

12:12 Video 2, Axillary Impella 5.5 Insertion 

13:00 Video 3, Min Inv AVR, MVR, & Rhythm Surgery 

15:37 Dr. Velotta, MMT Pleural Meso 

38:14 Upcoming Events 

They emphasize the importance of thorough patient selection, specifically highlighting the necessity of surgical biopsy and the role of mediastinal staging, such as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). The discussion also covers neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, the critical need for surgeon expertise in mesothelioma, and the key elements for successful mesothelioma procedures. Furthermore, they address subjects such as diaphragm, phrenic nerve, pericardium, and isolated recurrences. The conversation also shifts to clinical outcomes, prioritizing survival extension over quality-of-life, and explores the future of mesothelioma treatment. Additionally, throughout the discussion, they also reflect on other research from major trials such as the MARS 2 trial.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on cardiac surgery uniting for global impact, pericardial fluid cardiac troponin I predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting, whether mitral valve surgery is safe and effective in octogenarians, and an instrumental variable analysis on multiarterial grafting and survival after coronary artery bypass grafting.

In addition, Joel explores a step-by-step guide to transaxillary minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair, and rhythm surgery, insertion of the axillary Impella 5.5, and the first in human experience of robotic-assisted biventricular durable assist device implantation.

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.

JANS Items Mentioned

From Declaration to Delivery: Cardiac Surgery Unites for Global Impact

Pericardial Fluid Cardiac Troponin I Predicts Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Pushing the Age Limit: Mitral Valve Surgery Is Safe and Effective in Octogenarians

Multiarterial Grafting and Survival After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: An Instrumental Variable Analysis

CTSNet Content Mentioned

A Step-by-Step Guide to Transaxillary Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement, Mitral Valve Repair, and Rhythm Surgery

Insertion of the Axillary Impella 5.5

Robotic-Assisted Biventricular Durable Assist Device Implantation: The First In Human Experience 

Other Items Mentioned

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2026 Expert Consensus on the Multimodal Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma

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.