Dissection Roulette: How to Survive the Most Unforgiving Surgery
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, the role of conservative management in select cases, and the potential future impact of endovascular approaches. Listen for a practical overview of key considerations in this complex procedure.
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Double-valve trouble or life-time solution: mastering the Ross procedure
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, and the importance of surgical volume for patient outcomes. Listeners will also hear about best practices in patient selection, graft support strategies, and the future of Ross—including potential innovations to expand access globally.
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Surgical Leadership: Democracy or Dictatorship
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 both clinical and coaching perspectives, this episode offers valuable reflections for anyone considering or currently in a leadership role within cardiothoracic surgery.
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Pulse Check – Key Papers at a Glance: Infective Endocarditis
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 followed by an exploration into the use of haemoadsorption therapy, addressing the key issue of controlling inflammation during cardiac surgery for endocarditis. Listen to gain rapid insight into the associated articles: Effect of haemoadsorption during cardiac surgery for Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis: a REMOVE trial post hoc analysis Outcomes following heart valve surgery in patients with infective endocarditis and preoperative septic cerebral embolism: insights from the CAMPAIGN study group'
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Expanding aortic roots and surgical horizons
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 firsthand how Dr Yang discovered his esteemed procedure, as well as detailed comparisons to similar interventions and how patient suitability is assessed.
About A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
The podcast series from the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery. Published monthly, episodes will aim to keep listeners informed of the latest research findings and Guideline recommendations. Inspire and educate with interviews from key opinion leaders and residents from the community and encourage debate and discussion on key hot topics.
A Cut Above will allow the cardiothoracic and the wider Heart team community, with increasingly busy schedules, to keep abreast of latest research and key discussions impacting day-to-day practice whilst on the go.