CABG Nightmares – Practical Solutions for Complex Cases
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 jacket" targets—offering insight into preparation, technique, and team communication. Emphasis is placed on patient assessment, intraoperative decision-making, and the humility required to learn from complications. The conversation closes with reflections on mentorship, transparency, and the value of honest debriefing in shaping safer surgical practice.
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33:29
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33:29
Scalpel to Startup: Turning Ideas into Impact
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 of interest in clinical trials, and why surgeons should help shape product design while advocating for the broader platform rather than a single brand. He also offers guidance for early-career clinicians on finding mentors, protecting IP, and building the multidisciplinary ecosystem needed to bring ideas to patients.
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32:29
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32:29
From One Heart to Another: The Renaissance of Heart Valve Transplants
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, as well as early outcomes seen in paediatric patients. With reflections on valve durability, patient growth, and the future potential of this approach, this episode offers a detailed look into a promising area of congenital cardiac surgery and beyond.
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26:54
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26:54
The Unplanned Plan B: SAVR After TAVR
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 outcomes. We also consider the future of lifetime valve management and what young surgeons need to know as this field continues to evolve.
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28:59
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28:59
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.
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.
Listen to A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS, On Purpose with Jay Shetty and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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