Prime the Pump: The Essentials of Perfusion in 2025
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
This episode examines the foundations of cardiopulmonary bypass, focusing on the 2024 EACTS/EACTAIC/EBCP Guidelines on cardiopulmonary bypass in adult cardiac surgery & the EBCP Expert consensus statement on basic qualifications and competencies for clinical perfusionists in Europe developed in collaboration with EACTS and EACTAIC. Joined by Alexander Wahba and Adrian Bauer, our hosts discuss what has evolved since the 2019 recommendations, where evidence has strengthened, and why practice still varies across Europe. The conversation covers pump technology, minimally invasive circuit...
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President’s Choice Abstracts from the Annual Meeting 2025
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
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CABG Nightmares – Practical Solutions for Complex Cases
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
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...
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Scalpel to Startup: Turning Ideas into Impact
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
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...
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From One Heart to Another: The Renaissance of Heart Valve Transplants
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
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...
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The Unplanned Plan B: SAVR After TAVR
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
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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Dissection Roulette: How to Survive the Most Unforgiving Surgery
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
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
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
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...
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Surgical Leadership: Democracy or Dictatorship
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
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
A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS
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...
info_outlineJoin our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen, as they discuss the importance of driving innovation within cardiothoracic surgery to improve patient outcomes. Prof. Friedhelm Beyersdorf and Prof. Mark Hazekamp share some of their highlights from the EACTS Innovation Summit held in April 2023 and how EACTS is exploring ways to support innovation in the field.