Giants of Cardiothoracic Surgery: An Interview with Doug Mathisen

“Success comes from paying attention to all the little details,” Doug Mathisen says in a recent CTSNet interview with Leanne Harling that was filmed at the 2016 SCTS Annual Meeting in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Dr. Mathisen is the Head of Thoracic Surgery and Program Director for Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Hermes C. Grillo Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Mathisen reflects on his three decades of practice, and how the general thoracic surgery subspecialty has evolved over the course of his career. He also shares specific tips for tracheal resections, including the importance of a precise technique and how to perform a tension-free anastomosis.