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Multivessel Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass
This video demonstrates a technique for performing a minimally invasive multi-vessel coronary bypass. The authors show how to safely access the ascending aorta for proximal anastomosis.
Content from the Journal of the American Neurological Surgeons.
Robotic-Assisted Left Pneumonectomy
Introduction Robotic anatomic pulmonary resection with the da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA) for early-stage lung cancer is a safe and well-established procedure. The authors decided to explore the technical feasibility of a robotic major lung resection (pneumonectomy) for cancer. In this video, the authors report their first robotic assisted left pneumonectomy…
Protocol: Cardiac Surgery Transfusion Triggers
Introduction Red blood cell transfusion in cardiac surgical patients has been strongly associated with increased infection, increased ischemic post-operative events, prolonged hospital stay, increased mortality, and increased hospital costs. CCM and CTA, in partnership with CTS, have a role to play in reducing red cell transfusions. Principles This document will confine itself to questions about…
Giants Interview – Joseph Coselli
In an interview filmed at the 2015 STS Annual Meeting, Joel Dunning and Joseph Coselli of the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, have a conversation regarding Dr. Coselli’s distinguished career and his special insights into the surgical treatment type A aortic dissection. Dr. Coselli discusses the diagnosis of type A aortic dissection, when and…
Minimally Invasive Right Thoracotomy Aortic Valve Replacement
This video describes how to perform a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement via a right mini thoracotomy approach. Tips and tricks are demonstrated that have simplified the procedure, and made it reproducible. Disclosure: Dr. Lamelas is a partner in Miami Instruments.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair: An Overview
Alec Vahanian of Bichat Hospital, Paris, France, provides an overview of transcatheter mitral valve repair. Dr. Vahanian discusses percutaneous annuloplasty, chordal implants, and transcatheter treatment after the failure of a surgical approach, and stresses the importance of the heart team concept with regard to transcatheter mitral valve repair procedures. This presentation was originally given during…
Left Atrial Myxoma
A large left atrial myxoma arising from the posterior wall near the origin of the left pulmonary vein is very rare. Excision of the area of origin is a newer technique to prevent recurrence of the myxoma. This video describes the steps to remove a left atrial myxoma, and precautions to take during surgery.
Surgical Treatment for Early Stage Thymomas: Approach and Technique
Early stage thymomas are rare, indolent tumors of the thymus gland. Thymomas may develop at any age, but are most common between the ages of 35 and 70 years. Distribution between genders tends to be fairly equal, with a slight female predominance among older age groups (1). Approximately 30-45% of patients with thymomas will have…
Fostering Innovation in Surgery
In this recent interview, Leanne Harling talks to Sir Ara Darzi, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of the Department of Health, United Kingdom. Professor Sir Darzi discusses the current state of healthcare and strategies for fostering ongoing innovation across all the surgical specialties.
Radionecrosis of the Chest Wall
Radionecrosis of the chest wall requires wide resection of irradiated and infected tissue. Covering the wound with the omentum is a safe and reliable procedure, but, if the pleura has been opened the omentum will not provide airtightness. This video describes a simple trick to overcome this difficulty, allowing the use of the omentum in…
Implantation of a Pulmonary Valve at the Infundibular Level: A Novel Technique
This video presents the case of a 37-year-old man diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with absent pulmonary valve syndrome. He underwent surgery, and a bioprosthetic valve was placed at the level of the infundibulum. This is a novel technique that the authors believe can be safely used for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow…
Valve-Sparing Aortic Root, Ascending Aorta, and Aortic Arch Replacement
A 73-year-old male presented with an ascending and aortic arch aneurysm, and aortic valve insufficiency. The patient had no coronaropathy, and normal left ventricle function. He had hypertension. The diameter of the ascending aorta was 57 x 60 mm, and the aortic arch diameter was 54 mm on preoperatory angio-CT scan. Aortography confirmed the irregular…
Giants Interview – Robert Cerfolio
In this recent interview with Joel Dunning, Robert Cerfolio discusses his philosophies regarding thoracic surgery and life. Dr. Cerfolio is a Professor of Surgery and the Section Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a past president of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association. Dr. Cerfolio shares his thoughts on building a…
Left Robotic Approach for Extended Thymectomy
Over the past 10 years, video-assisted thoracoscopic approaches (and more recently robot-assisted surgery) have replaced median sternotomy for resectable anterior mediastinal masses, including thymoma. Numerous studies confirmed that a minimally invasive approach for thymectomy, when compared to a standard sternotomy, results in less post-operative pain, better preservation of pulmonary function, and improved cosmetic outcomes (which…
And the VADS, They Go Round and Round… But at What RPM?
Arie Blitz of the McAllen Heart Hospital, McAllen, Texas, discusses ventricular assist device (VAD) revolutions per minute (RPM) settings to maximize output and effectiveness. This educational presentation was originally given during the 9th annual New Orleans Conference. This content is published with the permission of the New Orleans Conference. For more information on the New Orleans…
Protocol: Temporary Pacemaker Verification and Troubleshooting
Determining the Stimulation Threshold NOTE: a paced rhythm must be present and patient stable From 100% pacing, gradually decrease output for A or V, while watching monitor until you lose capture Now gradually increase output until 1:1 capture returns – this is the stimulation threshold This is the lowest amount of energy that will reliably…