Content from the Journal of the American Neurological Surgeons.
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…
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…
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…
Duke Cameron of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, discusses the surgical management of the aortic root in acute aortic dissection. Dr. Cameron reflects on the question: is an aggressive surgical approach advisable for patients with acute aortic dissection? This presentation was originally given during the SCTS Ionescu University program at the 80th Annual Meeting…
Filmed at the 2015 STS Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, this roundtable focuses on percutaneous mitral valve repair. Vinod Thourani moderates a discussion with Michael Mack, Wilson, Szeto, Eric Roselli, and Gorav Ailawadi. The panelists discuss the advent of percutaneous mitral valve repair technologies, the COAPT Trial, and indications for a percutaneous approach to…
Mahesh Ramchandani of Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, discusses the use of the AngioVac device for removal of unwanted intravascular material. 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 Conference, please click here.
Diaphragm plication provides symptomatic palliation to patients who suffer from unilateral paralysis due to a variety of etiologies. Multiple approaches have been described, and include open and minimally invasive techniques via either trans-thoracic or transabdominal approaches. This video illustrates the author’s preferred laparoscopic technique, which takes advantage of the dexterity afforded by the surgical robot…
Supportive Data Perioperative bleeding, while universal after cardiac surgery, remains complex and is poorly defined. Current literature supports general strategies to maintain hemostasis and avoid transfusion, with sparse evidence to guide specific management in this population. While there is general agreement that blood transfusion poses adverse risks, severe anemia/hemorrhage may be fatal and the timely…
Atrial myxomas are the most common type of primary cardiac tumor, with over three-fourths occurring in the left atrium. In this case, a right atrial myxoma had grown to extremely large dimensions, but caused only minimal symptoms. This video demonstrates the surgical resection technique.
Olaf Wendler of King’s College Hospital, London, UK, discusses the surgical treatment of aortic infections, including aortic root endocarditis and mycotic aortic aneurysm. This presentation was originally given during the SCTS Ionescu University program at the 80th Annual Meeting of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland. This content is published with…
Denton Cooley, founder of the Texas Heart Institute, was the first US surgeon to perform a heart transplant and implant an artificial heart. In this interview with Mohamad Bashir, Dr. Cooley discusses his incredible career. Dr. Cooley also shares his thoughts on inspiration, leadership, and the future of aortic surgery.
A 54-year-old-woman presented with recent weight loss and hemoptysis. A chest CT scan revealed a left lung central tumor. Bronchoscopy confirmed an infiltrating lesion at the level of interlobar carina, and biopsy revealed primary squamous cell carcinoma. Clinical staging with TEP scan was cT3N2M0 (T3 because complete lung atelectasis and N2 because pulmonary window adenopathy).…
Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A PrimerUniversity of Washington Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryNahush A. Mokadam, MD, Editor Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Primer was published by the cardiac surgery team at the University of Washington, using the iBook electronic format. It is available as a free download from the Apple iBook Store. The editor, Dr. Nahush Mokadam, has structured the…
Recorded via Google Hangouts, Joel Dunning and Ahmad Al Khaddour discuss the current state of cardiothoracic surgery in Syria. Dr. Al Khaddour of Damascus University Hospitals shares what life is like in the midst of the Syrian crisis. He discusses the challenges faced in working as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Syria, such as obtaining necessary…
Arie Blitz of the McAllen Heart Hospital, Texas, takes an in-depth look at extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Dr. Blitz gives a brief history of ECMO, discusses current outcomes, and shares new developments. Dr. Blitz concludes with his thoughts on the future of ECMO. This educational presentation was originally given during the 9th annual New Orleans Conference.…
This video demonstrates a laparoscopic repair of symptomatic left-side Bochdalek hernia in a 20-year-old female. The patient presented with chronic intermittent constipation, nausea, and emesis. A CT scan revealed the hernial defect.
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