Foundational Endovascular Concepts and Devices for Cardiac Surgeons

As interventional techniques continue to gain popularity in cardiothoracic surgery, familiarity and mastery of these techniques are increasingly important for trainees and early career surgeons. The authors discuss core endovascular concepts and clinical applications relevant to contemporary practice, including techniques for vascular access and management of associated complications, principles of angiography, endovascular tools such as catheters and guidewires, endovascular approaches for valve intervention (including aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves), as well as aortic interventions (TEVAR). The authors also highlight the importance of integrating an endovascular curriculum into cardiothoracic training pathways.