Journal and News Scan

This 10-year, single institution propensity-matched study investigated the outcomes of supervised resident-led emergency cardiac surgery compared to consultant-led procedures. Among 1,241 emergency cases, 364 matched pairs were analyzed, and overall outcomes were noted to be similar. Despite longer cardiopulmonary bypass times in consultant-led cases—possibly suggesting greater complexity—there were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (13.7 percent vs 13.5 percent), major complications, or long-term survival up to 10 years. Subgroup analyses focusing on high-risk cases, emergent revascularization, infective endocarditis, and acute aortic syndromes confirmed comparable outcomes. The authors suggest that these findings validate structured training programs that progressively increase resident autonomy under supervision, addressing concerns about reduced training duration and working-hour restrictions. The study supports the safety and efficacy of resident involvement in high-stakes emergency cardiac surgery, demonstrating that appropriate supervision enables skill development without compromising patient outcomes. 

In this article, the authors review the current and emerging role of robotic-assisted surgery in vascular surgery. They describe the evolution of surgical robotic systems and summarize evidence on robotic procedures such as aortoiliac reconstruction, internal thoracic artery (ITA) harvesting, heart transplantation, renal vein transposition, and inferior vena cava interventions. While early results demonstrate technical feasibility, improved precision, and reduced recovery times, limitations persist, including high costs, lack of vascular-specific instruments, and the absence of formal training programs. The authors emphasize the need for dedicated curricula, specialized tools, and collaborative innovation to advance robotic vascular surgery. 

This study explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for auscultation in diagnosing heart failure in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting its potential to improve access to cardiovascular care in resource-limited settings. The research demonstrates that AI-based auscultation tools can effectively identify heart failure, offering a solution for early detection and management in regions with limited specialist availability. This approach may help bridge gaps in cardiovascular health equity by supporting timely diagnosis and intervention.  

This international EACTS-endorsed survey assessed current practices and sought consensus on defining periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Among 175 respondents from 29 countries, 46.4 percent reported using a specific PMI definition, with the most common being the Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (UDMI-4). Proposed biomarker thresholds for PMI varied, depending on the presence of supporting imaging evidence. Respondents emphasized diagnostic sensitivity over specificity (79.8 percent vs 20.2 percent). The study reveals substantial heterogeneity in clinical practice and underscores the need for a standardized CABG-specific PMI definition with high diagnostic accuracy to ensure consistent reporting and clinical interpretation.