The volumes of two aortic valve replacements (AVR) procedures have changed dramatically over the past few years, with more transcatheter procedures now being performed than open surgical procedures. Four cardiac surgeons discuss the evolving trends in TAVR, why the changes are occurring, and what’s ahead for TAVR and SAVR. Wilson Y. Szeto, MD moderates the discussion that also features Michael J. Mack, MD, John V. Conte, MD, and Thomas E. MacGillivray, MD.

17 min.
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Career Development Blog
A key source of patients will be referrals, and those rely on strong communication with fellow physicians.
3 min read
V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA
Should patients remain active before, during, and after cardiac surgery? Some surgeons have opposing views.
15 min.

Should patients remain active before, during, and after cardiac surgery? Some surgeons have opposing views. Thomas G. Gleason, MD, from the University of Pittsburgh, and Edward P. Chen, MD, from Emory University, discuss the role of exercise in the treatment and recovery process following surgery for various forms of heart disease, especially among active patients.

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Career Development Blog
Finding the ability to balance one’s professional, academic, and clinical responsibilities is essential—and the sooner this is achieved, the better.
4 min read
Damien J. LaPar, MD, MSc
New technologies and innovative treatments are making it easier to successfully diagnose and treat patients with lung cancer.
17 min.
Four leading experts discuss how catheter-based techniques will re-emulate the gold standard for mitral valve surgery, the important role of 3D Echo technology, the need for transseptal puncture skills, and navigating the local politics.
18 min.
Numerous studies predict growing shortages in the physician workforce in the United States, especially among cardiothoracic surgeons.
19 min.
Review of the practice guideline on the use of blood thinning medication (anticoagulants) during heart surgery.
9 min.

Recognizing the growing diversity of the population and patients in the US, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons created a special Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion to help cultivate an environment of inclusion and diversity within the Society, as well as the cardiothoracic surgery specialty.

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Career Development Blog

For surgeons beginning academic careers, developing a research portfolio is frequently a key metric of success. Yet many have significant concerns about finding adequate funding in an era where National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding is at an all-time low. However, early career investigators have a number of advantages, even in a competitive research climate.

5 min read
David D. Odell, MD, MMSc

Recognizing the growing diversity of the population and patients in the US, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons created a special Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion to help cultivate an environment of inclusion and diversity within the Society, as well as the cardiothoracic surgery specialty.

16 min.