Podcast · Health

A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS

by European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EACTS) · English · Health

The podcast series from the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery. Published monthly, episodes will aim to keep listeners informed of the latest research findings and Guideline recommendations. Inspire and educate with interviews from key opinion leaders and residents from the community a

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 34 min
Latest: 28 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

28 Sep 2026 · 38 min

Pulmonary endarterectomy: a curative treatment with limited availability

Prof. Isabelle Schmitt-Opitz and Prof. Michael Madani explore how pulmonary endarterectomy is transforming care for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). From identifying the right candidates and navigating complex surgery to the evolving role of balloon pulmonary angioplasty, they discuss why early diagnosis, specialist referral and multidisciplinary expertise are central to achieving better outcomes.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E44 · 24 Aug 2026 · 40 min
Understanding HOCM – Plenty of Patients, Shortage of Surgeons
What happens when hypertrophic cardiomyopathy stops responding to medication? In this episode of A Cut Above, Perry Elliott and Michael Grimm explore the evolving treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, from traditional medical therapy and new myosin inhibitors to septal myectomy and alcohol septal ablation. They discuss how anatomy, age and comorbidities shape treatment decisions, why multidisciplinary assessment is crucial, and how the emergence of myosin inhibitors is changing the role of surgery. Looking ahead, they consider the future of specialised surgical centres and…
E43 · 27 Jul 2026 · 40 min
Aortic surgery in revolution: full fix for all with FET?
As hybrid aortic surgery continues to advance, the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique is playing an increasingly important role in treating complex aortic disease. Martin Czerny and Jennifer Chung discuss when to use FET, how to plan the procedure, and the key technical decisions that influence outcomes. Blending practical surgical tips with the latest evidence and guideline recommendations, this episode explores patient selection, operative strategy and the future of aortic arch repair, offering valuable insights for surgeons looking to adopt or refine this evolving technique.
E42 · 29 Jun 2026 · 40 min
The Tailor-Made Valve: Mastering the Ozaki Procedure
Can a surgeon build a new aortic valve from a patient's own tissue—and make it last? The Ozaki procedure has attracted passionate advocates and sceptics in equal measure, emerging as one of the most debated innovations in aortic valve surgery. In this episode, Dr. Pedro del Nido and Dr. Markus Krane discuss the technique's origins, technical challenges, durability, and role in both congenital and adult practice, exploring whether Ozaki represents a niche solution or a genuine advance in the lifelong management of aortic valve disease.
E41 · 25 May 2026 · 43 min
Rebuilding a destroyed heart: the Commando procedure
A pioneer of modern cardiac surgery, Tirone David, joins A Cut Above for a deep dive into one of the specialty's most feared and technically demanding operations: the Commando procedure. Also featuring Eduard Quintana, listen for discussions from radical reconstruction for infective endocarditis and massive annular calcification to the mindset required when "there is no other option". This episode explores the anatomy, precision, and surgical courage behind extraordinary cases — while offering invaluable lessons on innovation, operative judgement, and the future of complex valve surgery.
E40 · 27 Apr 2026 · 41 min
Valve Therapy in 2026: Is Surgery Losing Ground? A Debate with ESC/EACTS Guideline Co-Authors
In this episode, our hosts are joined by Michael Borger and Nikolaos Bonaros to break down the new valvular heart disease guidelines—what's changed, why it matters, and how the decisions were really made. They cut through the headlines to explain the thinking behind key recommendations, from TAVI thresholds and bicuspid valves to atrial functional MR, concomitant ablation, and the push for heart valve centres. Sharp, practical, and grounded in real-world decision-making, this episode gives you the essentials of modern valve therapy—and the questions that still need answering.
E39 · 30 Mar 2026 · 35 min
A Stitch That Changed Mitral Repair
How did a simple stitch transform mitral valve repair? In this episode, we spotlight the pioneers of cardiothoracic surgery, Ottavio Alfieri and Francesco Maisano - the minds behind the edge-to-edge repair. They revisit the early 1990s, when mitral repair was complex and inconsistent, and share how the now-famous Alfieri stitch—inspired by a congenital double-orifice valve—offered a simple, reliable solution. From early skepticism to global adoption and the rise of transcatheter therapies like MitraClip, this conversation traces how one elegant idea reshaped mitral valve treatment and…
E38 · 23 Feb 2026 · 34 min
Between Hope and Hardware: LVAD Therapy in 2026
This episode focuses on long-term mechanical circulatory support and how durable LVAD therapy is shaping contemporary heart failure management. Joined by Gloria Färber and Daniel Zimpfer, we discuss key advances in device technology, the ongoing challenge of driveline complications, and the critical question of patient selection and timing. The conversation explores LVADs as destination therapy or bridge to transplant, managing right ventricular failure, and the role of temporary support. Looking ahead, the episode highlights emerging technologies and why mechanical circulatory support will…
E37 · 26 Jan 2026 · 34 min
Pushing the Boundaries of Thoracic Surgery with Robotics
In this episode, our hosts turn their focus to robotic thoracic surgery, exploring how robotics is reshaping everyday clinical practice. Joined by Virginia Litle (host of the Thoracic Surgery Clinics Podcast ) and Vasileios Kouritas, the discussion examines where robotic approaches add clear value, where other techniques still have a role, and how surgeons decide which cases truly benefit from the technology. Topics include patient outcomes, operative precision, team dynamics in the operating room, managing intraoperative risk, and how experience influences safety and confidence. With…
E36 · 22 Dec 2025 · 36 min
Prime the Pump: The Essentials of Perfusion in 2025
This episode examines the foundations of cardiopulmonary bypass, focusing on the 2024 EACTS/EACTAIC/EBCP Guidelines on cardiopulmonary bypass in adult cardiac surgery & the EBCP Expert consensus statement on basic qualifications and competencies for clinical perfusionists in Europe developed in collaboration with EACTS and EACTAIC . Joined by Alexander Wahba and Adrian Bauer, our hosts discuss what has evolved since the 2019 recommendations, where evidence has strengthened, and why practice still varies across Europe. The conversation covers pump technology, minimally invasive circuit…
E35 · 24 Nov 2025 · 29 min
President's Choice Abstracts from the Annual Meeting 2025
E34 · 27 Oct 2025 · 33 min
CABG Nightmares – Practical Solutions for Complex Cases
Recorded live at the EACTS Annual Meeting, this special episode explores the theme "Nightmares in CABG." Our hosts are joined by Faisal Bakaeen, Thomas Gudbjartsson, and Miguel Sousa Uva for an open and practical discussion on the challenges of coronary surgery. The panel shares their approaches to complex scenarios—from fragile conduits and calcified aortas to dissected mammaries and "full metal jacket" targets—offering insight into preparation, technique, and team communication. Emphasis is placed on patient assessment, intraoperative decision-making, and the humility required to learn…
E33 · 29 Sep 2025 · 32 min
Scalpel to Startup: Turning Ideas into Impact
Our hosts are joined by Joseph Bavaria for a practical discussion on surgical innovation and industry collaboration. The conversation covers pathways from idea to device - patents, partnering with companies, and when a startup makes sense - along with funding from angel backing to venture rounds and the realities of regulatory approval. Bavaria reflects on advisory board work, managing conflicts of interest in clinical trials, and why surgeons should help shape product design while advocating for the broader platform rather than a single brand. He also offers guidance for early-career…
E32 · 22 Aug 2025 · 27 min
From One Heart to Another: The Renaissance of Heart Valve Transplants
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Emile Bacha to discuss the emerging field of partial heart transplantation. The conversation explores the history of the concept, its reintroduction in recent years, and how techniques such as domino procedures are being developed to expand donor availability. Dr. Bacha explains the practical challenges of regulation, organ procurement, and immunosuppression, as well as early outcomes seen in paediatric patients. With reflections on valve durability, patient growth, and the future potential of this approach, this episode offers a detailed look into a…
E31 · 28 Jul 2025 · 29 min
The Unplanned Plan B: SAVR After TAVR
In this episode, our hosts are joined by Sabine Bleiziffer and Augusto D'Onofrio to discuss SAVR after TAVR - exploring key decision-making factors, including valve selection, explantation techniques, and patient-specific risk profiles. The guests share experiences with challenging cases, technical tips, and thoughts on how procedural volume, planning, and shared decision-making can impact outcomes. We also consider the future of lifetime valve management and what young surgeons need to know as this field continues to evolve.
E30 · 23 Jun 2025 · 36 min
Dissection Roulette: How to Survive the Most Unforgiving Surgery
This month's episode focuses on the complex management of acute aortic dissection. Our hosts are joined by Florian Schoenhoff and Chris Malaisrie to discuss current strategies in surgical planning and intraoperative decision-making. Topics include CT-based assessment, cannulation techniques, malperfusion management, and valve preservation. The conversation also considers how to optimise outcomes, the role of conservative management in select cases, and the potential future impact of endovascular approaches. Listen for a practical overview of key considerations in this complex procedure.
E29 · 23 May 2025 · 37 min
Double-valve trouble or life-time solution: mastering the Ross procedure
Recorded at the AATS annual meeting in Seattle, our hosts are joined by Dr. El-Hamamsy & Dr. Ouzounian to explore the resurgence of the Ross procedure. The discussion covers the evolving evidence base, training requirements, and technical considerations surrounding this increasingly prevalent operation. Dr. El-Hamamsy and Dr. Ouzounian share their own learning curves, views on centralising care, and the importance of surgical volume for patient outcomes. Listeners will also hear about best practices in patient selection, graft support strategies, and the future of Ross—including potential…
E28 · 28 Apr 2025 · 34 min
Surgical Leadership: Democracy or Dictatorship
In this thought-provoking discussion, our hosts explore the multifaceted world of leadership in cardiac surgery. Joined by Shirin Bemelmans-Lalezari and Volkmar Falk, we delve into how leadership styles evolve, the balance between authority and empathy, and the importance of team dynamics. Learn of the real-life challenges in managing surgical teams and navigating hierarchy. With insights from both clinical and coaching perspectives, this episode offers valuable reflections for anyone considering or currently in a leadership role within cardiothoracic surgery.
E27 · 24 Mar 2025 · 37 min
Pulse Check – Key Papers at a Glance: Infective Endocarditis
We are pleased to announce the first of a new series of upcoming episodes, titled ' Pulse Check – Key Papers at a Glance' . Our host Can discuss two recent and impactful EJCTS articles on infective endocarditis. Joined by the renowned, Michael Borger and Torsten Doenst, we explore firstly the implications of preoperative septic cerebral embolism for patients undergoing valve surgery. Then followed by an exploration into the use of haemoadsorption therapy, addressing the key issue of controlling inflammation during cardiac surgery for endocarditis. Listen to gain rapid insight into the…
E26 · 25 Feb 2025 · 33 min
Expanding aortic roots and surgical horizons
Are you curious about the origins and future of aortic root enlargement surgery? In this episode, our hosts discuss the surgical horizons of this underutilised technique. Featuring the well-respected Bo Yang, Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen explore the creation of this innovative technique, as well as its reputation and utility in the surgical community. Listeners can expect to hear firsthand how Dr Yang discovered his esteemed procedure, as well as detailed comparisons to similar interventions and how patient suitability is assessed.
E25 · 27 Jan 2025 · 31 min
Guidelines: Perioperative Medication
Are you looking to deepen your understanding of perioperative medication? Join us for the first episode of 2025, where we offer listeners an author insight into the recently published '2024 EACTS Guidelines on perioperative medication in adult cardiac surgery' . With working group members Anders Jeppsson and Emma Hansson, our host Miia L Lehtinen explores the fundamental intricacies considered to ensure these diverse guidelines are current and clinically applicable. Discussions include how the varied specialities of clinical intervention contribute to individual patient needs, including…
E24 · 20 Dec 2024 · 34 min
The Tricuspid Revolution: Past Myths, Present Challenges, Future Solutions
In our final episode of the year, our hosts discuss the notorious complexities of the tricuspid valve, joined by specialists Nikos Bonaros and Victoria Delgado. Join Miia L Lehtinen and Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü in their exploration of the increasing relevance of tricuspid valve interventions, analysing the dynamic considerations of diagnostics, imaging, anatomy, cardiology and surgical interventions. Listeners can expect to learn of the fundamental principles of tricuspid disease, as well as how experts navigate nuanced challenges faced in challenging cases.
E23 · 25 Nov 2024 · 21 min
Pioneering Progress: Key Trials from EACTS 2024
Join our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen for their late-breaking trials highlights presented at the 38th EACTS Annual Meeting in Lisbon, including: (0:39 - 4:31) Long-term mortality after PCI or CABG in patients with diabetes and multivessel coronary artery disease: A SWEDEHEART study by Dr Emma C Hansson (4:32 - 8:33) Long-term (>10 years) results of transcatheter Mitral valve-in-valve implantation for degenerated surgical mitral bioprosthesis: Italian MItral VIV registry (MIVIV registry) by Dr Edoardo Zancanaro (8:34 - 11:55) Personalized multimodal teleprehabilitation in…
E22 · 28 Oct 2024 · 29 min
Atrial Fibrillation
Following the European Society of Cardiology's (ESC) guidelines publication in collaboration with EACTS, Miia L Lehtinen and Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü host the esteemed Atrial Fibrillation experts, Manuel Castella and Niv Ad. In this month's episode, our guests explore the nuances of how a surgical approach might be used to treat Atrial Fibrillation and why cardiac surgeons are increasingly interested in this complex electrophysiological condition. In light of the developing accepted practices, listeners can expect comparisons between the Maze procedure and non-surgical approaches, as well as…
E21 · 23 Sep 2024 · 29 min
Robotics in cardiac surgery: hope or hype?
This month's episode is hosted by Miia L Lehtinen and Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü, who are joined by Wouter Oosterlinck, exploring his experience and expertise in the field of robotic cardiac surgery. Although already popular amongst thoracic surgeons, Wouter discusses the creation of his fast growing minimally invasive programme, which has been influential in this emerging field. Listen in for insight into the ever-developing applications of robotic cardiac surgery as well as the challenges being faced, such as nuanced medical device regulations.
E20 · 19 Aug 2024 · 28 min
Fabrication, Falsification & Plagiarism- identifying scientific misconduct
In this Episode, our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen speak with Karl-Henrik Grinnemo on the provocative subject of scientific misconduct. Listeners can expect to hear a firsthand experience of his notorious high-profile case discrediting the use of dangerous artificial tracheae. Karl describes his team's journey from reporting poor patient outcomes in 2013, to being wrongfully accused of misconduct, and to finally being exonerated in 2016. Tune in to hear this unique story of courage, controversy, and vindication.
E19 · 29 Jul 2024 · 35 min
Ex vivo organ perfusion - holy grail or costly care?
Joining our hosts this month are the esteemed 'Ex Vivo Organ Perfusion' experts, Edris Mahtab Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands) and Andreas Zuckermann (Medical University of Vienna, Austria). In this episode, Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen discuss how these guests have influenced the developing field of heart and lung transplantation. Listeners can gain an understanding of the evolving difficulties associated with transplantation, and how innovative techniques are improving organ preservation. Listeners are also encouraged to take a look at a related MMCTS…
E18 · 18 Jun 2024 · 34 min
The return of CABG – The procedure of the future?
This month, our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen explore the future of coronary surgery with renowned experts : Sigrid Sandner , Anders Jeppsson and Torsten Doe ns t . Th is discussion addresses the evolving utility of CABG following the introduction of PCI , involving evidence-based comparisons between these approaches. Listen for a detailed analysis of how patient risk versus benefit is understood , and the diverse nuances available between clinical outcomes and patient groups .
E17 · 23 May 2024 · 39 min
Disrupt, Transform, Evolve - Innovation Summit 2024
Join our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen at the second EACTS innovation summit in Paris, an international event gathering diverse specialists and innovative ideas. (00:53 – 11:29) Paul Rulkens , a renowned expert in high performance, discusses how to courageously innovate and think beyond the limitations of preconceived notions. Rulkens also creatively advises how to approach failure and think differently when developing novel ideas. (11:30 – 25:17) Our hosts meet with Shaf Keshavjee , the highly influential thoracic surgeon, director and chief of innovation. Keshavjee talks…
E16 · 29 Apr 2024 · 33 min
Editor's Choice: A reinterpretation of SAVR vs TAVR trials
This month's episode features Sam Heuts, the first author of a recent Editor's Choice article published in ICVTS entitled ' TAVR vs. SAVR – A Bayesian interpretation '. Our hosts, Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen, find out more about the analysis of trials comparing transcatheter valve replacement and surgical aortic valve replacement. Including discussions of the fundamental statistics used and the effect upon 5-year all-cause mortality.

About A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS

A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS is a English health podcast from European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EACTS). Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EACTS)
Language: English
Category: Health
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 34 min
Latest episode: 28 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1668803024

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