CABG Nightmares – Practical Solutions for Complex Cases

More from A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS All episodes →

1. 

   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…

2. 

   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…

3. 

   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…

4. 

   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…

5. 

   E35 · 24 Nov 2025 · 29 min

   President's Choice Abstracts from the Annual Meeting 2025

6. 

   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…

7. 

   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…

8. 

   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.

9. 

   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.

10. 

    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…