A Cut Above: Cardiothoracic insights from EACTS

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

President's Choice Abstracts from the Annual Meeting 2025

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…