{"title":"Introduction to Summer 2026","authors":"","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2026.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2026.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"31 2","pages":"Page 79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148214788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuan Feng MD, PhD , Matthew Aizpuru MD , Yuming Zhu MD , Stephen D. Cassivi MD, MS , Sahar Saddoughi MD, PhD , Robert K. Shen MD , Luis Tapias Vargas MD , Dennis Wigle MD, PhD , Janani S. Reisenauer MD
{"title":"Minimally Invasive Systematic Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy for Lung Cancer Surgery","authors":"Yuan Feng MD, PhD , Matthew Aizpuru MD , Yuming Zhu MD , Stephen D. Cassivi MD, MS , Sahar Saddoughi MD, PhD , Robert K. Shen MD , Luis Tapias Vargas MD , Dennis Wigle MD, PhD , Janani S. Reisenauer MD","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy or sampling is a critical component of lung cancer resection, ensuring accurate staging and potential therapeutic benefits. In this article, we will describe a standardized method for formal mediastinal lymphadenectomy, which should provide a similar dissection outcome as described with open approaches. This method will also lend itself to reproducibility and facilitates teaching proper technique. We believe understanding and mastering techniques of systemic mediastinal lymphadenectomy will also help the procedure of sampling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"31 2","pages":"Pages 109-137"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148214792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent Articles in AATS Journals","authors":"","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2026.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2026.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"31 2","pages":"Pages e3-e5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148214787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stefan Elde MD , Aravind Krishnan MD , Katrina S. Liou MS , Moeed Fawad BS , John McNulty MS, CCP , Blaine Chadwick MS, CCP , Chawannuch Ruaengsri MD , Brandon A. Guenthart MD , Y. Joseph Woo MD
{"title":"Beating Heart Implantation: A Comprehensive Technical Perspective","authors":"Stefan Elde MD , Aravind Krishnan MD , Katrina S. Liou MS , Moeed Fawad BS , John McNulty MS, CCP , Blaine Chadwick MS, CCP , Chawannuch Ruaengsri MD , Brandon A. Guenthart MD , Y. Joseph Woo MD","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.07.003","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.07.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditional methods of heart transplantation utilizing allografts from donors after circulatory death (DCD) involve 2 periods of ischemia and 2 ischemia reperfusion injuries (IRI). Both ischemia and IRI are associated with increased rates of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) as well as worsened short- and long-term survival. To minimize the ischemic insults - compounded by the subsequent reperfusion injuries - we have developed a beating heart implantation technique that obviates the need for a second cardioplegic arrest after ex vivo normothermic perfusion. By implanting the heart while beating and perfused with warm blood from the recipient cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit, this method mitigates ischemic and reperfusion injuries and has the potential to improve both short- and long-term outcomes by reducing the inflammatory response to these insults. This method is easily adoptable by experienced high volume heart transplant centers and has become our center’s standard of care for DCD heart transplantation. Herein, we describe the technical steps for beating heart implantation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"31 2","pages":"Pages 80-90"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148214789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evolution of Mitral Valve Replacement With Melody valve","authors":"Yasuyuki Kobayashi MD, PhD, Sitaram M. Emani MD","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.08.005","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.08.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mitral valve replacement (MVR) utilizing a Melody valve represents a viable alternative to mechanical valves in small children. Although the survival benefits of Melody-MVR over mechanical valves have been documented, there are unexpected reoperation rates associated with perivalvular leak or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. To address these issues, we have modified the technique for implanting the Melody valve, minimizing manipulation of the stent and vein to prevent stent fracture and early valve deterioration. The double-secure sealing system of the Melody valve was developed to mitigate paravalvular leak; it consists of 2 purse-string sutures in addition to 4 interrupted annular cuff sutures that effectively seal the space between the stent and the annulus at the annulus level. Additionally, the sewing cuff of the pericardium is positioned below the annulus, facilitating tight surface-to-surface sealing of the subvalvular space. Another modification involves limiting the insertion of the Melody valve into the left ventricular cavity to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The ideal candidate for Melody-MVR is a patient with irreparable valve disease and an annulus size of < 15 mm. However, the decision to select a Melody valve in cases requiring a 16-19 mm mechanical valve remains uncertain, warranting further study and exploration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"31 2","pages":"Pages 93-100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148214790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mitral Valve Reconstruction in Shone’s Syndrome","authors":"Igor E. Konstantinov MD, PhD, FRACS , Bakhytzhan Nurkeyev MD, PhD , Erbol Aldabergenov MD , Elmira Kuandykova MD , Bauyrzhan Tuyakbayev MD , Assel Kabakanova MD , Amangeldy Kerimkulov MD , Arailym Kenzhebaeva MD , Zhanibek Z. Ashirov MD , Aidos Erpashov MD , Abay K. Baigenzhin MD, PhD","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2026.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2026.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Management of severe mitral valve stenosis in small children is challenging. Mitral valve replacement is often required and associated with high mortality and morbidity when performed in infants and young children. The technique of mitral valve reconstruction with autologous right atrial tissue may obviate the need for mitral valve replacement in small children.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"31 2","pages":"Pages 101-108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148214791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: A New Look at an Old Problem","authors":"Randall K. Wolf M.D. , Efrain A. Miranda Ph.D.","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over the past twenty years, we have utilized a minimally invasive, nonsternotomy, no-pump, beating heart surgical procedure to successfully treat over 3,000 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients<span><span><sup>1</sup></span></span> with outcomes that surpass those of tradition pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).<span><span><sup>1</sup></span></span><sup>,</sup><span><span><sup>2</sup></span></span> The procedure consists of bilateral minithoracotomies, left atrial isolation, electrical isolation of the superior vena cava, partial cardiac denervation, intraoperative EP testing and closure of the left atrial appendage. Patients are extubated at the end of the procedure in the operating room, and after a brief stay in PACU, are admitted to the regular floor (no ICU stay). This procedure has proven efficacious in all types of AF. Patient selection, details of the procedure, and postoperative care are described here. An alternative mechanism of action, and precise partial cardiac denervation, although not new, is presented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"Pages 2-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147661600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Introduction to Spring 2026","authors":"","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2026.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2026.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"Page 1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147661616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Commentary: The Technical and Technological Wonders of Minimally Invasive AF Ablation: How Do We Get From “Show and Tell” to Proof of Efficacy and Broad Clinical Adoption?","authors":"Michael Argenziano MD, FACS","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"Pages 41-43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147661602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}